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A MUSICAL EAR EXPLAINED.

[I have been disposed to consider a musical car, or the aptitude and power of this organ to discriminate between coincident and dissonant sounds, to be a mere accident of attention or perception, in very early life. But if the following remarks are supported by anatomical observation, sensibility to concord and discord is owing to a physical conformation of the auditory organ.]

THE difference between a musical ear and one which is too imperfect to distinguish the different notes in musick, appears to arise entirely from the greater or less nicety with which the muscle of the malleus renders the membrana tympani capable of being truly adjusted. If the tension be perfect, all the variations produced by the, action of the radiated muscle, will be equally correct, and the ear truly musical; but, if the first adjustment is imperfect, although the actions of the radiated muscle may still produce infinite variations, none of them will be correct: the effect, in this respect, will be similar to that produced by playing on a musical instrument which is not in tune. The hearing of articulate sounds requires less nicety in the adjustment, than of inarticulate or musical ones; an ear may therefore be able to perceive the onc, although it is not fitted to receive distinct perceptions from the other.

The nicety or correctness of a musical ear being the result of muscular action, renders it, in part, an acquirement; for, though the original formation of these muscles in some ears renders them more capable of arriving at this excellence, early cultivation is still necessary for that purpose; and it is found that an ear, which upon the first trials seemed unfit to receive accurate perceptions of sounds, shall, by early and constant application, be rendered tolerably correct, but never can attain excellence. There are organs of hearing in which the parts are so nicely adjusted to one another, as to render them capable of a degree of correctness in hearing sounds which appears preternatural.

Children, who during their infancy are much in the society of musical performers, will be naturally induced to attend more to inarticulate sounds than articulate ones, and by these means acquire a correct ear, which, after listening for two or three years to articulate sounds only, would have been attained with more difficulty.

This mode of adapting the ear to different sounds, appears to be one of the most beautiful applications of muscles in the body; the mechanism is so simple, and the variety of ef fects so great.

GESSNER'S OPINION OF THEOCRITUS.

"I HAVE ever considered THEOCRITUS as the best model of pastoral composition. In his writings, we find simplicity of manners and feelings best preserved; he was a nice observer of every minute circumstance that relates to the pastoral and simple charms of nature; in his idyls we meet something besides roses and lilies. His descriptions are not the efforts of a mind crowded with common-place and obvious images: they possess the beautiful simplicity of nature, from which they appear every one to have been copied. He has given to his swains the highest degree of artless innocence; they speak sensations, as if their pure and uncorrupted hearts lay on their lips: and every image which ornaments their poetry, is drawn from their usual occupations, or

from the natural objects which surrounded them. Their dialogues display no epigrammatick wit, or scholastick precision. He possessed the rare and difficult art of infusing into their songs that sweet and simple negligence, which reminds us of the infancy of poetry. He knew how to give to their strains the soft tones of innocence, such as they must have breathed, when the pure sensations of an uncorrupted heart kindled the fancy, and filled it with all the most lively and pleasing images which nature can supply. It is true, that the simplicity of manners, which still existed in his own age, must have facilitated this task to the poet a pointed and epigrammatick style was not then considered the zenith of perfection, nor had the allurements of wit then obtained a preference over the more solid ac. quirements of judgment and taste."

:

GRAY.

"GREAT obscurity is unpardonable in a poet. The use of poetick description, is, by the assistance of numbers, melody, and fiction, as it were, to transfuse the soul of the bard into the bosom of his auditor, and raise a new creation of wonders before unknown to him: but, to affect powerfully, it is necessary in some degree to understand; the moment we quit the thread, we are lost in the labyrinth; the wand of the magician is broken, and we are disappointed and discouraged. If the obscurity of the poet convert the garden of nature, into which he had conducted us, into a misty desert; if we no longer be affected, the moment this sable curtain is spread before his scenery, how strongly does this objection apply to Mr. Gray's most celebrated poems !"

POETRY.

FROM METASTATIO

GENTLE Zephyr, as you fly,

Should you meet my lovely fair, Softly whisper, "you're a sigh,"

But do not tell whose sigh you are. Limpid Streamlet, should my dear Cross your current as you flow, Murmuring tell her, "you're a tear,” But not whose eyes have swoll'n you so,

DANAË AND HER CHILD.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GREEK OF SIMONIDES.

WHEN the wind resounding high
Bluster'd from the northern sky,
When the waves in stronger tide
Dash'd against the vessel's side,
Her care-worn cheeks with tears bedew'd,
Her sleeping infant Danaë view'd,
And trembling still with new alarms,
Around him cast a mother's arms.

66

My child, what woes does Danaë weep! But thy young limbs are wrapp'd in sleep. In that poor nook, all sad and dark, While lightnings play around our bark, Thy quiet bosom only knows The heavy sigh of deep repose. The howling wind, the raging sea, No terrour can excite in thee; The angry surges wake no care, That burst above thy long deep hair ; But couldst thou feel what I deplore, Then would I bid thee sleep no more. Sleep on, sweet boy! still be the deep! (Oh could I lull my woes asleep!)

