Pilgrim's Progress, Burton's Anatomy of Melan- | perceptible, be executed with a force and brilcholy, and a number of others which will sug-liancy sufficient to compensate for the lack of gest themselves to the recollection of the reader. space. Among the valuable relics which have been Read over those enchanting descriptions given handed down to us from the "olden time," there by Boccaccio of Italian scenery and rural pleaare some styles now altogether abandoned, we sures, or those sunrise scenes with which he ushfear as much by readers as by writers. This ers in each succeeding day, and it cannot but be we deem should not be altogether so, it is a loss admitted that there are few things to be found of much refined instruction and agreeable enter- either in painting or descriptive writing to equal tainment. Who that has cultivated a taste for them. Review his portraits delle piu belle e telle letters, at all above the ordinary standard, would piu leggiadre che in Firenze fossero; they are in not rejoice to see revived among our poets the writing, what the most perfect paintings of femagnificent versification of Milton, or the classi-male beauty that the engraver has hitherto sent cal elegance of Addison? Would it not be infi- into every house, are in a separate branch of art. nitely preferable to the absurdities which every Recall the adventures of Andreuccio da Perugia passing week produces in the way of mutilating and endeavor to find, if possible, in the same the verse of our language, and might it not af space more natural and yet extraordinary occurford a consoling contrast for the perpetrations of rences in any tale of the kind extant. Can a the school of Carlyle? lesson in the science of the world be more eleThe grace and delicacy which are combined gantly and concisely given than in those two with the most refreshing simplicity in the style witty productions of Cisti Fornid or of Madonna of Boccaccio present a model every way worthy Oretta. And with respect to the invention of of imitation; not a servile imitation which re- character, we may refer to the entertaining frolflects the errors as well as the beauties of its ics and merry humors of Calandrino, Bruno and original, and too often distorts beauties till they Buffalmacco; or to the audacious exploit of Ser become errors, but an enlightened reproduction Ciappelletto, a sort of Italian Falstaff, the anecof the great principles which regulate and define dote displaying the subtile acumen of Melchisethe limits of style. There is an ingenuousness dech the Jew, the touching history of the unfortoo about the old Italian story-teller which is tunate loves of Lorenzo and Lisabetta, or the quite captivating, and an occasional light morbi- stern and unrelenting cruelty of Tancred, Prince dezza which, though rendering his Decameron of Salerno. But perhaps it may prove acceptaunfit to be placed indiscriminately in the hands of all, possesses, for its masterly management, high artistic value in the eye of the critic of fine writing. ble to the lovers of romance, if we present them with one of the least exceptionable of the novels. Which shall it be? for here there is an almost infinite variety;-selection is difficult, but we will attempt The Falcon of Federigo. The Decameron is composed of one hundred tales of various lengths and on numerous interesting topics: it is divided into a period of ten days, each of which comprises ten novels. Some are mere anecdotes, brief descriptions, or tales illus- In France there was formerly a young man trative of traits of character peculiar to the time. named, (for Boccaccio is always scrupulously Depending for the interest which invests them particular in regard to names.) Federigo di Mesalmost entirely upon the ingenuity of the struc- ser Filippo Alberighi, who was universally acture of their plot, they are told by their different knowledged to be superior to all the youth of narrators, in an easy, graphic style, which still oc- Tuscany in every genteel and elegant accomcasionally rises into beauty and pathos, or de- plishment. He became enamoured with a fair scends to exquisite drollery. In the brief space lady named Monna Giovanna, who was in her allotted to the Italian novella, there is of course time one of the most beautiful and accomplished a difficulty to overcome, not encountered by the of her sex in Florence; and that he might obwriter who allows himself a wider field for the tain the favor of her love, he spent his time in exercise of his ingenuity or his imagination. The jousts, feats of arms, festivals and the like, and fiction so shortly to be brought to a close cannot in this course of improvidence he lavished the contain those multiform details, which a skilful whole of his fortune. But the lady who was no imagination may with facility intertwine with the less virtuous than beautiful, appeared never to main plot, in the larger romance as construct- waste a care either upon all these things which ed by late and living writers. Descriptions of were occasioned by his devotion to her beauty, localities or of persons-delineations of human or upon him who thus adored her. In this mannature-the artificial gradation of events, are all ner Federigo living beyond his means and gaincontracted and diminished, and must, to be at all ing nothing, as must happen on like occasions, his funds at length failed him and he became what to say, she remained silently gazing at her poor, having preserved of his all only one small son. Finally her maternal love gained the vicestate, upon the revenue of which he sup- tory, and she concluded, to please the boy, that