Imatges de pàgina
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PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION.

The Parliament called at Shrewsbury in 1283, by King Edward I., was the first to which cities and towns were summoned to send representatives. It was also the first that granted aids towards the national defence, by the three denominations of knights, citizens, and burgesses, as well as by the lords spiritual and temporal. In this Parliament the Representatives sat in a separate chamber from the barons and knights. The Commons consisted of two knights for each county, two representatives for the City of London, and two for each of the following twenty towns only: Winchester, Newcastleupon-Tyne, York, Bristol, Exeter, Lincoln, Canterbury, Carlisle, Norwich, Northampton, Nottingham, Scarborough, Grimsby, Lynn, Colchester, Yarmouth, Hereford, Chester, Shrewsbury, and Worcester. From this it appears that there were not representatives of any towns in the counties of Westmoreland, Lancaster, Derby, Durham, Stafford, Warwick, Leicester, Rutland, Suffolk, Hertford, Bedford, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Buckingham, Berks, Oxford, Wilts, Somerset, Gloucester, Dorset, Sussex, and Surrey. In after times, burghs that were summoned, frequently prayed the Crown to be excused from sending representatives, on account of their being compelled to pay 2s. a day to such member for his wages while attending to his place. Sheriffs in their writs for elections to Parliament, sometimes omitted one or more burghs in a county, and at other times sent writs to

the same burghs, and this, for aught known to the contrary, without instructions from the King or his Council. Where burghs were poor, there were many such omissions, by favour of the Sheriffs, for a space of nearly 300 years. Upon petition of the town of Torrington to King Edward III. in 1366, he directed a bailiff and good men of the town, excusing them "from the burden of sending two representatives to Parliament, as they had never been obliged so to do till the 24th year of his reign, when," says the King, "the Sheriff of Devonshire maliciously summoned them to send two members to Parliament."

ELECTIONS.

The laws which have been made from time to time for regulating Elections, and fixing the qualifications of Electors, have not changed the Constitution. It was by statute in the reign of Henry VI. that the Electors for Counties were required to have freehold the value of forty shillings by the year within the county. At that time, beneficial leases for long terms of years were unknown; so that as the landed property of the kingdom was then circumstanced, it was certainly more fully represented than it is at present. Copyholders were then little better than villains-they were in a state of dependance upon their Lords

they could not be considered as having a will of their own, and therefore could have no share in the Government -no political liberty.

BALLOT.

The method of determining events by ballot, with different coloured balls, was practised by the ancients, though we have borrowed the term from the Venetians; the box or vase into which the balls were put is noticed by Apuleius, and is the hlot-bed of the Anglo-Saxons. Anecdotiana.

USE OF OATHS.

During the bloody transaction of the 10th of August, 1792, an English gentleman in Paris, happening to turn round, saw a musket levelled at his head by one of the enraged mob, who mistook him for an obnoxious aristocrat. "G-d d-n you, what are you about?" exclaimed the Englishman in his own language. Ah, Monsieur Godam ! etes vous Anglais? Que je suis ravi de vous voir!" replied the Frenchman, throwing his gun down, and clasping his new acquaintance heartily in his

arms.

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Diary and Chronology.

Wednesday, August 18.

St. Clare of Monte Falco, Virgin, 1308.-New Moon, 53m after 11 Morning. August 18, 1829.-Expired at Ferntower, Perthshire, General Sir David Baird. In the early part of the general's military career, he was wounded and made prisoner, after an heroic defence against an overwhelming force under Tippoo Saib, and remained in the power of Hyder Ally for three years and a half, during which period he endured great cruelties and privations. Sir David also fought bravely under Marquis Cornwallis in India. In 1804, he commanded an expedition to the Cape of Good Hope, where he landed, and compelled the Dutch to surrender the colony; besides these meritorious services, he served under Lord Cathcart at Copenhagen, where he was again wounded. In 1808, he fought at Corunna, where he had the misfortune to lose an arm. In 1814, he was appointed General; and in 1819, was made Governor of Kinsale, and subsequently of Fort William, which station he held up to the time of his death.

Thursday, August 19.