Jove, let thy mighty hand o'erthrow
The baffled malice of my foe;

And may this child, in future years,
Avenge his mother's wrongs and tears.

HE WIND PASSETH OVER IT, AND IT IS 'GONE.

I saw a dew-drop, cool and clear,
Dance on a myrtle spray;

Fair colours deck'd the lucid tear,
Like those which gleam and disappear

When showers and sunbeams play.
Sol cast athwart a glance severe,
And scorched the pearl away.

High on a slender, polish'd stem,
A fragrant lily grew :
On the pure petals many a gem
Glitter'd a native diadem

Of healthy morning dew:
A blast of lingering winter came,
And snapp'd the stem in two
Fairer than morning's early tear,
Or lily's snowy bloom,
Shines beauty in its vernal year,
Bright, sparkling, fascinating, clear,

Gay, thoughtless of its doom!
Death breathes a sudden poison near,
And sweeps it to the tomb.

THE HUMMING BIRD.

[THs following beautiful lines on the HUMMING BIRD, are from the pen of a celebrated Spanish scholar, Raphael Landivar, a native of Guatimala, and are extracted from his Rusticatio Mexicana. We should be very glad to be favoured with a poetical translation.]

NIL tamen exiguo novit præstantius orbis
Colibrio dulcis spoliato murmure vocis,*
Sed claro tenues pennâ radiante per artus.
Exiguum corpus, forsan non pollice majus,
(Quod rostro natura parens munivit acuto
Atque artus ferme totos æquante volucris.)
Induit aurato viridantes lumine plumas,
Et varios miscet tracto a sole colores.
Ille volat rapidum Zephyrum superante volatu,
Et raucum pennâ tollit stridente susurrum.
Roscida si vero fragranti educere flore
Mella velit rostro, viresque reducere membris,
(Quippe aliâ quacumque negat se pascere mensâ).
Sistitur in medio concussis aëre pennis,
Nectareum donec tereti trahat ore liquorem.
Ast adeo prompte subtiles concutit alas,
Ut vigiles fugiant oculos, ludantque citatæ ;
Suspensamque putes volucrem super æthera filo,
Sin autem sylvis borealis bruma propinquet,
Plusque vagus solito frigescat Jupiter imbre,
Frigida præcipti linquit Colibrius arva
Nostra fugâ, linquitque levi viridaria pennâ
Et longúm montis nigris absconditus umbris
Indulget placido, ceu Progne arguta sopori,
Dum luces Aries stellatis noctibus æquet,
Verque novum pratis antiquum reddat honorem.

Rusticatio Mexicana, lib. xiii, v. 217, 242. "Avicula hæc Colibri in America Meridionali, in Septentrio nali vero Chupa-mirto dicitur." Note by Landivar.

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NO. 4 CORNHILL.

oe three dollars per annum, half in advance.

DEVOTED TO POL TICKS AND BELLES LET S.

VOL. I.

POLITICAL.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

FATE OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

We observe many of the political writers of the day are indefatigably labouring to shew, that the present deplorable state of our country requires a change of rulers, and that our national concerns should be wrested from the hands of incapable and unprincipled men, and entrusted to those, whose virtue and wisdom may conduct us back to honour and prosperity. In this ultimate object, we trust that we feel as sincere an interest, as any citizen of the Union; and we look forward with hope and confidence to the exertions of certain distinguished individuals, who have given many sub. stantial pledges of their integrity, their talents. and their devotion to the publick weal. But we have not urged the expedience of changing rulers so zealously as some, because it appears to us, the administration are rushing headlong to their own doom; their case is desperate; they have created difficulties from which they cannot possibly extricate them selves, and every effort,now, only plunges then deeper in embarrassment and ensures their approaching fall. They have destroyed publick credit-they have no possible means of, reviving it, but by such monstrous taxes, as, with all their boldness, they dare not propose They dare enough to render themselves odious, but not to replenish the treasury, which they have involved in deep bankruptcy. Their cause requires large armies-they cannot possibly raise them, but by tyrannical, unconstitutional measures, which will drive the people to rebellion. So that, without money, they can proceed no farther-to get money they must produce intolerable distress. Without an immense army, they cannot even defend the country, much less invade their enemy; they have no funds to raise men, and no power to drag citizens into the field. If duplicity, falsehood, and corruption would avail, the resources of our rulers are abundant; but they have employed these too successfully in producing a state of things, which requires other means, means which they cannot command.

We cannot therefore see the necessity of labouring hard to put down the administration; their fate is decided; the people will be obliged to elect new rulers, for those, who are now in power, will erelong be glad to resign it.