ported himself in his straitened circumstances. that which was most suitable and proper was, and a falcon, one of the best to be found in the not to send a messenger, but to go herself on her world. But more in love than ever, and it not errand and ask for the falcon, and so, said she being in his power to reside in the city as he pre- to her son, "my son, comfort yourself and enferred, he went into the country where his estate deavor to get well, for I promise thee that the was, to take up his abode. There as often as first thing that I shall do to-morrow morning will he was able, he amused himself with hawking, be to go for this bird, and then I shall bring it to and without receiving assistance from any one, you." This so delighted the boy, that the same he supported his poverty in patience. Now it day he manifested evident improvement. The happened one day, that while Federigo was in next day, his mother having invited another lady this extremity the husband of Monna Giovanna to accompany her under the pretext of a walk, fell sick, and at the approach of death made a went to the residence now occupied by Federiwill, and being very wealthy left all to his eld-go, and sent to ask to see him. Not having that est son; and then, as he had much loved Mon- day set out on a hawking expedition, he was in na Giovanna, he appointed her, if it happened his garden occupied with certain minor arrangethat his son should die without legitimate heirs, ments. When he heard that Monna Giovanna to enter upon the possession of his property. was asking for him at the door, he hastened thithThen he died. Monna Giovanna being thus left er much astonished. When she saw him coming a widow, went, as is customary with our la- she rose with the most gracious air to meet him, dies, to spend the year of mourning in the coun- and he on his part performed with the utmost try with her son, at an estate belonging to her reverence a dignified salutation. She then said in the neighborhood of that of Federigo. So it to him, "good morning, Federigo," and added, happened that her boy soon commenced a fa-"I have come to make reparation for the wrongs miliar intercourse with Federigo, and to take you have endured for me, loving me more than great pleasure in hawks and hounds; and hav-was for your good; and the reparation shall be ing often seen Federigo's falcon fly, he was such that I intend, with this lady who has acpleased with it in an extraordinary manner and companied me, to dine sociably with you to-day." desired very much to possess it. But still he did To which Federigo humbly responded, “Madam, not dare to ask him for it, as he saw how highly I do not recollect to have received any wrong at he prized it. And now, while affairs were in your hands, but on the contrary, so many benethis condition, it happened that the boy fell sick, fits, that if I ever enjoyed any consideration, it is at which his mother was thrown into a high state through your own estimation, and the love which of grief and solicitude, as he was her only son, I have had for you. And most certainly, this and she loved him as much as ever son was gracious visit of yours is much more dear to me loved. She spent whole days with him; she never than it would be if I had again to spend as ceased doing all in her power to restore him to much as I have spent, since you visit a poor health, and moreover, she often inquired of him if host." Having thus spoken he received her he was in want of any thing, begging him to tell with evident humiliation within his house, and her what it was, promising him if it could possi-afterwards conducted her into his garden, and bly be procured she would take means to get it there being unable to find any one else to keep for him. The boy, after hearing the promise re- her company, he said, "Madonna, since there is no peated many times, said "Mother, if you can get other person here, this good woman, who is the me the falcon of Federigo, I believe I shall get wife of my farmer, will keep your company well." The lady when she heard this, was silent while I am gone to have the table set." Although for a few moments and commenced to think what his poverty was extreme, he had not till this day she ought to do. She knew that Federigo had perceived to what want he had reduced himself long loved her, but that he had never received the by having spent improvidently his riches. But least favor from her, and so she said, "how shall this morning finding nothing which might do 1 send for or ask for this falcon, which is, as I honor to the lady for whose love he had himself hear, the best that ever flew, and moreover is been induced to honor so many other persons, he that attaches him to the world. And how could felt a pang; and in the extremity of his anguish I be so heartless as to deprive a noble heart, to he stood in a corner by himself, cursing his hard whom but one solitary enjoyment has remain- fate, and then began to hurry hither and thither, ed, of even that." Hesitating as this idea pre- neither finding money nor a pledge by which he sented itself, although sure of obtaining her re- could obtain it. The hour was a late one and quest if she should ask, and scarcely knowing his desire of doing honor to the lady was exces sive; and, in his pride, not being willing to ask Federigo, upon hearing what the lady asked assistance from another, not even from his far- of him and being conscious that he could not mer, his eyes fell upon his good falcon, which he serve her, because the bird was no more, began saw perched upon the bar which traversed his cage. in her presence to weep, before