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LORD GEORGE DIGBY bore a conspicuous part in the transactions of the reign of Charles the Second, and was remarkable for his talents and inconsistences. "His life," says Walpole, "was one contradiction. He wrote against popery, and embraced it; he was a zealous opposer of the court and a sacrifice for it; was conscientiously converted in the midst of his prosecution of Lord Strafford, and most unconscientiously a prosecutor of Lord Clarendon. With great talents he always hurt himself and his friends; with romantic bravery he was always an unsuccessful commander. He spoke for the test act though a Roman Catholic; and addicted himself to the study of astrology on the birth-day of true philosophy."

E. M. A.

ENGLISH POETRY From Cowper may be deduced the commencement of the third great era of modern English literature, since it was in no small measure to the inspiration of his task, that our countrymen are indebted, if not for the existence, yet certainly for the character of the new school of poetry, established first at Bristol, and afterwards transferred to the Lakes, as scenery more congenial and undisturbed for the exercises of contemplative genius. Southey, Coleridge, and Woodsworth started almost contemporaneously in the same path to fame-a new one, indeed, untrodden and entangled with thorns, or obstructed with stones, yet in many parts fertile and diversified; blooming with all the beauty, and breathing with all the fragrance of the richest and most cultivated enclosures of the Muses. The minds and the feelings, the passions and prejudices of men of all ranks and attainments, from the highest to the lowest, were at that time roused and interested by the fair and promising, the terrific and stupendous events of the French revolution; and the excitement of this portentous phenomena in the state of Europe prepared this nation especially

(from the freedom with which all questions might be discussed) for that peculiar cast of subjects and of style, both in verse and prose, for which the present period is distinguished from every former one.

Varieties.

CURIOUS MEMENTO.-The Monthly Magazine gives two original autograph letters; the first a very remarkable one from Marat, which gives rise to some curious reflections and deductions; the other is from Beaumarchais, the author of Figaro and the Barber of Seville, in which the following singular passage occurs. He is relating a conversation with the Duke de Lauraguais, celebrated for eccentricities and profligacy:-"But now the only treasure that remains to me is this,' said the duke, pointing to a ring on his finger, a treasure which no earthly power shall prevail on me to part with. It enables me to bear up with all my misfortunes-it is my sole consolationthis, sir, is my wife-my beloved wife!' I thought of the refuge for lunatics, and my countenance probably expressed my feelings. No, sir, I am not mad; this ring, or rather part of it, was once a beautiful and amiable woman; she rendered me, during her life-time, the happiest of mortals, and when her soul winged its flight to the celestial regions, I was determined that so much beauty and loveliness should not become the prey of vile reptiles. I applied to Vanderberg, the chemist, who, having placed the remains in a sheet of asbestos, it was committed to the flames, and reduced, by violent heat, to a small quantity of powder, which, afterwards, by some chemical preparation, was converted into a blue vitrified substance; here it is, sir, set in a gold ring-the very quintessence of my adorable partner!' At this moment some person was announced; I took my hat, and wished Lauraguais a good morning."

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Diary and Chronology.

Tuesday, 17th July.

July 17-Captain J. Slater, master of the Rotterdam steam-boat, and a London merchant, was killed as the vessel was returning with a party fiom an experimental voyage up the Nore. He sat down by the opening, and was about to lean his head on his arm, when he fell amongst the works, and before the machinery could be stopped, was crushed to death.

Thursday, 19th July. 1821-King George IV. crowned. Friday, 20th July.

St. Margaret, a virgin martyr of Antioch, suffered death about the year 275.

Wednesday, 25th July.

On this day St. James the apostle, usually called the great, or elder, the patron saint of Spain. suffered martyrdom about the year 44.

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THE SPIRIT BRIDE.
For the Olio.