But if the publick mind be not regenerated; if the people are still wedded to their prejudices, their vanity, in a word to democratick principles; if they think, that a certain set of men have brought us to the verge of rain, and that other men can save us, still pursuing the same erroneous course, then a change of administration will do us no service. We would not raise a finger to produce such a change.

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BOSTON, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1814.

nion now calls aloud? The thing is imprac-
ticable.

Now if we raise new men, or our old tried
patriots, to power, with such expectations, the
country will either be totally disappointed
with their measures, or, if they yield to the
current of opinion, we should only be involv-
ed in deeper ruin and disgrace. Our chimer-
ical and revived confidence would stimulate
us to an experiment of new and greater sac-
rifices, and all to worse than no purpose. We
cannot look upon this war but with utter des-
pondency, no matter by whom it is conducted;
not that we fear the English could easily or
ever conquer us, but because we cannot com-
pel them to give us battle, and they can com-
pel us to be forever on our guard, a state
which it is plain our country cannot long sus-
tain.

The present administration, we repeat it, are at the bottom of the hill-they will be glad to escape from the indignation of an insuited ruined people; from that notoriety in disgrace, to which political elevation would. expose them. But let us beware lest their follies survive their power; lest their principles, get such fast hold of popular opinion, that good men will be incapable of serving us; lest our passions remain devoted to a cause, which no talents can sanctify, nor conduct to a successful issue.

With extreme regret, with the deepest anxiety for ali who are dear to us, for ourselves and our beloved country, we have observed that some men, hitherto the decided opponents of the faction who have prostrated this once happy and flourishing republick, now give in to the delusive and unfounded pretence, that the war is assuming a new character; and that, as the government have exhausted their means, we the people, we federalists, must now enter the lists. It is not our purpose here to go over ground again, which we have recently occupied, when examining the sine qua non, and other claims, preferred by the British ministers. We have seen some declamation on the subject, but not a single orator or writer has undertaken in sober, rational discussion to shew, why the door to honourable peace is not as wide open as ever; wherein either honour or interest require, that at this period of our sufferings, we should burst out in a new frenzy, and begin a war in earnest, which in mere pantomime has beggared the government and a large portion of the people.

We have this consolation-It will be found that the federalists of the south alone, if any, are ready to receive the odious legacy of democracy. The rash expressions of some of our late friends are thrown in our teeth, by democratick editors of New-England; but not a sentence can be quoted from a New-England federalist, but unwavering detestation of the war, and increasing desire of peace. The Can the wisest men in our country take fumes of this fresh-brewed war-spirit, which the reins of government, in our present situa- is turning some men's language, if not their tion, and Blatter themselves with a prospect of brains, in warmer latitudes, have not polluted our atmosphere. The dreadful conditions, so conducting the war, as to humble Great Britain? We presume no man in his sober ridiculously announced to be such as could senses believes it. Could they even provide only be proposed by a conquering to a conthat defence, for which every part of the U-quered nation," have been examined and can

NO. XLVI.

vassed by the people. The only one, proposed as indispensable, is one which we may well rejoice to see; the people, here, are shewing by their suffrages, that they are not to be duped; even the late friends of Madison and war, are fast uniting with us, for PEACE, since the despatches from Ghent have proved to them how easily it might be obtained, if our government and ministers were disposed to amicable negotiation.

The policy which led to this war, and the support which it has received, has ever been, in a great measure, geographically defined. If we must have a war party, we do not regret, that this geographical distinction is becoming more strongly marked. Union among ourselves, in this section of the country, is desirable, on account of our local concerns and happiness; and, thank God, if it advances, as present appearances give reason to hope, the two grand parties for peace and war, may, ere long, find it practicable that both should be gratified.

THE CONVENTION.

SOME of our office-holding democrats are anticipating with a great deal of exultation, that Vermont will not unite with Massachusetts and other New-England states, in a Convention, "to deliberate upon the dangers to which we are exposed, and to devise, if prac ticable, mes of security and defence, which may be consistent with the preservation of our resources from total ruin, and adapted to

our local situation, mutual relations, and habits, and not repugnant to our obligations as members of the Union."*

Massachusetts, we presume, is perfectly willing that every state should enjoy and exercise that sovereignty, which she has ever claimed and ever will claim for herself. She has not issued an edict, but a friendly proposition. Her intolerable sufferings, with worse still in prospect, have aroused her to a sense of her own danger, and of the absolute necessity of seeking relief. If any of her sister states, happily for them, either suffer or apprehend less, she has no wish to hurry them into measures, to which they see the least objection. Possibly Vermont may find herself able to meet all the exactions of the general government, and likewise provide for her own de

fence. Massachusetts cannot do it; and the sooner she convinces the federal Executive of this important fact, the more honest in her, and the better for our rulers, who seem inclined to make very erroneous calculations.

