though I am an ordinary fellow, I have a keen ering cliffs-the vapory clouds that encircled their mind, with a moderate share of intellect, which summits-the white sails studding the waters, and she seems to have sense enough to appreciate; and the broad silvery expanse sweeping calmly, though besides, she is not, like the generality of her majestically, to its bourne-the masts of innumesex, captivated by a straight leg, or a comely face. rable vessels piercing the heavens from behind the What then is to prevent us getting married?" O, hilly points-the water-fowl echoing their wild reader, that question was my overthrow. I had screams from crag to crag-and the cheery notes scarcely given being to the thought, when Tip, my mother's lap-dog—which bore me an inveterate grudge on account of divers beatings it had received at my hand-sneaked up behind my chair, and, instinctively, as I asked myself the question, snapped at my ankle and buried his teeth nearly to the bone! Jumping up with a roar of pain, I discovered the cause of my contretemps, which so kindled my ire that I picked up a chair and dashed it to atoms in the attempt to be revenged.

of some boatmen's clarionet, as they came sweeping over the watery plain, in clear, harmonious strains-all were fraught with novelty and romance. I was wrapt so completely in the beauties of this scenic panorama, that I lost all consciousness of the presence around me. Long afterwards, however, I recollected having heard the following dialogue carried on by the fishermen in low whispers. "The fellow's mad, Hans-that's my opinion." "And what if he be ?" replied the other.

"O, nothing! only he ought to be taken care of. Who knows but he may be thinking this moment of jumping overboard-and if he did, you know, we'd swing for murder."

"I rather think," replied Hans, "he's some noddle-wise student going to the univarsity to finish his edecation."

"Very like," answered the first, "but he has a real wild-looking eye."

My brain whirled at the crash. I was no longer master of my reason. I raved impotently; blasphemed horribly; and stamped the ground like a madman. The terrified Flora retreated to the farthest corner of the room, while De Lorainne stepped up and said something about the folly of my conduct. But I was in no mood to listen to argument. I hurled him aside and flew at the dog. Happily for it, in my excessive wrath I was so blinded as to stumble over the table-at which At this moment, I was attracted by the sight of Tip filled the room with barks of delight. I arose an immense fish slowly winding its way on the sura perfect demon. The room, table, chairs, com-face-a sight so new to me that I could not resist pany and all, whirled around, and I could not dis- peering over. tinguish one person from another. There I stood with clenched hands and foaming mouth, when, through the whirling chaos, I discovered a clear, bright pair of eyes, fixed steadfastly upon me. My brain cooled; my scattered senses resumed their sway; I ceased to act as a madman; and the clouds of anger, that dimmed my vision, clearing away, I saw before me the beautiful but still terrified Flora. She regarded me with a mingled look for a second or two in mute astonishment; but graof pity and disgust. It was too much. I burst from the room-out of the house-and continued my headlong career, goaded onward by shame and despair, till fatigue struck me to the earth.

PART II.

"By the wars, I begin to think he's crazy toosee, he gets up on the gunwale-stop him Ned or he'll be overboard."

Hans sprung forward as he spoke and caught me with the grip of a vice. Ned followed and pinioned me on the opposite side, so that, to use 3 western phrase, I was literally surrounded. Thenderstruck at the suddenness of the onset, I stood

dually my old failing resumed its sway and I burst into a phrenzy of passion.

"Release me, villains," I shrieked, "or by the heavens you'll repent! Away-I am not mad, fools!" This was taking an effectual method to convince them of what they had suspected; and m defiance of my struggles, I was flung down on the deck and secured.

Returning reason found me stretched, feeble and exhausted, on the banks of the Susquehanna. I started up on hearing the voices of two individuals beside me. They were fishermen, who, having In due time we arrived in Philadelphia. I was lain up with their craft to avoid an impending still a prisoner, but I recollected having heard my storm, were attracted to the spot by my moans. mother speak of an uncle named Edmonston, who I inquired wildly where I was. They replied that kept an extensive mercantile establishment on the I was thirty leagues from Philadelphia, to which Quays. Fortunately we landed opposite his ware place they were bound. For a trifling sum, acci- house, where I discovered the striking firm of dentally about my person, I engaged a passage to Edmonston & Co.; and forming the conclusion the Quaker City, and as the storm cleared away therefrom that his heart was as big as his signwe set sail down the beautiful Susquehanna. I board, I prevailed on the worthy Ned to carry him had never been far from home, and it may be ima- a note, in which I explained to him my situation, gined with what delight I drank the charming and requested he would hasten down and have me scenery around me. Romantic naturally, the tow- released.

