481] Anecdote respecting the Medicean Venus. [482 stretched out in appearance just beneath or great natural Saltpan that we observ our feet. The sea on that side was ed. perceptible, and bore S. E. which must At seven in the morning, we began to have been in the neighbourhood of Pal- descend the mountain, and reached Paltoo pane, and it was perhaps the Leway abatula at noon."-Panor. Oct. 1816. VENUS DE' MEDICI From the New Monthly Magazine. IT T is well known that a finger of the ring, which, however the Grand-duke left hand of the Medicean Venus has would not accept. His lordship, now been supplied by a modern artist. As requested, as he was determined not to every circumstance, however minute, re- part from the Venus, that his Highness lating to this master-piece is interesting, would permit him to marry her. The the reader will not be displeased to learn Grand-duke consented with a smile, on how the original finger was lost, accord- which his lordship fixed the ring as fast ing to the statement of the Giornale en- as possible upon the fore-finger of the cyclopedico di Firenze. During the goddess, as being that on which the marreign of Cosmo III. grand-duke of Tus- riage ring was worn among the Greeks cany, Lord Ossory, who then resided in and Romans, because a small nerve in Florence, was one day viewing, in com- that finger was supposed to communicate pany with the prince, this exquisite with the heart. Cosmo, who considered work, for which he offered him the sum the figure of Cupid as quite appropriate of 100,000 livres, payable within two to the statue, suffered the ring to remain, months in England; adding that he till some person coveting this ornament, would send a ship on purpose to fetch it. stole privately into the gallery for the The grand-duke smiled at the offer, and purpose of taking it off. The task was without making any reply turned to the difficult; to this was probably added Marquis Malaspina, who was present, the fear of discovery-in short the finger and desired him to note down his lord- was broken off during the operation. ship's name. In this manner he passed By whom this was done, how it was off the matter as a joke. Lord Ossory discovered, or whether the ring was wore a cornelian ring upon which a actually carried off, we are not informed Cupid was engraved. The Grand-duke, but it is stili preserved, attached to a who had seen it some days before, had gold chain in the crystal cabinet of the so admired it, that the British nobleman grand-ducal gallery. would have made him a present of the SKETCHES OF A PEDESTRIAN IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT. AS From the New Monthly Magazine. SKETCH II. SI only profess to give "sketches," tured by its limpid waters; or pause to and those of a desultory nature, of survey from some jutting crag, an harthe most attractive features of this pleas- monious development of congregated ing district, a minute historical account beauties. Should I loiter too long on of every place visited by my footsteps the road, I entreat him to saunter on; must not be expected. I leave that la- and, my musing over, I will overtake bour to the more patient investiga- him with all due diligence, and join tor. If, therefore, the liberal rea- again in familiar chat without oue reder will oblige me with his company proach for his desertion. in my pedestrian ramble, he must indulge Shanklin is certainly the "sweet AuThe me in my wayward humour, and suffer burn" of this charming island. me to sit occasionally beside a gushing deep seclusion of its situation, joined to spring, and gather the wild flowers nur- the beauty of the surrounding coast and 483] Picturesque Scenery of the Isle of Wight. [484 country, imparts an air of unspeakable ered lately by the woman who inhabits. interest to its every feature. Its white this cottage. It oozes from the cliff at a cottages, with roofs of thatch, are highly short remove from her dwelling, and she picturesque and ornamental; but their has formed a protecting basin around it. ornaments do not detract from the nat Having traced the sea-ward progress ural charms of the scene, for they chiefly of the Shanklin rivulet, we surveyed its consist in the climatis and Virginian more elevated course. Rising to the creeper, whose many-tinted leaves, spread south of the village, it pursues a meanover the white surface of the walls, give a pleasing variety to the whole. The coast at this point possesses unusual attractions; for one of the finest natural objects in the whole island is Shanklin Chine. This romantic chasm in the cliff is descended by winding steps, and midway the unaspiring roof of the Chine House, a little place of refreshment, sends its curling smoke to the upward meads. At a farther descent is another humble dwelling. These cottagers, thrown with apparent carelessness on the suspended crag, whose rugged sides, clothed with dwarf trees and clustering shrubs, hang with threatening abruptness over them, produce an effect highly picturesque. At different intervals seats are placed, commanding views bounded only by the shades of distance over the broad bosom of the ocean. This magnificent assemblage of objects surveyed while a rising