If we may be indulged the expression of an individual opinion, though we rejoice inthe prospect of our beloved Massachusetts' being immediately aided by the wisdom of other states, we consider it the most important point, that the plan of consultation is announc ed. A body is constituted, to which the eyes of men may turn, as suffering and dismay increase. We believe it of little consequence that any particular measures should be contemplated, for their deliberation. Let them assemble; we either wholly mistake the pur

Letter from our Legislature to the Governour of

Rhode Island.

poses Mr. Madison has adopted, and the approaching aspect of this war, or events will unite New-England, at least, in this conventional scheme, and find occupation for the most profound talents she can command.

ON BRITISH CLAIMS-AGAIN. THE terms proposed by the British ministers ought to be kept strongly impressed on the publick mind. The war party are very fond of alluding to them, by description, such description as they are taught to believe perhaps, but they will not enter into particulars. It cannot be too often brought to mind, that the only point, they declared they would maintain, was this-that their Indian allies should be included in the peace, and their lands be guaranteed to them forever.

As all the other claims were only offered for discussion, the grounds of the rupture of negotiation, the probable recal of our ministers, and the continuance of a ruinous war, must be found in this alone.

The British, let it be remembered, did not ask that we should cede an inch of land to them; it was only that we should confirm the lands of the Indians to the Indians.

Now it is admitted by all, that this war is a serious calamity to every state-yet it must be carried on by every state, hereafter, solely on account of this sine qua non,-Mr. Madison having given up the points, on which he declared war, and the British having only fixed upon this one condition, as a principle from which they would not recede.

Has Massachusetts any interest in this claim, that she must continue this war to oppose it? Not in the least-it is a concern as

foreign to her, as the disputes between Christophe and Petion, the rival princes of Hayti. It is the same with Newhampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York-I need not go through the list. The fact is, not a state in the Union, BUT OHIо, could have been affected, had this claim been admitted! and as no line was specified, we may suppose that by negotiation even Ohio might have been preserved untouched by the treaty.

We are not aware that we have misrepresented any one circumstance; and now, in the name of common sense, what can have induced any man in the United States, not a war pensioner on government, to say that war must be continued? Individuals have said so, we confess-individuals who have heretofore loudly demanded peace. But it is not the voice of the people. Instead of choosing new advocates of war, they are dismissing its authors and supporters.

FARMERS.

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FOREIGN. The Prussian ship, Hannibal, arrived at New York, left Bremen on the 17th of September. Passengers report that Lord Wellington was in Belgium, at the head of 40,000 troops. That the armies of Austria, Bavaria, and the Hessian army were completely organized on the war establishment, the Russian army receiving reinforcements, and that a large number of British, Hanoverian and Dutch troops were to cover the Sombre and Meuse. All this preparation is said to be owing to a prevailing expectation that at the Congress, France will claim an increase! of territory, to be taken from Belgium. They report likewise that the negotiations at Ghent were considered as at an end, and the respective ministers about to return.

The Aberdeen account that Lord Hill had gone to Holland does not appear to be true. Three thousand troops were about embarking at Portsmouth and Plymouth, on the 5th of Sept. which was considered as the advance guard of a more formidable body, to be com. manded by Lord Hill in person, who was exp pected to embark soon, in the Valiant 74. Three hundred ship carpenters had volunteered for the American lakes, a considerable number of whom had arrived at Portsmouth, to embark in the Zealous 74. DOMESTICK.

Sackett's Harbour.

General Brown arrived there the 31st Oct. Our fleet remain in port; 5000 British troops had just arrived at Kingston, and large detach ments were to follow. Sir G. Prevost was there superintending the preparations.

General Izard has retired to winter quarters. The destruction of the works at Fort Erie is contradicted.

Chesapeake. A sloop of war and 4 transports entered and ascended the bay, Oct. 31. It was reported at Washington the 4th instant, that the English were again advancing up the Potomack. Contradicted.

The alarm which was recently excited at Camden, in Maine, has subsided, and the militia have been dismissed.

Convention. In addition to the delegates from this state, whose names we some time since mentioned, the legislature of Connecticut have chosen the Hon. Chauncey Goodrich, Hon. James Hillhouse, Hon. John Treadwell, Hon. Calvin Goddard, Hon. Zephaniah Swift, Hon. Nathaniel Smith, and Hon. Roger Sher

man.

A proposition is before the naval committee for building or purchasing a picaroon navy of 20 vessels, of from 8 to 14 guns!

A bill is under consideration, authorizing the President to accept the services of volunteers, who may associate and organize themselvespay 33 cents per day.

The conscript bill was probably called up on Monday last.

LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

THE WRITER, No. XXVI. AS I gave some intimation of continuing the comparison between Milton and Tasso, I shall pursue the subject in this day's paper.

It must be acknowledged that the Geruselemme Liberata is a more popular work amongst the Italians, than Paradise Lost, or any other poem, is in England.