I had never seen Mr. Edmonston; but from my every spot worth looking at, and will take pleasure mother's description, I immediately recognized in in showing it to you; and I have no doubt you can the burly, broad-hatted gentleman, who accompa- be good friends, for verily John is a social lad." nied the fishermen, my wealthy relative. "I will contribute to Mr. Westley's amusement "And so Norval,” cried Mr. Edmonston, hail-with all my heart," said John, with a frank smile, ing me by my Christian name, "they say you'r" and if we cannot make him enjoy the time, I crazy as a Cape Cod clipper. I don't believe it, must leave the blame on himself." seeing as you've had sense enough to write to me. Come, my lad, don't look so Jaques-like it's but a little mistake-no harm done."

'But, sir," said I, my indignation bursting forth again, “they have imprisoned a free citizen-the villains must be punished!"

Pooh, lad! that's all nonsense.

They thought

"Thank you for the bargain," I replied, almost delirious at the wonderful change in my affairs, "I can make myself perfectly at home-only I beg you will not let me tax your good nature beyond due limits."

Dinner passed off pleasantly enough, and dessert was served. I sat beside my aunt, and by a series you light in the upper riggings, and no doubt you of little attentions-a well managed "hum," or a gave them reason to think so. Come, a good belly" ha!" or "indeed," at any of her precepts for the fall of dinner will do you more good than all the lawsuits in Christendom;" and my uncle dragged me away in spite of the rivetted looks of wrath I cast at the fishermen.

conduct of young men on entering life-had gained no inestimable place in her good graces. Imperceptibly our conversation shifted to literary subjects, upon which I found she had many unique notions but a well stocked memory.

Mr. Edmonston's dwelling was situated in a delightfully retired part of the city, and thither we wended our way. The neat Quakerly streets, and the elegant shops, some decorated in all the "hues of heaven," and others less showy but exquisitely tasteful-the innumerable hacks, carriages, and "We have much to learn yet," I replied, "and barouches the footpassers of a thousand nations, there is such a broad line of distinction between bestling hither and thither with eager looks; all, them, that I cannot hazard my judgment by decid30 new-so wonderful to my primitive senses- ing rashly in favor of either. America is yet combined to fill my mind with wonder, till we en-young: her scenery unsurpassed by any in the ered the private part of the city, where we lost world, if we except that of the East; and associasight of them behind the massive doors of Edmon-ted with this wilderness of forests and gigantic ston Hall.

"What do you think about the poets of England?" inquired my aunt, after we had exhausted our critical acumen on the American poets-" Do you think them equal to our own?”

I was ushered in by my good-humored relative, who informed the family that he had picked up sister's son; and he forthwith related the whole adventure, from my embarkation on the fishing craft, o my release.

Dinner being served up, I sat down in excellent jumor to do it justice, having eaten nothing since he early morning's allowance of biscuit.

rivers, these cataracts whose roar echoes from mountain to mountain-whose headlong course sweeps islands and rocks and towering banks in its irresistible strength-her territory extending from the tropic South to the bleak regions of the North Pole, over an infinitely great and diversified country, inhabited by a race of energetic and powerful people-her mines of inexhaustible wealth and dim caverns stored with mystic lore-her Elysian prairies, and broad, far-rolling savannahs; associated with all these, is that spirit which hovers over

As the savory stimuli inspired courage, I gradully cast my eye around to scan the company, and ound that it consisted of my uncle and his female them-the Prototype, a son-a fine, handsome young Quaker, hout my own age-and an elderly maiden sister of everely virtuous aspect.

44

-Muse that consecrates
The native banner of the brave,"

and it partakes of the source from which it ema-
nates. It is wild, fresh, and energetic;—it is NA-
TURE's voice.

"I think, Norval," said my uncle, "thee pronised to stay with us a week or two?" I had promised no such thing, but I was too glad of the English poetry is sweet-melodious: yet, with all hance to resist nodding assent-more I could not the strength of the American, it possesses a beauty, to; for, at that moment, I had a mouthful of deli- grandeur and sublimity, which we have not as yet Nous soup, too good to lose, and too hot to swal-attained. It is Nature's voice cultivated. Such we might call that of the heavenly poet-the Bard

Niece informs me thee art a great scholar," of Paradise-whose muse leads us from earth's pentinued Mr. Edmonston, " and I have no doubt bounds to the mystic regions of Tartarus and Elythee can spend thy time pleasantly enough. If sium. Well might we exclaim in his own inspired thee love reading we have an excellent library : language

and if thee prefer viewing the city and its cu

riosities, my son John here is acquainted with

'Can any mortal mixture of earth's mould
Breathe such divine enchanting ravishment!