sun, emerging in renovated splendour from the east, dispelled the mists of morning, and gradually unveiled the beauties of this mountainous coast, raised the sublimest emotions of grateful admiration. derous passage through picturesque acclivities, sprinkled with woodland, and spread with verdant lawns, till, passing the hamlet, it tumbles precipitously inte the time-worn Chine. As, with ruminating pace, we proceeded slowly on the elevated road that conducted us from Shanklin, and looked down on its peaceful groves and secluded cottages, it was impossible to avoid heaving a sigh, and exclaiming in the genuine language of poetic fervor: these How blest is he who crowns in shades like try, And, since 'tis hard to combat, learns to fly! * Onward he moves, to meet his latter end, Angels around befriending virtue's friend; The steep ascent of Shanklin Down discloses at every step a fresh accession of prospect. The sea is gradually unDescending the Chine, we pursued veiled, and the fine range of coast that the course of the stream by which it has forms the bay of Sandown, bounded by been gradually formed, upward to its en- the chalky eminences of the Culver trance into this deep ravine. The vary- cliffs, is here seen to great advantage; ing sides of the parted cliff have an air while a lovely extent of country, enrichof wildness and natural majesty pleasing- ed by high cultivation, is spread at its ly softened by the clear rippling current base. The contemplative traveller will of the stream which falls at the extremi- scarcely fail to pause at its attainable ty with harmonious murmurs into the summit, and inspect the component parts brambly abyss. of an impressive scene. On our return from this research, we A curious circumstance is attached to looked in at the lower cottage. This is this hill. In the last 60 or 70 years it the village charity-school, and here, ran- has increased considerably in bulk, and ged in even rows, knelt its rising trea- upwards of 100 feet in height. Within sures. They had just assembled, and the memory of persons now living, it were pouring forth their accustomed was not distinguishable from St. Catherorison to the beneficent Creator. Surely ine's Hill (the highest eminence in the lessons of piety and morality must sink island), being hidden by the tall summit deep in the youthful mind, when inculcated amidst such scenes as these! A chalybeate spring has been discov of Week Down, which it is now that height above. Thus is the face of nature continually changing. Scylla and 485] Scenery of the Isle of Wight.-Shanklin Down.-Under Cliff. [486 Charybdis, those bugbears of antiquity, huge giant formed amidst pigmy nations, have ceased to be objects of terror; yet for the gaze and admiration of mankind, may their horrors not have been created this singular tract spreads its broad sidein by the warm imagination of the poets, protecting vastness over the truant vale.* but their features may have been gradu- The pedestrian in this favoured region ally softened by the hand of time and its who possesses taste for the picturesque, attendant convulsions. The Tarpeian will find suflicient food to satisfy the rock, that awful precipice from which most insatiable eye. At every step a the state criminals of Rome were wont new groupe of objects convey an idea of to be hurled with terrific justice, is now entirety, which, surveyed by the more a mole-hill in the comprehension of the comprehensive gaze, form harmonious frolicksome school-boy. While nature episodes in a whole, comprising a rich thus declines in one instance, she rises variety of feature. in another; and, perhaps, in some future age, Shanklin Down may become in altitude a second Teneriffe. With that slow progression by which the meditative rambler moves through scenes that alternately withhold his step, we arrived at Bonchurch. Shanklin may be considered as the commencement of a rich braid of jewels Bonchurch is a truly attractive village. that encircles the brow of this southern Its narrow limits are crowded with distract, extending in ceaseless variety of tinctive beauties. At the first approach, brilliant display to Niton, where the the farm which bears its name gives earcharacter of the coast rises to a sublimity nest of the interior scene. Near this that realises the conceptions of the most stand two cottages that rival in beauty ardent imagination. From Shanklin the loveliest of rural edifices; their Down the road pursues a sinuous course; thatched roofs appear to cover the true at one time encircling a smiling dell, in abodes of Arcadian simplicity. That which Luccombe Farm and its depend- pastoral taste that formed their humble ent cottages enjoy the healthful benefit of thresholds, has taught the woodbine and a stream, that here flows to its efflux a rich variety of shrubs that love to climb through one of those numerous chines the protecting wall, to vie in variegated that give variety to the coast, while a luxuriance on their white fronts. Opporich spread of woodland embowers the site to these, stands the elegant retreat of inland space. At another turn, the cool avenues of a shaded recess invite the steps of the traveller. The sea in all its splendour