St. Lewis, Bishop, d. A.D. 1297.-High Water 18m after 2 Morning-3ĥm after 2 Aftern. August 19, 1702.-Anniversary of the memorable engagement that took place near St. Martha, N. E. of Carthagena, in South America, between a French Squadron, commanded by Du Casse, and an English one, under the brave, honest, and experienced Benbow; whose wounds co-operating with his grief at being basely deserted by some of his captains, soon put a period to his life. Two of those infamous cowards, Kirby and Wade, were, on their arrival, shot, having been previously tried.

Friday, August 20.

Sun rises 51m after 4-sets 8m after 7.

August 20, 1823.-Died the brave Marco Bozzaris, the Epaminondas of Modern Greece; he fell in an attack upon the Turkish camp at Lapsi, the scite of the ancient Platea, and expired in the moment of victory. His last words were, To die for liberty is a pleasure, not a pain."

Saturday, August 21.

St. Barnard Ptolemy, founder of the Olivetans, A D. 1348.

August 21, 1765.—Birth-day of his most gracious majesty, William the Fourth. For an interesting Memoir of the King, see p. 9, No. 137 of this work. 1821.-Expired Adam Bartsch, knight of the order of Leopold. Antic Counsellor, and Director in chief of the Imperial Library at Vienna. This indefatigable cnnoisseur was well known to all print collectors by his valuable voluminous work, Le Peintre Graveur, which is a valuable addition to the literature of that branch of the Fine Arts, to which he more particularly devoted his time and talents. Just before his death, he had completed another useful publication, Anleitung zar Kupferstichkunde, (Introduction to the Study and Knowledge of Engravings): a work that may be considered as an excellent grammar of the art, and as affording much information within a small compass. His own etchings amount in number to upwards of five hundred.

Sunday, August 22.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Lessons for the Day-5 chapter Kings, b 2, morn-9 chapter Kings, b__2, Even. St. Symphosion, Mart. A D 178.-High Water 51m after 3 Morning-9m after 4 Evening. August 22, 1650.-Died at the advanced age of 84, Sir Paul Pindar, a gentleman whose name stands proudly conspicuous in our mercantile annals. His probity, knowledge of languages, and great repute as a merchant, induced the Turkey Company strongly to recommend him to James I. who, in consequence, in 1611, appointed him ambassador to the Grand Seignior at Constantinople, where he remained nine years a resident, to the great advantage of English comInerce. On his retura in 1620, he was prevailed on to become one of the Farmers of the Customs, and whilst filling that office, he advanced large sums of money to James and his successor, which were never repaid. He furnished the crown with jewels, to his infinite loss, and upon particular state occasions, he obliged the King with the use of a diamond brought by him from Turkey, of the value of £30,000, which was afterwards purchased by his son Charles I. He also assisted Charles II. with gold when at Oxford, to enable him, as one of his biographers quaintly observes, to transport the " Queen and her Children."

Monday, August 23.

St. Justinian, Martyr, A.D. 529. — Sun rises 56m after 4—sets 3m after 7. August 23, 1822.-Expired Dr. William Herschel, the eminent astronomer, and discoverer of the planet which bears his name. This great man was indefatigable in his labours, and will only cease to be remembered when the sun ceases to illuminate the earth, or the stars the concave of the skies.

Tuesday, August 24.

St. Bartholomew High Water 56m after 4 Morning-13m after 5 After. The name given to this saint is not his proper, but patronymical name, and imports the Son of Tholomea or Tolmai. St. Bartholemew was chosen by Christ one of his twelve apostles. He carries the Gospel through the most barbarous countries, and was crowned with martyrdom in Great Armenia.

August 4, 1572.-On this day the demon of persecution and death hovered over Paris, dealing forth destruction in every form; the groans of the dying Protestants arose to Heaven, through five suoressive days of massacre and blood; while “ Kill! kill !" was the incessant cry of Charles IX., who stood at a window of the Tuilleries to animate his ruffians, when weary of their work, and to fire upon the miserable fugitives that came within his reach.

With No. 141, of Saturday, July 31, was published a Supplemental Sheet, containing a Memoir of her Majesty QUEEN ADELAIDE, embellished with a finely executed Portrait.

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fixed the heart of many a "illage swain. None, however, could boast that their

A VILLAGE SWAIN'S REVENGE. love was returned, except Frank Ri

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THE following narrative, although bearing so strong, an impress of romance, is but little amplified from an actual occurrence which took place at a village in a retired and beautiful part of Kent, less than half a century ago. The details are taken almost literally from the lips of an ancient husbandman, who was an eye and ear-witness of part of the scenes he related.