"THERE again that beauteous figure
flits before me; am I then in love with
a being to whom I have never spoken
even a passing word, whose name I
know not, or whether she be worthy of
being treasured for an instant in my
immagination? but then a form so lovely,
a face so fair, and eyes that sparkle
with a lustre such as woman's never did
before. I can scarce believe it is one
of earth's creatures; however be it what
it may, should we again meet I will
boldly declare my passion. She may
disdain it, laugh at me, call me pre-
sumptuous-well, well, call me as she
will, I shall have spoken to her."

The quickly passing figure of an elegant being had drawn forth the above soliloquy from Albert Meenen, a young Hungarian by birth, and nearly related to some of the first families in Presburg. He had often in his ramblings met the object who had gained Vol. IX.

such strong hold upon his affections, and fancied she did not altogether gaze upon him with indifference;-but who was she? nobody knew; the spies he had employed to watch her had always been baffled, and there appeared a mystery hanging around her that was quite beyond his power to unravel. Could she be a stranger staying a short time in Presburg? He caused enquiries to be made at every hotel in the town, whether high or low, but there was no one at all answering the description had been staying there.

Uncertain whither to go, he one afternoon dashed his horse through the magnificent suburbs of Presburg, and found himself in a short time galloping across the wide and open plain; he was completely wrapped up in his meditations, allowing the animal to go where and as he would, until the creature suddenly shying, nearly threw him from his saddle; this made him look up to see what had occasioned it. A few paces before him, stood the fair incognita he had so diligently and ineffectually sought; her gaze seemed

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fixed upon him. Albert was now some leagues from Presburg; the wide plain seemed untenanted except by themselves, it was far out of the beaten track, this he saw at a glance, how then came she there? Her long and flowing dress of the purest white, and slight veil thrown partially over her beautiful tresses, were not such as the proud Hungarian dames were in the habit of wearing; he threw himself off his horse, and approaching towards her, said

"Maiden, I have sought thee everywhere, and until this moment, never have I been so blessed as to have it in my power to express the feelings of my heart."

"You say you sought me; yes, as such as you do seek far and wide, midst the haunts of men; think you it was there I passed, otherwise than as a flittering shadow? had you sought me here in the wide extended plains, in solitude and quiet, you would have found me, where only I could listen to you."

"Oh, maiden! be you what you may, hear me while I say I love thee, as man never loved before. It is not a passion of earth, but more approaching the nature of thyself, pure as the air which plays around us; I will worship thee, will leave all to follow thee, do but listen to me."

"Your love is like that of all earth's creatures, fickle and changing as the wind; amongst yourselves you win affections and then cast off the softer of your kind, to linger on for years in heart-broken anguish, or fall the prey of misplaced fondness. With us it is not so; the rolling course of time still finds us the same, and we know not the sorrows of blighted affection."

"Oh do not cast me from you, fair being, for the faults of others; I swear by all I hold most sacred, by thyself, that lengthened years will find no change; ever shall I be the same, the fondest, most devoted."

"You promise bravely; but I have been warned against the promises of men, and bid to seek those amongst my own kind with whom to plight my faith; had I not seen you I might have done so, but now it is too late; I have ventured much for thee, more than thou canst ever know; should I be deceived, then farewell all—"

"Nay, maiden, speak not thus, but augur for the best."

"Dare you venture to meet me here, just as the evening star is shining forth, alone!"

"For your sake, I would face the arch fiend himself." "You promise me?" "I do."

""Till then, farewell!" and waving her hand towards him, her form gradually became indistinct, until not a trace remained to shew that a moment since she had been there."

Albert found his horse at some liule distance from him quietly grazing, the animal allowed itself to be taken without difficulty, and was soon on the road towards Presburg. At the suburbs, they met the throng returning from the Promenade, and as Albert rode slowly on, many a fair hand was waved to him from a carriage window, and many a dashing Hungarian officer, as he proudly curveted by, made a friendly salutation; but all passed unheeded, he was counting the hours, the minutes, nay, the very seconds, until he should again behold his fair spirit.

"Are you turned exchange broker, and counting the bales of merchandize, duly consigned?" said a gentleman on horseback, riding up to him.

