it is the smoke of London, emblematick of of its magnificence. At times when the wind changing from the west to the east, rolls the vast volumes of sulphur towards each other, columns ascend to a great height, in some parts bearing a blue tinge, in others a flame colour, and in a third, accumulated and dense, they darken portions of the city, till the back rooms require candles. A resident in London cannot form an idea of the grand and gloomy scene-it must be viewed from the environs, In the spring, before fires are discontinued, during a calm day, Vesuvius itself can scarce ly exceed this display of smoke. It is pleasing to observe the black streams which issue from the different manufactories; sometimes darting upwards, while every trifling current gives graceful undulation; at others rolling with low movements, blending with the common' air; when the dreary season of November arrives, and the atmosphere is dark and damp, a change in the wind produces an effect dismal and depressing. The smoke sometimes mixes with the clouds, and then they assume an electrick appearance. When the sun breaks through this veil during the summer, its beams have a wonderful effect on the trees and grass; the green is brightened inconceivably beautiful London is not without attraction on a dark evening; chiefly so in winter, when a strong wind prevails. It is then that the innumerable lights in the shops and streets send their rays towards heaven; but meeting with the smoke, depressed by a wet air, they are reflected and multiplied, making an arch of splendour, against which the houses and steeples appear in strong outlines. I have found the reflection so powerful as to dazzle my sight, and make the path dark and dangerous. A general illumination occasions great brilliancy. Let us now view our subject from the surrounding country; and this should be done on a summer morning, before the industrious inhabitants begin their labours. The most perfect and delightful prospect is from HamsteadHeath, when the wind blows strong from the east. Then it is that the clear bright field of ground, broken into a thousand grotesque shapes, gives lustre to the projecting front of Highgate, topped with verdure, and serving as a first distance, from which in gradual undulation the fields retire, till lost in a blue horizon. Hence, spread before you, are numberless objects to please the most difficult. The suburbs, like advanced guards, meet the eye in all directions, contracting their fawn-coloured sides with the neighbouring trees. Beyond them reposes in full majesty the main body, with its mighty queen, whose lofty cupola overlooks her phalanx of children, crowned with spires of various sizes and beauty, protected on the south by chain of hills. Much of the external splendour of London, I conceive must have been lost on the suppres sion of religious houses. Numerous towers and spires were destroyed, and those of the most venerable character. Several attempts to pre serve St. John's, Clerkenwell, and St. Augus tine's, were without success. LAUGHABLE ANECDOTES OF IGNORANCE AND CREDULITY. THE late empress of Russia, the patroness of real learning and of arts, having been informed that there were many incompetent French Tutors in her dominions, nothing unusual in other countries perhaps, issued an order, that all masters of the French language and tutors in pri vate families, should present themselves before a commission, which she named for the purpose of examination. Among the thousands of ignoramuses that appeared before this tribunal, there were two who astonished the commissioners by their gross stupidity. One of those able preceptors being examined on the modes of the French verbs, answered with much sang froid," that, as he left Paris fifteen years ago, he could say nothing a bout the actual modes, which were changing ev ery day." The other was not only ignorant, but an im postor. He was a native of Livonia, had nev, er seen France; and had been teaching the gibberish of his native province for two years to the daughter of a Russian nobleman, for the true Parisian dialect! SELECT SENTENCES. THINK not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions, but those who reprove thy faults. It is more desirable to distribute the fruits of one's own industry, than to reap the benefit of other people's. Men are more mindful of wrongs than of benefits, and it is but just that it should be so; as he who restores a deposite deserves no commendation; but he who detains, blame and punishment. Such as have virtue always in their mouths, and neglect it in practice, are like a harp which emits a sound pleasing to others, while itself is insensible of the musick. It is the only wisdom of man not to think he understands those things which he does not understand. It is the part of a wise man to prevent inconvenience; of a valiant man, to order it arigh when it comes., POETRY: FOR THE POLYANTHOŚ. TO PSYCHE. ? SWEET Warbling minstrel of poetick art, While all shall hail thee with a rapturous smile. Oh! would to heaven, thou matchless maid, One chord, her tuneless harp t' adorn, Dorchester, March 8, 1807. ΕΜΜΑ. |