"Pardon my curiosity," said I, “but you have excited it so, that I would fain know something about the proceedings. I have read many plays, but I never was at a theatre, and I am rather ignorant of its mode of operation." John smiled good-naturedly at my simplicity,

Sure something holy lodges in that breast, And with these raptures moves the vocal air.' "Milton's poetry delights and flatters our moral sentiments. Shakspear's is pithy, energetic, bold. He is the Demosthenes of poets; Milton is the Cicero. I might mention an hundred others: Byron, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Cowper, and Thom- and, as we stood viewing the merry crowds pouring son-all more cultivated poets than we can boast-in, gave me such a sketch as completely fascinated but I think as a specimen of English poetry, Mil- my imagination; the upshot of which was, that he ton's should have the precedence." offered to take me in, on condition that my aunt should not be informed.

My aunt listened attentively to my juvenile rhapsody, until I approached the end; when she exhibited sundry signs of impatience, and added, as I paused for breath :

O reader! how can I paint the delights of a first visit to the theatre? How can I describe the thousand emotions that throbbed in my breast?-the "I must differ with thee, nephew, about these ecstacy with which my eyes wandered over the poets. They are too indelicate, particularly the brilliant assemblage and gaudy actors? The raptubard of Avon, who is frequently obscene. And rous manner in which I applauded the most indifMilton fails in the same manner. Byron's Don ferent effort?-the flights of my poetic fancy and Juan is not fit for female eyes; and I think, that bursts of enthusiasm ? poets who will conjure up gods and goddesses, and The play too was well calculated to enlist the make them break the ten commandments without attention of a stranger to clap-trap and stage effect. the least reserve, are accountable to God the Only It was "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and so for the children of their genius. I declare, I wish wrapt was I in the mysteries of the piece, tha: I men would have more delicacy; they do not know how easily female eyes are offended."

"All very proper," said Mr. Edmonston; "but, my dear, you should not read such things if they offend your delicacy."

"Brother, how can thee speak so?" replied my aunt, somewhat confused. "Dost thee not know that all books are the same-alike tending to immorality."

"The Bible, my dear?"

entirely lost sight of everything artificial. I before me real characters; I was a by-stander. The plot developed itself as an ordinary occurrence in real life, some centuries back. Being an antiquarian, it required little stretch of fancy to place me among the living in by-gone days. I wept when it was sad; I laughed when it was humorons; and my heart responded to every emotion that wonderful work of genius excites.

"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated my pious aunt; est pitch. Falstaff, a big, butcherly fellow, "but I have it by heart."

"There are plenty of female authors." "But they are often indelicate, too, and I cannot excuse them."

we

After tea, I took a stroll with John down to the Arcade, where we saw everything worthy of observation. It was yet early, and as wended our way back through the city, my attention was arrested near a splendid edifice, from which issued strains of the most exquisite music. I inquired of my Ciceroni the name of the place; what its occupants followed, and many other as simple questions; to which he replied, that it was the theatre; and that the music was produced by the orchestra, adding gaily—

"I know all about it, Mr. Westley, for although my sect prohibits dramatic amusements, I am not so devoted a member as to forego the enjoyments of youth. I am passionately fond of the drama, and frequently pop in-slyly, to be sure-for my aunt would go distracted if she knew it."

At length the interest was wrought to the highstarched, plumed and feathered in the excess of antiquity, entered the room of his cher amie. My pulse beat high lest he should take any unfair advantage of her sex, although in my heart I detested the wo man's hypocrisy. She was a faded, jaunty strumpet, a perfect specimen of her kind; but I cared not, nor thought whether she bore any affinity to the original character. I saw but herself.

"Do not betray me, sir," said she, "I fear you love Mistress Page."

Fal. "Thou mightest as well say I love to walk by the counter gate; which is as hateful to me as the reek of 4 lime kiln."

scenes.

Presently a great noise was heard behind the Falstaff rolled like an empty puncheon, under the bed, and in came Mrs. Page, begrimmed with paint and lace.

Mrs Ford. "What's the matter? how now?"
My blood boiled at the woman's hypocrisy.
Mrs. Page. "O Mistress Ford, what have you done?
You'r shamed, you are overthrown, you are undone forever
I involuntarily muttered d-l mend her.
Mrs. Ford. "What's the matter, good Mistress Page"
I laughed hysterically at her audacity.
Mrs. Page. "O well-a-day, Mistress Ford! having a

a

honest man for your husband to give him such cause fored her benediction. suspicion!"