Fanny Rose was the boast of the village; her beauty, good-temper, and light-heartedness, won her the esteem of the old, the love of the young, and the admiration of all but the envious; her charms attracted the attention, and VOL. VI.

K

chards, the son of one of that useful and truly English class of men, now unhappily almost extinct-the small farmer; one who, in the words of the poet,

"perform'd man's highest task, Did wrong to none-but till d the fruitful soil, And liv'd upon the produce of his toil "

In the same village, however, in which Frank and Fanny dwelt, resided also a tyrannical magistrate, the lord of the manor, owner of most part of the surrounding soil, and dubbed by his humble rustic neighbours, "the rich 'Squire Golding." The chief pride of this man was centered in his only son, a fine, but dissolute young man, and in the preservation of the game in his preserves. To do any thing against these two darling passions, was to rouse his deadliest hate. His son George had often cast a longing eye upon the ripening loveliness of Fanny, and many a scheme had he tried to obtain her favour, but never with the least success, for her heart told her that Frank Rich

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ards, and Frank alone, was the man of her choice. Thus stood matters at the commencement of our tale.

business ugly enough to get you seven years of it."

Frank's blood boiled;-he said nothing, but remained rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed in the direction in which Fanny was coming.

"Come, make haste," cried Golding, "I want to have a little private talk with Miss Rose, as we've often had before. I long to kiss those pouting lips, and press that soft bosom once more!"

The lovers had appointed to meet at a little copse on the 'Squire's estate. Frank, impatient to behold his beloved Fanny, was at the appointed place a full half-hour before the time. He was pacing hurriedly up and down, while his faithful dog followed his steps, and whistling in a low tone to calm his agitation, when the sound of footsteps caught his ear, and the pointed ears of "Liar! scoundrel! villain!" cried Carlo told him it could not be those of Frank, his ire now thoroughly roused; his loved Fanny. He was not long "all the rest I could have borne-but in suspense the brake rustled, and in to traduce my Fanny! Heavens! did I a moment George Golding stood before hear aright-thou press that bosom !— him, in a shooting dress, and with a vile wretch, beware! for thus I revenge loaded fowling-piece in his hand; a her cause!" more unwelcome intruder could not have appeared, but Frank was too anxious for the expected meeting to say any thing to him beyond wishing him a fine afternoon and good sport.

"Good sport, eh, my fine fellow!" haughtily retorted the squire's son; "I am afraid that is past hoping for, while our preserves are infested by such gentlemen as you! Troop off this plantation immediately, or a visit to the county jail shall be your portion."

Frank Richards could hardly restrain his indignation; but he expected Fanny every moment, and wishing to get rid of his rival, quietly replied,

"My father's son is no poacher, nor ever will be, I dare guess."

"No poacher!" scornfully cried the other; "then why that poacher's dog at your heels?-Brush off, I say, or you may repent it."

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"Not I," replied Frank, still more ruffled; I shall not stir from this spot for a better man than George Golding!"

"Then that infernal dog shall follow you no longer," said the young 'Squire, and suiting the action to the word, he discharged his piece, and laid poor Carlo dead at the feet of his master. Frank sprung on him, but he recollected himself in time; he had still reflection enough to perceive that he would be in his rival's power should he attempt revenge - he therefore relaxed his grasp, and, with as much calmness as he could muster, bade him begone.

"Begone yourself!" cried George; "I owe you something for this; but here is pretty Fanny Rose coming up the copse. Brush off directly, and leave me to meet her, and I'll say no more about it;-if not, you know my father's liking for poachers: I can make this

He rushed with tiger-like fury at his antagonist, who retreated before him, at the same time levelling his gun.

"Stand off!" cried George," or I fire-I have yet another barrel loaded besides that which shot your dog,-stand off, or you are a dead man!"

Golding was now really alarmed, for Frank's eyes flashed vengeance at the mention of the wrong he had done him, and he rushed forward with greater vehemence.

"Are you mad?" cried George aloud, "then if I must, I must!"

So saying, he fired; but just at the moment his finger touched the trigger a female figure, that of Fanny, who had hastened to the spot on hearing voices in dispute, rushed between, and-oh! horror!-receiving the contents of the gun, fell with a loud scream, streaming with blood, at the feet of the infuriated young men. She had but time to breathe a heavy sigh, when she expired!

