Iu a room adjoining our apartment, some are many virtues common to the Turks Turks were engaged in their devotions; which would do honour to any nation; and and, whenever we have seen them so occu- above all, that reverence for the Deity, pied, whether in the mosques, or in the which renders the taking of his name in public streets, or in private dwellings, we vain to be a thing unheard of among them; always regarded them with respect; for add to this, their private and their public however we may be disposed to revile the charities; their general temperance and Turkish religion, there is perhaps no Chris- sobriety; their donations for the repose tian but might find an example worthy of and the refreshment of travellers*, and for his imitation in the behaviour of a Moslem the establishment of public baths and founduring his prayers. If we may judge of tains; their endowment for hospitals; their genuine piety by external appearances, the compassion for animals; the strict fidelity Mahometans are, of all people, the most with which they fulfil their engagements; sincere in their worship. They are never their hospitality; the attention shewn to seen to wander during their prayers, or to cleanliness in their frequent ablutions; and neglect them, or to utter a parcel of words many other of their characteristics, which by rote, with their thoughts intent upon forcibly contrast them with their neighother matters, like many of those persons bours;-and we shall be constrained to who pretend to hold a better faith: their allow that there can hardly be found a whole soul seems to be absorbed by the people, without the pale of Christianity, solemnity of the exercise, and their thoughts better disposed towards its most essential so perfectly abstracted from every earthly precepts. That they have qualities which consideration, that it is impossible to be- least deserve our approbation; and that hold them without participating the reve- these are the most predominant, must be rence they manifestly feel. But this beha- attributed entirely to the want of that viour may be attributed to the very great "leaven," which in "leavening the whole stress laid by their Korán upon the duties mass" hath not yet extended its influence of prayer. Mahomet called it The PILLAR to this benighted people: for their iguoOF RELIGION; and the Turks maintain rance is so profound, and it is so universal, that in this act of devotion, they ought to that they may be considered as generally be so intent and fixed, that no possible destitute of any intellectual attainment event can have power to divert their at- whatsoever. The highest offices of the tention; not even the command of the Sul-state are administered by individuais taken tan himself, nor any alarm of fire or other from the dregs of society; and when adimminent peril. How beautiful is the de-mitted to the friendly intercourse and conscription given by Busbequius of the whole versation of those among them who are Turkish army engaged in one solemn act the most looked up to, either on account of of public devotion! Yet Rycaut affirmed, their elevated rank, or probity of characthat of all the nations and religions he had ter, we were constrained to regard them known, the Turks were the most hypo- rather with affection than with esteem; as critical. "These are they," said he," who claiming the same degree of regard, minlove to pray in the market place and in gled with pity, which is excited by the the corners of the streets, to have praise of goodness and simplicity of very benevolent, men; for it is observable with the Turks, but very illiterate, old women. that where they find the most spectators, especially of Christians, to choose that place, how inconvenient soever, to spread first their handkerchief, and then begia their prayers." We know not how to acquiesce in the truth of these observations. We saw much of the Turks, and we had one who was daily our companion; but, bating a little treachery as to the strict observance of their fast, together with the dissolute practices of their Dervishes, we would say generally, of the whole race, that the Turks are the last people upon earth who deserve to be called hypocrites in their religion. Rycaut wrote at a time when the prejudices against Moslems were very high, and when his own countrymen had not lost the strong tincture of fanaticism they had acquired under Cromwell. There

Nor does this evaporate in mere devotion: we have seen that it took even Infidels under protection; and that, at no trifling pecuniary sacrifice; beside this, the consideration of the Turks for brute animals is much to their praise: we quote an instance, in which it certainly is not deficient.

In some parts of the Empire there are Khans for the reception of travellers, why h are so endowed, that every night the guests are entertained at free cost with a coavenient supper, be their number more less, according to the capacity of the Ente iug. See Rycaut's Ottoman Empire, p. 137. Lond. 1670.

r

that this year it came earlier than usual; that it paid him haudsomely for its lodging; its presence being considered as a most fortunate omen, whereby customers were attracted to his shop whenever the swallow arrived.

Wide and barren plains, as before, during the whole days journey. Passed an iminense tumulus We observed this morning a very extraordinary serpent, moving upon the grass: it had a large blunt and thick head; but in other respects it resembled a common viper. Mr. Cripps descended from his horse and killed it; and with that abhorrence of a reptile, terrible in its aspect, and perhaps dangerous, we were glad to see it lifeless. Carrying it, how-couth Court. ever, in his hands to shew to the ambassador, who was seated in his arabak, he received a mild but pointed reproof, against the wantonness of depriving an animal unnecessarily, of life," Bey Zadeh!" said he," had that poor serpent done any thing to injure you? Are you the happier because Do not carry you have deprived it of life? with you a proof of your cruelty; it may be unlucky: the same God who made you, created also the serpent; and surely there was room enough in this wilderness for both of you!"

We are not aware that the power of prejudice operated in any degree in behalf of this serpent; though it might, and probably did, in the following instance of the swallow; for this bird has had, for ages, the public voice for its protection, as being the harbinger of spring.