Mrs. Ford looked volumes of innocence-I looked like Ageon about to burst the chains that bound him under Etna.

Mrs. Ford. "What cause of suspicion ?"

She tried to rise, clasped me affectionately, and in the arms of him to whom she had given being breathed her last.

Drear misery was depicted in the countenances of all. It was a saddening scene, and I never shall forget it.

But grief is transient. A month after the death "False, perjured woman!" I cried, jumping up of my mother found me seated in the fatal drawing from my seat, and no longer able to contain my in-room, by my sister Ellen, and questioning her dignation. "Miserable, degraded wretch-he is closely about her future prospects.

under the bed!"

drama exhibit such a scene of confusion, from the days of Cadmus to that moment. Hissing, roar

"You have not told me, Ellen, what became of De Lorainne and Flora, after the unlucky day of downfall."

my

A blush mantled her cheek as she answered, evaing, clapping and shrieking filled the house. Mis-sively-" O, Flora is very well; I have seen her tress Page laughed outright. Mrs. Ford screamed. often since." Falstaff crawled out with dire consternation pictured on his brow. Heads peeped from behind the eenes, and I in turn became the cynosure of all yes. Volleys of oranges, apples, and nuts, were directed at my devoted head. I sprang from the boxes, knocked down half-a-dozen watchmen in my fight, and cleared the doors at a bound.

"But Henri-young De Lorainne-what of him?" She hesitated.

I

The hue and cry had reached the street. heeded it not, but ran for my life. I soon reached the suburbs of the city, and plunging myself, exhausted, on the ground, bitterly cursed my indis

cretion.

PART III.

A year passed on. Once more I found the way to my early home. The country for many miles around had been scoured, but no tidings of my fate had yet reached those most dear to me; and with heavy hearts and many sad presentiments that I had ended my life by my own hand, they mourned for me as one lost forever.

Grief had brought my poor mother to the verge of the grave. She needed but once again to clasp her son, and die satisfied. Ellen was unusually ale. Her beautiful countenance had assumed an expression of settled melancholy, and the marble #hiteness of her skin gave her an air of somehing etherial.

"O brother!" she cried, flinging herself into my irms, as we met—" Heaven has sent you back. Our or mother"

"Is dead!" I exclaimed, striking my forehead with my clenched hand. "O God! Ellen, is it 0-tell me! in pity tell me!"

"She is not, Norval, but❞—

Enough! Lead me to her, dearest Ellen, that (may receive her blessing."

Need I describe the interview? Alas, it were opening afresh the wounded heart that has scarce yet ceased to bleed: but God's will be done.

"Come, Ellen, I am your brother, you are ungenerous not to tell me."

66

Ungenerous indeed I would be," she cried, " did I conceal anything from you. But such, Norval, was not my intention. Henri de Lorainne was here no later than yesterday, and offered me his heart and hand.”

“And you—”

"Refused him. Could I have done otherwise, my dear brother; and my father dead these many years my mother's grave yet freshly sodded-my only protector plunged in grief, and myself a helpless orphan; a beggar;-for what now remains, save the remnant of a once noble estate?"

"I think, Ellen," said I, delighted at her ingenuous confession, and her fine sense of honor, "I think, notwithstanding, we can manage the affair still better. De Lorainne is young, noble, and worthy of you take him with all my heart-I'll warrant you, he'll be at your feet before another day passes."

My words were verified. That night saw Ellen the betrothed of Henri de Lorainne.

The marriage day drew nigh. I had not yet seen Flora; but my love for her remained unaltered. At length the halls of De Lorainne were lit with brilliant rows of chandeliers, and echoed to the sounds of joy and melody; for Ellen's marriage was about to take place, and happiness was pictured in the faces of all, except that of one, the most interested, next to the bridal pair. That one was myself. I felt depressed. A presentiment of some impending calamity darkened my mind with gloomy thoughts. I know not why, but I had never felt so unhappy-so abandoned to fearful forebodings.

A whisper went round the room, that two cereOn the bed of death lay my mother; the cold monies were about to take place. Racked with clammy hand of the destroyer upon her brow. A anxiety and suspense, I awaited the coming of the faint smile of joy illumined her features, as I threw second couple, for I was too agitated to inquire myself upon my knees by the bedside and entreat- their names. At last they entered. O God! how

VOL. VI-67

I knew no peace of mind, whichever way I flew. Dissipation could not even drown that still small voice within. Rendered almost desperate, I reGod is merciful. I may yet die in peace.

Ere reason could interpose, I sprang from my seat solved to quit my native land, forever.