he was able to As he found himself bereft of all other re- answer a single word. This display of grief the sources, he took down his falcon, and finding lady at first thought arose from regret at parting him very fat, he thought him worthy to make a with the good falcon, rather than from any other dish for such a lady. And so, without giving cause, and, actuated by this idea, she was upon himself time for reflection, he wrung his neck the point of saying that she would not receive it; and gave him to the cook to have him instantly but still, having controlled herself, she waited picked, dressed, placed on the spit and roasted; till, after his fit of weeping had subsided, Federigo and, having dressed the table with the whitest should give her his answer, which he at length cloth, of which he had a few remaining, with a did in these words : smiling countenance he returned to the lady in his garden and told her that such a dinner as he was able to prepare, was now awaiting her. Hearing this the lady, with her companion, arose and went to the table, and without knowing what they ate, together with Federigo, who waited upon them with the utmost gallantry, dined upon the famous falcon. When the table was cleared, and a short time had been spent in agreeable conversation, the lady, deeming the opportunity favorable for declaring the object of her visit, thus addressed Federigo : "Madonna, after it pleased God that I should direct my love to you I have found fortune adverse in many things, and I have had much to lament; but all these have been light in comparison with what she now inflicts upon me, and for which I can never be again reconciled to her, in the thought that you have deigned to come here to my humble abode, to which, while I was rich, you never would condescend to come, and ask a small gift of me, and you have so timed your request that it is not in my power to grant it; and why it is so I shall briefly inform you. "Federigo, in recalling your former life, and my "When I heard that you had done me the honor own indiscretion, which perhaps you regarded as to come and dine with me, having regard to your harshness and cruelty, I am not permitted to en- excellency and your worth, I deemed it incumtain a doubt, but that you should wonder at my bent upon me that I should do honor to my guest presumption when you hear what has been the with the choicest viands in my house in preferprincipal reason for my visit. But if you knew ence to those which are ordinarily placed upon what it is to have a son, or if you ever had known, my table. So that calling to mind the falcon by which you would be enabled to form a you ask of me and its excellent qualities, I repuconception of what strength is parental love, ted it a food worthy of you, and this morning you it appears to me not improbable that you would have had it roasted upon the table, all which I hold me excused. But though you have not, had done for the best; but seeing now that you I who have one, cannot for that, free myself wished to possess it in another manner, I am so from the common laws which are binding upon dejected at not being able to obey you that I beall those who are mothers, and as I must obey lieve I shall never again be at peace with myself." them, I am compelled, much against my own And having said this, he threw down before her pleasure, and in utter disregard of all propri- eyes the feathers, feet and beak, that had once ety and right, to ask of you a gift of an object belonged to the falcon, in testimony of what he which I know to be held dear to you, and well said. When the lady saw and heard this, she at may it be so, since your reduced circumstances first blamed him for having killed such a noble have left you no other delight, no other diver- bird to provide a meal for a woman, and then sion, no other consolation; now this gift is your was lost in admiration within herself at that falcon, with which my boy is so much fascinated, greatness of heart, which it was beyond the power that if I do not take it to him, I fear that it of poverty ever to overcome. Then as she had will aggravate his illness so much that his loss no further expectation of obtaining the falcon may be the consequence. I pray you, there- and thus finding the safety of her son hazarded, fore, not by the love which you have professed she went away in great depression of mind, and for me, for by that I could pretend to no claim returned to her boy, who, either from melancholy upon you, but by your noble nature, which in such at being unable to possess the falcon or from the evidences of generosity has displayed itself more effects of his sickness, which possibly would of than in any other manner, that you will give itself have had a similar termination, in the space it to me, that by this gift I may assure myself of not many days, to the inexpressible grief of of having preserved the life of my child, and his mother, passed from this life. thereby be eternally obliged to you." After a period spent in tears and bitterness, the lady having remained immensely wealthy, | and being still young, was many times requested by her brothers to contract another marriage. On her part though she would not of her own accord have taken such a step, yet seeing herself in a manner constrained, recollecting the worth of Federigo and the last trait of his magnificence, in not having hesitated in despatching a falcon of such rare value to honor her, she said to her brothers: "I would willingly remain as I am, but if you so earnestly desire me to take another husband, be assured I shall never consent to have one if I am not