Quitting the Turks, we wish to afford a glimpse, at least, of the state of European Society at the seat of this unIt comprizes amusing scenes, and among the men and manners reported on by this enlightened traveller, few are more peculiar than those which present themselves among the representatives of the crowned heads of Christendom, accredited to a people who heartily despise them, who treat them with a distrust bordering on contempt, and who conscientiously wish them all at the devil, to whom they piously consign Djaurs, heretics, and unbelievers, of every description; meaning, all the heterodox-in other words, all the world but themselves.

Upon the Queen's birth-day, another ceremony took place; the laying of the first stone of the New Palace for the British Ministers at the Porte; at this we also attended, in company with all the English

then resident. The former building had been consumed by fire. The gaieties of A very curious circumstance in the nathe Carnival were greatly increased this was made year in Pera, in consequence of the expul tural history of the swallow known to us accidentally at this village. sion of the French from Egypt; and the In the course of our search for antiquities, Turks were rather more tolerant than happening to visit the shop of a poor bar- usual in their behaviour towards the ber, we observed, as we were speaking to English. Masquerades were frequent in all the houses of the foreign ministers; and the owner, in a room with a ceiling so low there were also public masquerades, in pitched that our heads almost touched it, a swallow enter, two or three times, through taverus, open to all comers: the latter of course formed of the lowest company, and a hole purposely left for its admission, over the door. Without regarding either the being for the most part nothing better than number or the noise and motion of so the most public exhibition of disgusting many persons in this small room, it con- sensuality. The only circle that can be tinued its operation of building a nest, called by the name of Society in Pera, is although within our reach, against one of formed by the families, secretaries, chapthe joists. It was impossible not to admire lains, interpreters, and agents of the dif the activity of this little animal; the velo-ferent envoys: and this may be considercity with which it went and returned; but above all, the happy confidence which it seemed to enjoy, in its security from molestation or injury. The owner of the shop entertained the superstition which is common to all nations, that are visited by this bird, and which is alluded to by Sophocles, concerning the sanctity of his little guest; deeming himself fortunate in being thus honoured by one of Apollo's Messengers. He told us, that the same swallow had annually visited him for many years; but

ed as naturally exhibiting an entertaining masquerade, without any license from the season of Carnival. It is the same in all seasons; a mixed and motley assembly of many nations and languages. The chief amusement at their evening parties, consists in card-playing. The French government, always famous for the skill with which it conducts political intrigue, when it wishes to employ a spy who may collect the state secrets of the ministerial hive at Pera, take care to send one who is an adroit

Yet

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gambler; and who, by his address among | to all; for there is not the smallest variety the women, becomes a popular man at their to be observed in going from one house to card-tables; the generality of the young another; the same amusement, the same men being engaged in dancing. One or conversation, and the same company, are two such spies had at this time obtained found in every other palace. situations in our army; and they have since proved themselves to be the traitors almost a new route to the public. We From Constantinople to Hungary, is we at that time suspected they were. it was amazing to observe with what eager have, indeed, seen private journals deness the company of these men was court-scribing this course, with the people ed, and with what incredible facility, the and countries; but, in general, there is unsuspecting Ministers of the different nations became their dupes. At nst arrived that if it could be performed with closed so little attractive during the progress, General Sebastiani himself, said to have been eyes and ears, the traveller's gain, in originally a postillion; and whose intellectual attainments certainly did not belie his loss in information. Fortunately for comfort, would more than compensate the report. This man, the avowed ambas Dr. C. and his company, they traveled sador of the French government, dressed like the trumpeter of a puppet shew, soon with a Turkish Ambassador going to acquired such influence, by his affectation Paris; his Excellency, with his train, of gallantry, and by his unequivocal lan- diversify the journey, by furnishing guage even with those young women who several amusing anecdotes; and, as an had the greatest reputation for chastity, occasion of parade, perhaps nothing that, according to his own vulgar expres could have been equally à propos. Notsion, he might be said to have had the withstanding these considerations, and whole diplomatic body under his thumb." much civility received from the AmbasYet there is no place where so much fuss is made about a point of etiquette as at Pera; sador, the Englishmen took the first and this sometimes gives rise to a very opportunity of following their own way. amusing exhibition. At a ball, before dancing begus, the gentlemen stand up first, without their partners; and a general scramble, with altercation, ensues for precedency. A stranger would suppose that at least half a dozen duels were to be fought the next morning; but, like all blustering, it generally ended in words only. It is impossible, however, to bear the cause of so much agitation without laugh-visit them; and his reception was highly ter." Sir, this is my place! I am to dance with Prussia!"-"You'll pardon me, Sir Russia goes down another set."-" Gentlemen, must beg you will give way; England is my partner!" Admitted to the supper-table, he sees with surprise some of the ladies wrapping up roasted woodcocks. and other edible animals, whole, and put ting them into their pockets! If attracted towards a corner of the room, where the number of culpars and whiskered faces announce a party of the Dragomans, he finds them bartering some antique medal or gem, or settling the price of a shaw!, or offering for sale an embroidered handkerchief; or perhaps two Greek physicians disputing their mode of practice. Upon the sofas round the room, the elder Greek women, with heads and hands in constant motion, displaying their long ringlets of false or dyed hair, are bawling to each other in Romaic, and in a tone of voice the most shrill and harmonious. This description of one evening assembly in the apartments of an ambassador at Pera, applies equally