It has frequently been remarked, and whoever has travelled in Italy must have witnessed the truth of the observation, that detached stanzas, from the most eminent of their po ets and particularly from Ariosto ard Tasso, are very commonly sung by the peasants in the fields, and labourers and porters about the streets. In Venice, the gondaliers, who ply their numerous and fanciful little barks along the canals, are well versed in this species of amusement; the inhabitants of the city are nightly serenaded with the finest verses of their favourite Bards, as these boatmen gently float beneath their windows; and the musick, which rises from the canals, becomes more melodious as it is drawn out through the

lengthened avenues, or vibrates along the lofty and echoing walls.

Milton cannot boast of this kind of distinction; he has no claim to such preference among the lower ranks and orders of his countrymen. This, however, does not lessen his title to superiority. The single circumstance of rhyme will always obtain higher praise, and meet with more general approbation, than the most polished periods in prose, or the sublimest sentiments in blank verse: it is more adapted to the taste of ordinary or untutored minds; it pleases the car, and, as all men are susceptible of impressions by the external senses, it pleases all. The characteristick quality in Paradise Lost, as Dr. Johnson observes, is sublimity. Its highest ornament is beyond the reach of the common class of men; it is therefore not surprising that it is less known, or less admired among these classes, than the old ballads of Chevy Chase, and the Children in the Woods.

The Legislature of Rhode Island have ap- The Italian poets always write in rhyme, pointed Benjamin Hazard and Daniel Lyman and the construction of the verse, and arrangeesquires, Col. Marston and Col. Samuel Ward. ment into stanzas, which has been adopted The committee of the Vermont Legislature, both by Ariosto and Tasso, very much resem to whom the subject was referred have report-ble the sonnet, a species of composition the

present." A majority of the council in Newham shire being war-men, it is not to be expected that the Governour can convoke the Legislature, before their regular session.

It is said, and probably believed by many, that our farmers in the country are growing rich by the war, because their produce commands as high, and in many instances a high-ed that it is inexpedient for them to join "at er price than in peace; but it is far from true; the reverse is the fact. If they obtain twenty five per cent. more than formerly on their sales, they pay fifty per cent. more on their purchases. When their customary barter is therefore completed, they are losers; besides, their taxes, which must be paid in money as long as they have any, have greatly increased, and are still increasing.

A plain proof that husbandry suffers, is that the price of all land has fallen; though there is more money in the country unemployed than there has been, since the revolution. Farmers suffer grievously by the war-they dislike the war, and they prove it by their suffrages.

The New England at last states have done their utmost, and now claim an honourable rank, though possessing no influence in the national Legislature. The elections are completed in Newhampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and in the whole delegation, there is not a single Madisonian !!

CONGRESS. A bill has passed the house for borrowing immediately (if they can) 3,000.00, to pay some part of the interest of the publick debt.

most agreeable and entertaining to their countrymen. Verses of this construction easily admit of being set to musick, and thus the most beautiful and interesting portions of these Divine Authors (as the Italians style them) are retailed in songs; learned by rote, by thousands who cannot read; are treasured up in their memories, and sung to amuse their friends, or to beguile their own weariness, in hours of solitude or labour. From these considerations, we can readily allow that the G2rusalemme Liberata may have the greatest number of admirers, without surrendering the claim to superior merit, which we still contend belongs to Paradise Lost.

I shall say nothing with regard to the subjects of these two great rival poems. If there

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could have existed a doubt in any reflecting mind as to these, the most enlightened criticks of the last age have very satisfactorily settled the dispute. Addison and Johnson have both borne high and prevailing testimony, that the mighty genius of Milton, had seized upon the most difficult, as well as the most exalted and interesting subject, which could have been suggested by his own gigantick mind.

In a former number, I offered some comparisons between Milton and Tasso, with an attempt to prove the superiority of the English bard, in subjects which each of them have occasionally handled. In scenes of tenderness and deep distress, Tasso most frequently errs, by deviating into bombast, or misplaced conceits and affected extravagance. Some instances were adduced and I shall here add some others.

Erminia, after joining herself to the shepherd (in the beautiful episode of Tancrede and Erminia), whilst she tends her frocks in the woods, marks her lover's name on a thousand trees, and traces there some intimations of her story; she then reflects with pleasure that possibly when she is dead, Tancrede may wander through these woods, and finding such evidences of her love and misfortunes, may drop a tear to her memory.

Onde se in vita il cor misero fue,
Sia lo spirito in morte almeno felice
E'l cener freddo de le fiamme sue
Goda quel ch'or godere a me non lice

or presumptuous, as to deny him great poetical
merit. The work, which we have had under
consideration, undoubtedly ranks as second of
its kind among the efforts of modern genius.
The characters are finely drawn, consistent,
and strongly marked; it is beautiful for its
descriptive poetry, and the variety of its events
and uncommon incidents cannot fail to engage
and interest the reader almost to a degree of
enthusiasm.