courts his unwearying gaze, and a pleasing country abounding with cultivated beauty, alternately engages his regard. Colonel O'Hara, a structure of more ample character, but still retaining the characteristic charms of a cottage residence. The grounds attached to this house spread along the coast, and command marine views of uninterrupted extent, but perhaps the eye of taste will Conducted by a spiral course from object to the arrangement, for, assuredly, these attractive heights, the scene as- the measured walk and trim parterre but sumes a new character. Here, tost in ill agree with the beauties of the surshapes of fantastic variety, huge heaps rounding scene. Although at Bonof disjointed rocks lie in wild disorder church the hand of art has been more lashed by the indignant ocean, whose active than on many parts of this coast, hoarse murmurs assume a more intelli- her efforts have in general been compargible tone; here, also, first bursts on the atively chaste and disguised. astonished eye of the rapt observer, the On an isolated rock, near this cottage, majestic view of the under cliff. This and within its domain, has been erected unique feature of the coast is assuredly a mimic fort with its flag-staff. From an inexhaustible theme for the pen and the pencil. The boundary of a little world, torn from its rugged sides and precipitated towards that ocean that in vain rolls its waves against it, the inland cliff rises in all the frowning magnificence of solitary grandeur. Like some The phenomenon of the under cliff has evidently arisen from successive landslips, occasioned by the freezing of the subterranean waters, the consequent expansion of which, acting on some peculiarity of soil, forces the rocks from their position, and precipitates them towards the sea, where they gain a settlement. Such landslips are not of infre quent occurrence on this part of the coast. 487] Scenery of the Isle of Wight.-Bonchurch. [488 this eminence the finest view is obtained Through a grove of lofty trees we purof this interesting neighbourhood. The sued our route to Ventnor. This neigh whole scene wears a soft and attractive bourhood is peculiarly happy in abunaspect, like the person of a lovely bride, dance of fine springs of crystal clearness, attired in the most becoming robes, but which gush at every step from the base blushing amidst all the estimable charms of its hills, and impart an air of uncomof unsophisticated nature. The little mon fertility and freshness to its surface. village exhibits its rustic cots in pictur- At the foot of Bonchurch Downs stands esque groups around, while the cool St. Bonifice Cottage, an elegant and waters of many a collected spring, shad- tasteful villa of the late Lieut. Col. Hill. ed by grateful umbrage, spread their This is most desirably situated; proinviting bosom beside them. Beyond tected by a high ridge from the rude visthese cottages, grotesque assemblages of its of the northern blast, its coastward several cliffs, which wanton in capricious prospects are agreeably varied, the eye arrangement, attract the eye to the base from some of the windows reposing on of a tall eminence that bounds the in- a rich stretch of woodland, while others land view; while no boundary is re- command sea views of unlimited extent. sented to the wandering gaze, beyond the expanse of the marine element. Arrived at Ventnor, we held a council of war; and a most interesting debate enThe appearance of Bonchurch be- sued. Here are two inns, the one only speaks the mildness and salubrity of its perhaps deserving of that name from the aspect. Scarcely a peasant's hut, but its amplitude of its accommodations; the walls are clothed with myrtle; while the other, humble indeed, but wearing an neighbouring hedges abound with flow- air of rustic comfort, and seated on a ering indigenous shrubs, which fill the most desirable and lovely spot. I alair with vegetable fragrance. On the bor- ways prefer convenience to exterior ders of this charming village stands a res- shew, and I like not to have my selfidence of superior character, late the cot- complacence disturbed by the jostlings tage ornée of Alexander Baring, esq. of pampered retainers of the proud and This is embowered by sheltering trees, haughty. Domestic ease and unostenwhich disclose, through judicious vistas, tatious comfort did not appear to be atthe romantic beauties of the surrounding tainable in a place where my Lord — objects. and my Lady, with their respective We could not quit this place without suites, were endeavouring to dispel the inspecting its interesting little church. effects of Bond-street ennui by salutary The traveller of pictorial taste will sur- marine breezes. Considering that the vey with gratification from its encircling humble pedestrian might here be despisenclosure the fine prospects it commands; the antiquary will pause to examine its door-way of Saxon architecture; while both will lament to see the antique character of the little edifice deformed by the rude frame-work of the modern carpenter, and other incongruous effects of tasteless innovation.