Many years after the death of the village maid, as a vessel, bound to the Indies, was doubling the Cape of Good Hope in a violent storm, a weatherbeaten seaman went up to one of the passengers, who had been taken on board at Cape Town; and, doffing his seal-skin cap, and baring his furrowed brow, slowly said,

"Mr. Golding, do you know this face?"

"Heavens !" cried the individual addressed, "do you know my name? You surely must come from Kent, but I do not recollect that countenance."

"Your memory, George Golding, is not so good as mine. Yet ere long you will recollect me! I have looked for such an opportunity as this in every

corner of the world this many a year listen! it is Frank Richards who speaks to you-who stands before you! Say one prayer, and remember Fanny Rose!" The terrified passenger was indeed George Golding: he knew not what to do or say. In his distress he muttered a word of prayer. ""Tis well," cried Richards; and catching him up in his arms, he sprung with his prey into the raging ocean!

To attempt to save them was vain; the vessel speeded on her course; and all is now forgotten, save in the peaceful village in the churchyard of which reposes the remains of the once lovely, but hapless Fanny Rose. ALCANOR.

THE FAREWELL. WRITTEN IN ENGLISH BY A HINDU.⭑

'Farewell my lovely native land!

Where roses bloom in many a vale; Where green-clad hills majestic stand, Where flowerets woo the scented gale; Where Surya, from his throne above,

With brightest colours paints the day, Where riplets rise to clasp their love,

The eluding beams that o'er them play; Where when the Queen of silent night Graces the star-illumined hall, How on the heart her dewy light

In streams o'erpowering e'er doth fall; Where mighty Ganga's billows flow,

And wander many a country by, Where ocean smiles serene below, Beneath thy blue and sunny sky; Where many sacred rivers lave

Full many a wood or mountain green, Where pines and citrons towering wave In rural graudeur-stately scene. Land of the gods and lofty name;

Land of the fair and beauty's spell; Land of the bards of mighty fame;

My native land! for e'er farewell!

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ABOUT four years since, during a temporary sojourn at Brighton, chance drew me to the same hotel, and gradually into close acquaintance with a harsh looking, and apparently weather-worn man, about forty years of age. There was an odd mixture of frankness and reserve in his manners, the decisive frankness which generally characterises the seaman, and the jealous reserve of a proud

The author of the above song is a young

Hindu, named Kasiprasad Gose, who was educated at the Anglo-Indian College at Calcutta

It forms part of a poem entitled The hair, in three cantos, published by subscription at

Calcutta.

and wounded spirit. His deeply bronzed features were furrowed by the workings of care, or passion; and his s'iff, blood-shot eyes, with the habitual and almost cruel sneer that curled his nether lip, rendered his countenance almost disagreeable. His conversation was usually sad and desponding, yet, at times, when imperceptibly it reverted to his own past or existing circumstances, his haggard features would darken, and his wild eyes would assume an expression fearfully vindictive. Some early disappointment had crushed his youthful spirit, and sent him forth a wanderer on the wide world; amid tempests and strife had his manhood passed away, and his fiery soul, in its fearful struggles with his iron frame, had left his the wreck he was.

We dined, walked out, and passed much of our time together; and I became much attached to, or at least much interested in (may I so call him?) my mysterious acquaintance. He, on his part, appeared less reserved and gloomy in my society, and in his conversation betrayed less of that cold, and, perhaps, haughty unconcern it assumed towards others.

We had lingered, on one occasion, later than usual, in the still beauty of an August evening, on the magnificent Chain Pier. Our conversation had assumed a closer and more interesting tone, and my companion had been unusually communicative. He had spoken of foreign climes, and scenes of death and terror, in which he had been an actor; when a casual and almost unconscious observation that escaped me gave rise to the extraordinary scene that ensued.

He had dwelt on the sleepless nights he had passed, and the many bitter heart-aches he had endured, and I, in the mere mechanical spirit of reply, said, "You have travelled far, and suffered greatly, I have no doubt."

"I have, I have," he muttered with deep feeling; "I have, and do suffer much."

"But now, Delmore," said I, in a tone of jocularity, " you can make amends for past hardships;-you are scarcely forty, and with wealth and friends

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