"Alas, no!" sighed Albert, scarce knowing what he was saying,

"Alas, no! mercy on us, what a sigh! how much would many a fair maiden give for such an one from you, Albert!" "Did I sigh, Storwald ?"

"Why, something very like 1 must confess."

"I was thinking of my poor aunt, who lies buried in the church we are passing, you know she used to be very fond of me."

"Why, she has been dead these three years, and often as I have ridden by the church with you, I never heard you sigh for the poor old lady before; but it won't do, that was not a sigh for an aunt; it was too deep, too heartfelt ; I'll wager all I'm worth, it's for the sweet daughter of the Countess Eitlingen, that you waltzed with so much at the court fete."

"Storwald, I pledge you my honour you are mistaken;" but he had spurred on his horse, and was out of hearing. "This is very provoking, it will be bruited about everywhere, that I am smitten with the countess's daughter, and there are people foolish enough to believe it.”

Albert gave his horse to the servant, and retired to his own room, there to await in patience, until it was time to seek the plains; he attired himself in a light hunting dress, and armed only with a small sword, which he carried

more for ornament than protection, sought the appointed rendezvous. As he reached the spot the growing gloom was increasing to darkness; all around was still as death, not even the distant sound of the evening chimes was borne towards him; he looked up, and saw the evening star shining brightly, but no where through the gloom could he trace the figure of her he sought."

"Maiden, I am here alone to seek thee." As he spoke these words, he perceived an indistinct form, which, as it approached towards him, he saw was that of the spirit maiden; he flew to clasp her in his arms, but she motioned him back with an air of offended dignity. "Creature of earth, listen to me, and I will say why I have wished thee to meet me here. In my wanderings I have seen thee often-have loved thee -nay, more, would be thy bride; will you forsake the creatures of thy kind to dwell with me and mine? thou shalt have all thy fancy or imagination can paint all thy most unbounded wishes can suggest, as conducing to thy happiness. I ask in return only thine affections, pure and unalloyed."

"Oh! fair being! for thee alone I will forsake all, the most I could have wished would be to dwell with thee; I want not other aids for perfect happiness; believe me, sweet creature, for speak with all sincerity."

"But one thing more: with us, whenever our faith is plighted, if by word, deed, or action, we sully those vows of faith, but for an instant, then must we for ever part. It is our law, we must obey-wilt thou bear it in thy remembrance?"

"Dearest inaiden, for ever."

"There then is my hand, look up towards the evening star, and swear that thou art mine-mine for ever-and wholly mine."

"I swear!"

As soon as he had uttered these words, he perceived a dense mist gathering around them; his hand remained clasping that of his bride, but she spoke not; the mist was too thick to allow him to see her features, and he feared to question lest it should imply a want of faith.

In a few seconds a breeze came sweeping by, and quickly dispersed the mist. Albert looked up, and perceived before him a palace more magnificent than even his fancy could have imagined; lights streamed from every win dow of all hues and shades; whilst from out the doors burst troops of beings,

some making the air resound with most melodious music, and others singing sweet welcome to Eva the bride, and the creature of earth; on every side were bands of spirit beings seeking amusement in a thousand various ways, but joining their voices in the loud chorus of welcome; all seemed in search of pleasure and happiness, when and as they would; and the loud laugh, which, at intervals, burst forth with such hearty good will, was repeated by the echo until it died faintly away, or mingled with the music's sounds.

"This is now our home; think you it will cause you to regret the dwellings of mankind?"

"It is indeed beautiful," replied Albert; "imagination could not paint such; to pass my days here, and with thee, my charming bride, will be happiness such as we could not feel on earth."

"Each seeks for pleasure as the fancy prompts; our laws are so simple that we scarce know of their existence, they are only for the general good, one individual cannot oppress another, nor have we the vaín ranks and shadows of authority like you on earth; we live always in one continued round of enjoyments, and the cares of old age and decrepitude are unknown-but let us

onward."