* ed, we wisely resolved to take the lowest seat ourselves, rather than be remov ed to it by others. We had yet another motive for preferring the smaller house; it had been recommended by honest Mrs. Pope of Shanklin. Here too the sentimental traveller would wish to repose, for it seemed that we were doomed to find matter of interest in the anBonehurch will be viewed with interest nals of this humble class. Unlike, inas the birth-place of the gallant Admiral Hob- deed, our Shanklin hostess, our present son, who was bred a tailor, but was inspired by the sight of a squadron of men of war com- landlady was young and beautiful, but ing round Dun-nose. He precipitately left sorrow had visited her early, and had the shop-board, and rowed to the Admiral's ship, where he entered as a seaboy. In a few days they encountered a French fleet, and, while the Admiral's ship was closely engaged with one of the enemy, Hobson contrived to get unperceived on board, and struck and carried off the French flag. The confusion produced by this event ensured the victory. Hobson's promotion was rapid, and his memory reflects credit on the place of his birth. cropt at its first blush the blossom of her promising spring. Her husband had followed the occupation of a fisherman, as an additional source of support. One morn he quitted his wife and child at the accustomed hour. Alas! did no prophetic sigh foretel the dire catastro 489] On the Means of preventing Suicide. [490 When we recollected this piteous tale of domestic woe, we were instantly de phe? Fate was envious of their happiness, and before his returning vessel could reach the shore, an unlooked-for termined; and the modest looks of our interesting hostess, her charms still partially hidden by the close habit of the widow, were no unpleasing prognostics of the economy of her house. tempest convulsed the heaving oceanwave after wave rolled in fearful volumes over it. "It yet lives, it yet rides on the foaming mountains," exclaimed the anxious spectators. The storm Let us rest here awhile the spot is grew louder, the sea increased in vio- inviting; and the calm serenity of the lence, till, overwhelmed by a towering surrounding scene admirably harmonideluge, the staggering bark sank to ap- ses with feelings produced by the conpear no more. The wild shrieks of his templation of a range of natural beauagonized wife still vibrate on the ears of ties. her commiserating neighbours! SUICIDE. SIR, To the Editor of the New Monthly Magazine. abhorrence by us of this age of universal HE subject to which I would call benevolence and philanthropy, surely the attention of the public, is one some means might be devised to lessen of the greatest importance, as it is con- the evil. This subject has often suggestnected with an attempt to save useful ed itself to my mind, but has made a lives, and secure the peace and comfort of deeper impression from witnessing a very whole families, by diminishing the ten- distressing case, which was given in the dency to commit a crime of the most public papers a few days since; and had unnatural and atrocious description. the person, of whom the unhappy young It has long been a source of deep re- woman bought the penny-worth of arsegret to every well-disposed and reflecting nic, refused, or even hesitated to sell it, mind, that the instances of self-murder the feelings she was then under might in are so prevalent, and continue daily to a short time have subsided, and she been increase, as also that the Coroners' Juries still a member of society. It is much to are so ready by their verdicts to evade be lamented that the legislature have the penalty or stigma which the law of never wholly interdicted the sale of poithe land attaches to the body of the sui- sons, or at least put it under such restriccide, rendering its beneficial effects nu- tions as to prevent the facility of procurgatory, by declaring the individual almost ing them, owing to which, murder has in every case to have been insane, satis- been often committed; and many are fying their consciences that no person of the instances of children and others being a sane mind would or could commit such poisoned by eating what was intended an act. It is to be feared that a natural to destroy rats. This being, in my fellow-feeling and a humane sympathy for the survivors, especially where property is at stake, may have a share in determining their decision, as it must appear the height of injustice to visit the crime of the father on his offspring. mind, a species of man-slaughter, by those who so wantonly expose poisons, ought they not to be treated as if actually convicted of that offence? As it is only in melancholy madness that suicide is committed, and generally The law of forfeiture of personal pro- under lucid intervals, what a relief must perty to the crown, being introduced it afford to the minds of a jury, if a meSoon after the Reformation, shews in dical gentleman shall establish that such what a strong point of view suicide was was the unhappy situation of the deceasconsidered at that period, and how anx- ed? The willing or sane suicide, trustous our forefathers were for its suppres- ing to the lenity of a Coroner's Jury that sion. If this crime was held in equal no infamy shall attach to his remains or SL Eng. Mag. Vol. I. |