river, looks very pretty on a map; but The Danube, as a long and navigable as the stream encreases, the shores besive. The desire of our Author to become less bold, less noble, less imprescome acquainted with the mineralogy of the mines of Tellurium, and other inetals, led him out of his direct road, to

favourable to his studies. He purchased specimens of ore; and at Cremnitz had at different mines extremely valuable the good fortune to meet the Austrian Archdukes, who had come to inspect the mines, and whose kindness not a little facilitated the author's intentions. Dr. C. ventures to recommend the example of these princes: certainly, the duly appreciated. mines of our island have never yet been

dress during their stay; and condeTheir Highnesses wore the miner's scended to place themselves among the people.

skill may be thought rather nominal Modern improvements in arts and than real, by many who forget what formerly prevailed: the following is a clear instance in proof to the routrary; and as it may afford a hint at home, we record it, pro bono publico.

advantage resulting from early exhaus-lected and immortalized, and especially tion. The mind feels that excessive la- Dante, in his astonishing work. To that bour has been bestowed on opening in-writer Mr. H. traces his authority. cidents, and to place this labour where it would be more effectual, a part at least of what has been read must be forgot; a new train of ideas, the same, yet not the same, demanded by the imagination, excite a dangerous kind of rivalship, and the poet must forego them, because he has already introduced others so nearly alike, that the most careless reader must detect the resemblance.

The writer who attributes evils to fate, is not a moral writer. It is easy to talk of the miseries imposed on mankind by unrelenting heaven; but, it were wiser to shew the cause in the consequences, and to teach an abhorrence of what all must pronounce a vice, by proposing a lesson from history, at which good sense, and moral rectitude, being startled, should lead to resolutions of conduct more correct, and therefore more happy. . Had the writer informed us, that he meant to shew the evils consequent on pride; that the ready way to lose the affections of a bride, is austerity of manners and haughtiness of deportment in a husband; this turn of thought, marked in a few of the stanzas, would have brought forward the character of the husband, now too much overpowered by the brilliancy of his rivals, and would have added an interest, the result of conviction and judgment. As the story is conducted, the sympathy of the reader is divided; and even the father of the hapless bride, is not so decidedly the object of censure, as he might have been rendered, by a few lines from the poet's pen, warning fathers who meditate the sacrifice of their daughters to ambition, to mere splendour, to political considerations, that no better issue may await their schemes, than that which cost life after life, in the history under recital.

Italy has afforded materials to our best poets, for some of their most affecting pieces: the cruel party violences under which that country in the thirteenth century suffered, with the bitter enmities left as legacies among noble families, century after century, produced many horrible events: these the Poetic muse, as well as the Historic, se

The following story is founded on a passage in Dante, the substance of which is contained in the concluding paragraph of the second canto. For the rest of the incidents, generally speaking, the praise or blame remains with myself. The passage in question-the episode of Paulo and readers of Italian poetry, and is indeed the Francesca has long been admired by the most cordial and refreshing one in the whole of that singular poem the Inferno.

The interest of the passage is greatly increased by its being founded on acknowledged matter of fact. Even the particular circumstance which Dante describes as having hastened the fall of the lovers, the perusal of Launcelot of the Lake,-is most likely a true anecdote; for he himself, not long after the event, was living at the court of Guido Novello da Polenta, the heroine's father; and indeed the very circumstance of his having related it all, considering its nature, is a warrant of its authenticity.

The commentators differ in their accounts the lady was in some measure beguiled into of the rest of the story; but all agree that the match with the elder Malatesta,-Boccaccio says, by being shewn the younger brother once, as he passed over a square, and told that that was her intended husband. I have accordingly turned this arti fice to account, though in a different manner. I have also omitted the lameness attributed to the husband; and of two difvauni and Launcelot, have chosen the ferent names by which he is called, Gioformer, as not interfering with the hero's appellation, whose story the lovers were reading.

The Italians have been very fond of this little piece of private history, and I used to wonder that I could meet with it in none

of the books of novels, for which they have perhaps owing to the nature of the books been so famous; till I reflected, that it was themselves, which such a story might have been no means of recommending. The historians of Ravenna, however, have taken care to record it; and besides Dante's episode, it is alluded to by Petrarch and by Tassoni. The former mentions the lovers among his examples of calamitous passion, in the Trionfo d'Amore, cap. 3. Tassoni, Malatesta, as leading the troops of Rimini, in his tragic-comic war, introduces Paulo and paints him in a very lively manner, as contemplating, while he rides, a golden sword-chain, which Francesca had given him, and which he addresses with melan