They joined the pomp which had come out to meet them, and entered together the palace; the interior of which was of corresponding magnificence with all around; one saloon was lighted with lamps, sending forth a soft blue shade, which gave the appearance of a beautiful clear moonlight night, whilst another throwing forth rays of chastened red, seemed to imitate the fiery aspect of the setting sun. The festivities were long continued, and often and loudly did the walls resound with the praises of the bride, each voice joining in the full chorus, whilst some sweet singer gently breathed forth the melody.

Time passed away unheeded; each day saw the recurrence of the joyous scene, but unlike the pleasures of earth, they never palled. Albert felt a gaiety-an elasticity of spirits, such as he had never known on earth. It seemed one continued summer season, the dull and dreary winter was unknown; day after day he wandered forth with the fair Eva, who would point out to him the various beauties of their fairy world.

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"And the temple which crowns the summit of yon rising ground, and overlooks the whole;-it is a lonely spot, whose quiet is only broken by the bird's sweet warblings; I used to love it once, and past many an hour alone, when I could not join the merry throng and share their mirth-but of late the path thither has been untrodden, let us towards it now."

"Ay, and we will sit there and bring to mind the by-gone time when first we met;" saying which, they turned and sought its path.

Albert was one day sitting alone in an arbour, formed by the overhanging boughs of the willow, his gaze was fixed upon the vast expanse of the calm unruffled lake before him, whilst his thoughts wandered unheeded. A light bark had pushed off from the side of the lake, and seemed to fly along the waters, its only tenant being a fair spirit, who was evidently making to wards the arbour in which Albert was reclining; as she approached, he perceived it was one whom he had frequently before remarked, not alone for her exceeding beauty, but because often when suddenly turning, he had found her looking intently upon him, and as their eyes met, a slight blush mantled o'er her cheeks, and she would turn away with an air of confusion; she drew up the bark to the side of the arbour, which she entered.

"Why, creature of earth, have you sought this solitary spot? - I had thought your kind had only loved to be in quiet and seclusion when the heart was sad, to pour out its griefs unheeded-you should be happy." "So fair being am I." "So, too, is the gentle Eva."

Indeed I hope so, but there are times when sadness seems to weigh upon her; a sudden thought flashes on her mind, that in an instant dispels the smiles that have been playing on her countenance, often have I asked her to tell me the reason, but never has she done so."

The fair spirit turned to look towards the lake, for her cheeks were suffused with a crimson hue, which she strove to conceal.

""Tis well you should not know." "I will not add to her sadness by further questioning."

"Tell me, creature of earth, whether amongst your kind men love but once."

Albert looked up; the eyes of the fair creature were fixed upon him, and he slowly replied-"Once only with the true fervour of love, the second time it is but”

"There is then a second time-have you loved more than once?" "But once."

"Then you may love again," and she drew towards him, "think you there are none save Eva, who have seen and loved you? have you looked with indifference on all besides? there is one who, from the moment you first entered our spirit land, has never ceased to feel for you, as for one-"

"I must not listen further," said Albert, "let me beseech you to consider-"

"I have considered, and for your sake will risk all! Oh do not cast me from you-say you will not hate me;" and she sank upon her knees before him. "I will pray for you to the evening star whom we all worship-I will watch over you—but oh, do not, do not hate me."

Albert gently raised her from the ground; his arm had encircled her waist, and her head fell upon his breast; he looked an instant at her lovely face, and in token that he felt not hatred, imprinted on her lips a chaste and gentle kiss;-a boat at that moment passed before the arbour, and to his horror he perceived it contained the gentle Eva he flew towards her.

"Eva, hear me, I have not wronged thee; but listen to me for one short instant, Eva! Eva!"

She faded from his sight, and he saw a thick mist was gathering around him, which every moment became more dense; in a short time it died away, and he perceived he was again in the plains of Hungary-it was in the open glare of broad day.

"Eva!" he faintly sighed, "I have not deserved this-never have my thoughts an instant wronged thee;" he looked up, and saw standing a few paces before him the figure of her he called upon; her arms were folded across her breast, and her countenance seemed worn by grief; whilst burning

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