I have observed lately, that there is a taste
prevailing, among some young ladies, for the
study of the Italian language; and I would en-
courage the acquisition of it, not only as a pret-
ty accomplishment, but as leading to a source
of great pleasure, and opening a rich mine of
intellectual wealth. Tasso, Ariosto, Metastasio,
and Guarini, are so many banquets for the
mind, where the most fastidious taste must be
gratified, and where the heart and imagination
may feast unsated.

FOR THE BOSTON SPECTATOR.

IMMATERIALITY OF THE SOUL.
Animorum nulla in terris origo inveniri potest; nihil enim est

in rimis mixtum atque concretum, aut quod ex terra natum,
atque fictum esse videatur.
Cis. Tusc. Quas.

THE immateriality of the soul is a doctrine
which has been believed and supported by
distinguished philosophers, as far back as his-
tory can trace, yet there are philosophers and
even serious christians, at the present day,
who doubt its truth, though they firmly trust
in a future existence.

Canto 7, 22. It is certainly of little importance of what The stanzas immediately preceding this the soul consists, in comparison with its poware very beautiful, as is the whole episode takers and destination; were it otherwise, scripen together; but that her soul would be hap-ture would not have left us to grope with the py because her cold ashes enjoyed the luxury mere light of reason. But materialism has of a tear which she had been denied during well been called a gloomy doctrine; there is her life is extravagant and ridiculous rant. inherent in the mind an "inward horror of fallAnd in the 4th canto, where the author is de-ing into naught," the "soul shrinks back withscribing the effects of love, he breaks out as though too full for rational utterance

Oh miracol d'amor, che le faville
Tragge del pianto, e il cor'ne l'acqua accende !
That is to say, love can, like a flint, strike fire
out of sighs, which will inflame a heart, though
drowned in water-This is " nodding" with a
witness. Yet, in general, Tasso's love scenes
are not unpleasing it is only when he at
tempts to soar, that his wings fail him. Mil-
ton, on the contrary, never loses his strength
,by rising; he ascends, like the eagle, and main-
tains a vigorous wing even in regions, where
our imaginations can scarcely reach him
The following idea of Tasso's seems to have
been borrowed from Homer:

E quanto è da le stelle al basso inferno
Tanto è più in su de la stellata sfera

In Pope's translation of Homer, we have :
As far beneath the infernal centre hurl'd,
As from that centre to the ethereal world.
Tasso however is describing an opposite point.
The seat of the Eternal Father, which is so
far above the stars. Milton has occasion to
mention the same cxalted seat; but, instead of
endeavouring to give us an idea of it by a sort
of extravagant measurement, he transports you
with simple majesty.to where he sits

• High thron'd above all height."
This, in point of sublimity, falls short of nothing
but Holy Writ, where the Earth and the
heavens fled away, and there was found no
place for them."

Notwithstanding these few failings, which I have pointed out in Tasso, I am not so bold

in herself, and startles at destruction."

a

I am not a materialist-it is my happiness to believe that there is a spirit in man, essentially distinct from the dust on which he treads. Plato reasons well, in his Phedo, and Cicero amplified on his doctrines; but I doubt whether either of these great men's arguments are to be compared in force or clearness, to treatise, or, as it entitled, "an Inquiry into the nature of the Human Soul," attributed to a Mr. Baxter, of Aberdeen. This, in early life, gave me a degree of satisfaction, which I cannot well describe; and I would earnestly recommend it to every young reader, who feels curious on the subject and can relish logical deductions, though conveyed in a tedious and antiquated style.

From the recollection of many years, I will endeavour to sketch a mere outline of his argument.

It will not be disputed, that the materialist must of necessity maintain one or the other of these positions-either the sentient power exists inherently in certain particles of matter, like their other acknowledged properties, or -it depends on the organization of matter, which has no inherent power of thought.

The thinking power cannot exist inherently
in certain particles of matter, for this power
is indivisible. If there were more sentient
particles than one, in the same body, they
might be separated; and if the property of
thought were inherent in each, there would
be so many distinct powers or souls. If one
atom alone, in each individual, possess inhe-
rently the property of thought, independent of

organization, it must be seated in the head or
in the body;-yet sever them, and there is no
longer a sentient power in either.

The indivisibility of the thinking substance, whatever it be, has always been admitted; for it is proved both by experiments and consciousness. Materialists therefore always resort to the next position, and assert that it results from a certain organization of particles of matter, which, separately, have no inherent power of thought.

Organization is nothing but the arrangement of matter in some particular form. How is it possible that a mere change of the place, or the figure of particles of matter can create in them a new property? It is contrary to all analogy, and asserting an effect where there is no cause. A particular organization of matter constitutes a rose, and the matter thus arranged diffuses an effluvium; but no philosopher considers this effluvium as any thing but matter, every particle of which, minute as it is, possesses length, breadth, thickness, solidity, vis inertiæ and mobility, in common with a other matter, but nothing more. The sens of odour is in the human nerve, brain, or soul, not in the rose.

Does the concussion of inert, unconscious particles of matter produce thought? We cannot conceive how it should, and a million of experiments every day, show that this alone will not. Place particles of unconscious matter in a line, in a circle, a square or a triangle, we know they will not think; nor can we conceive the least glimmeriug of reason, why position or change of position should produce such an effect. Matter wherever it be, has figure; it has but figure, place it as you please.

Such are a few of the ideas which Baxter has expanded into a volume; he, for the most part, adopts a mathematical mode of reasoning, which though it require patience in the reader, leads him eventually to very satisfactory results.

--

CONVERSATION.

PERHAPS there is nothing in which people err so egregiously, as in the manner of carrying on conversation. In those who value themselves on superior talents and information, there is often an eagerness to be attended to, that defeats their purpose of being either instructive or agreeable. To bear an equal part in conversation, without hurting the self-love of others; to allow that reciprocity of discourse that gives to every one an opportunity of being heard, and which is the great charm of society, is the effect of that something we have agreed to call good-breeding. And to be really well-bred requires good sense, which enables us to enter into the character and sentiments of others. Thus there are people, naturally well-bied, and there are others so rude and ill-mannered, notwithstanding they have been accustomed to the best society that it is a penance to be in their company.

AFFECTATION.

AFFECTATION is that in manners, which hypocrisy is in region-an attempt to impose on others, by an appearance of qualities which we do not possess. We cannot pay ourselves a worse compliment than by affectation; it is a tacit acknowledgement that we ought to be what we are not. Like a mask, it may conceal our face, but it is still known to be a faise face. However common affectation may be, there is no failing more generally detested, because it is used to hide all the other fail

ings, and to display perfections to which we

have no claim.

This is a folly incident to youth, but not confined to that age, though generally worn

off by an acquaintance with the world. In every period of life it is disgusting, because it indicates a trifling vanity of mind. It usually arises from a desire to imitate some one who is admired for superiour accomplishments. But it is blind and undiscriminating, and adopts the infirmities and defects of the person admired, as readily as the beauties and the graces.

"The brhtest forms through Affectation fade
To strange new things, which nature never made.
Frown not, ye fair, so much your sex we prize,
We hate those arts which take you from our eyes.
In Albucinda's native grace is seen,
What you, who labour at perfection, mean :
Short i the rule, and to be learnt with ease;
Remain your gentle selves, and you must please."

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YOUNG.

AN historian gives the following anecdote as a specimen of the address by which this wonderful prince prepared the minds of his subjects for one of the most important and complete revolutions that ever was witnessed in any nation.

An

In 1703 the Czar resided at Moscow, and gave a general invitation to the male and female nobility of his Tartar court, on the occasion of the marriage of one of the royal jesters. The fact is recorded from the authority of the diary kept by the monarch himself. He commanded that all the visitors should appear dressed in the ancient costume. old superstitious ceremony required that no fire should be permitted in the family of the married couple, on the day of their nuptials : Peter therefore had none prepared in his palace for the company; although it was in the winter season, and the cold was extreme.. The ancient Russians drank no wine, the beverage was therefore mead and brand this wedding. The company whispered some feeble and modest complaints, on which Peter ridiculed their embarrassment. "Your ancestors, said he, were contented with this fare, and antiquity is ever preferable to novelty. The Czar, by such expedients, eradicated the prejudices of his country against modern improvements, and from the degradation of the Vandal colonies, and the Usbec tribes, raised it to the first rank among the powers of Europe.

ANGER.

THERE is an inconsistency in anger very common in life; which is, that those who are vexed to impatience, are angry to see others less disturbed than themselves; but when others begin to rave, they immediately see in them, what they could not find in themselves, the deformity and folly of useless ungoverned passion.

POETRY.

SELECTED.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPANISH BULL-FIGHT.

THE lists are op'd, the spacious area clear'd, Thousands on thousands pil'd are seated round Long ere the first loud trumpet's note is heard, No vacant space for lated wight is found: Here dons, grandees, but chiefly dames abound, Skill'd in the ogle of a roguish eye, Yet ever well inclin'd to heal the wound; None through their cold disdain are doom'd to die, As moon-struck bards complain, by Love's sad archery.

Hush'd is the din of tongues-on gallant steeds, With milk-white crest, gold spur, and light-poiz'd lance,

Four cavaliers prepare for venturous deeds,
And lowly bending to the lists advance;
Rich are their scarfs, their chargers featly prance :
If in the dangerous game they shine to-day,
The crowds loud shout and ladies lovely glance,
Best prize of better acts, they bear away,

[The following smooth and pathetick lines were al dressed to the unfortunate Mrs ROBINSON, by an English lady, who has been much celebrated for her genius and accomplishments.]

THOUGя on thy cheek the living roses glow

Loveliest when bathed in sorrow's lucid tear; Though more enchanting heaves thy "breast of snow," Pouring the sigh to pensive anguish dear;

And all that kings or chiefs e'er gain their toils repay. Though sweeter flows thy soul-dissolving lay,

In costly sheen and gaudy cloak array'd,
But all afoot, the light-limb'd Matadore
Stands in the centre, eager to invade
The lord of lowing herds; but not before

The ground, with cautious tread, is travers'd o'er,
Lest aught unseen should lurk to thwart his speed:
His arms a dart, he fights aloof, nor more
Can man achieve without the friendly steed,
Alas! too oft condemn'd for him to bear and bleed.

Thrice sounds the clarion; lo! the signal falls,
The den expands, and Expectation mute
Gapes round the silent Circle's loaded walls.
Bounds with one lashing spring the mighty brute
And, wildly staring, spurns, with sounding foot,
The sand, nor blindly rushes on his foe :

Here, there, he points his threatening front, to suit

His first attack, wide waving to and fro
His angry tail; red rolls his eye's dilated glow.

Sudden he stops-his eye is fix'd-awayA way, thou heedless boy! prepare the spear : Now is thy time, to perish, or display The skill that yet may check his mad career! With well-time'd croupe the nimble coursers veer ; On foams the bull, but not unscath'd he goes, Streams from his flank the crimson torrent clear; He flies, he wheels, distracted with his throes; Dart follows dart; lance, lance; loud bellowing speak his woes.

Again he comes; nor dart nor lance avail, Nor the wild plunging of the tortur'd horse ; Though man and man's avenging arms assail, Vain are his weapons, vainer is his force. One gallant steed is stretch'd a mangled corse; Another, hideous sight! unseam'd appears, Ilis gory chest unveils life's panting source, Tho' death-struck still his feeble frame he rears, Staggering, but stemming all, his lord unharm'd he bears.

Foil'd, bleeding, breathless, furious to the last,
Full in the centre stands the bull at bay,
Mid wounds, and clinging darts, and lances brast,
And foes disabled in the brutal fray:
And now the Matadores around him play,
Shake the red cloak, and poise the ready brand:
Once more through all he bursts his thundering
way-

Vain rage! the mantle quits the conynge hand, Wraps his fierce eye-'tis past-he sinks upon the sand!

Where his vast neck just mingles with the spine, Sheath'd in his form, the deadly weapon lies. He stops he starts-disdaining to decline : Slowly he falls, amidst triumphant cries, Without a groan, without a struggle dies. The decorated car appears-on high The corse is pil'd-sweet sight for vulgar eyes— Four steeds that spurn the rein, as swift as shy, Hurl the dark bulk along, scarce seen in dashing by. BYRON.

Whene'er thy lute throbs to that deep'ning sigh, As to the plaintive gale of sinking day Vibrates the lyre of airy melody:

Yet ah! were mine the anguish-healing art,

No more should sigh that beauteous "breast of snow," Soft throbbing to the touch of sorrow's dart ;

But though no costly balm I can bestow, Accept the incense of a pensive heart Charm'd by thy magick melody of wo.

ADDRESS TO HEALTH.

Translated from the hymns of Ariphron, a Grecian poet. Dr. Johnson has given a prose translation in the 48th number of his Rambler.

HEALTH, brightest visitant from heav'n,
Grant me with thee to rest;
For the short term by nature given

Be thou my constant guest :
For all the pride that wealth bestows,
The pleasure that from children flows,
Whate'er attends on royal state
That makes men covet to be great-
Whatever sweets we hope to find

In love's delightful snares, Whatever good by heav'n assign'd, Whatever pause from cares, All flourish at thy smile divine ; The spring of loveliness is thine, And every joy that warms our hearts With thee approaches and departs.

AN ODE IN IMITATION OF ALCEUS.
By Sir William Jones.

WHAT Constitutes a state ?
Not high-raised battlements, or laboured mound,
Thick wall, or moated gate;
Nor cities proud with spires and turrets crown'd ;
Not bays, and broad-arm'd ports,

Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride;
Not starred and spangled courts,
Where low-browed baseness wafts perfume to pride
No; Men, high-minded Men,
With powers as far above dull brutes, endued
In forest brake or den,

As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude;
Men, who their duties know,

But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long-aimed blow,

And crush the tyrant, while they rend the chain; These constitute a state

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED FOR
JOHN PARK,

BY MUNROE, FRANCIS AND PARKER,

NO. 4 CORNHILL.

Price three dollars per annum, half in advance. •.* New subscribers may be supplied with preceding number.»

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