permitted to have Federigo degli Alberighi." Her brothers wishing to ridicule her out of this resolve, said: "Are you mad, Giovanna, to marry a man that has not a cent in the world?" To this she replied: "my brothers, I well know the truth of what you say; but for my part I prefer a man without money to money without a man." Her brothers, when she had declared her mind, having long known Federigo, notwithstanding his present circumstances, decided to accede to her wish and gave her to him with all her possessions. Federigo at length seeing himself in possession of a lady of her extraordinary qualities and one whom he had so extravagantly adored, and being at the same time restored to affluence, became a better economist and passed the remainder of his days in happiness with his wife. SONG. TRANSLATED FROM JACOBI. Tell me where's the violet fled, Swain, the vernal scene is o'er Say, where hides the blushing rose, Gentle maid, the summer's fled, Bear me then to yonder rill, Sun and wind exhaust its store; Lead me to the bowery shade Hail and storm with fury shower; Say where bides the village maid? Oft I've met her in the glade, Swain, how short is beauty's bloom! Whither roves the tuneful swain, Who of rural pleasures, Maiden, swift life's vision flies, SKETCHES OF SOUTHERN LIFE. NO. V. (CONCLUDED.) The Right merrily went off the expected wedding, and Henry was quite as much pleased, amused and surprised at the scene as Philip and Fanny had supposed he would be; there was, as they had foretold, a real gathering of the clans; aunts, uncles and cousins in the tenth degree. assembly being almost entirely composed of relatives, friends and neighbors, gave it somewhat the character of a large family party, and all was mirth, fun and cordiality. There were certainly many deviations from fashion and taste in the costume of some of the guests, but the girls were generally very pretty, and with a sort of feminine instinct, seemed to have discovered in most cases how to dress in a manner very becoming to their various styles of appearance. Amongst these fair girls, Fanny shone like the evening star, "far, far above them a'," and not only in Henry's eyes, for the general voice was unanimous in awarding her the palm for grace, beauty and attraction. Most mothers, however, in giving her the preference, made a secret reservation in favor of their own daughters. No waltzes, gallopades or polkas were admitted in the festivities, as both Mr. Seyton and Mrs. Maynard highly disapproved of these modern innovations; sprightly Scotch reels and graceful quadrilles, were the order of the night, and the old looked on with benignant pleasure at the mirth of the young, and delighted to trace in the air, manner and appearance of the youthful dancers, the family peculiarities of their ancestors. Family traditions and legends form a favorite subject of conversation amongst Virginia gentlemen of the old school, and they are frequently most accurate genealogists, though family records where they exist at all, are generally kept in the most imperfect man ner. A few of the old gentlemen partook so other topics of equal importance and interest to strongly of the general hilarity as to yield to the himself, she is now informing him as to the year, earnest solicitations of the youthful part of the month and day in which uncle Philip was born, community, and join in a dance or two, as mov-which is the preliminary step to questioning her ing tableaux of the last generation. as to her own age." Ice-creams, jellies, cakes, syllabubs, &c., cov- "The martyrdoms of society are seldom suffiered the supper-table in sufficient profusion to ciently appreciated," replied Henry, "but when have supplied a company three times as nume- they are voluntarily suffered, as in the case of Miss rous as those assembled, and these dainties were Seyton, it would be difficult to say what goodas usual fully appreciated by the elder portion of ness of heart and moral beauty they evince." the guests. The bride looked fair, modest, Then fearing he was speaking with rather too pretty, and was unexceptionably dressed, but much warmth and earnestness for the occasion, as she resembled thousands of other brides, she as he caught Frank's penetrating glance resting attracted no particular attention, after the gene- upon him, he changed the subject instantly, addral judgment had been pronounced that she was ing: "it is wonderful that a few months sojourn in very pretty and very interesting. the Old Dominion,' should not cure even the Helen Maynard's wedding gave rise to many rawest Yankee of his question-asking habits, for festivities, and Henry daily felt his heart warm I believe it would be impossible to find any peobeneath the genial influence of hospitality, frank-ple who were more exempt from all propensity ness and genuine, unostentatious kindness. He to ask impertinent questions than the Virginibecame acquainted with a rich and odd variety ans. From the highest to the lowest, this appears of character, which not only amused him, but to be a strongly marked sectional trait, and I have threw new lights on human nature; he saw much been amused to observe the art and address, also to admire in the manliness, independence of which even the servants use, to come at any inthought, absence of pretension and real delicacy formation they may wish to be possessed of, conof feeling, which were prevailing characteristics cerning you or your affairs. I have often been amongst the gentlemen; much likewise to regret surprised at the real delicacy and skill they evince in the waste and misapplication of talent, and on such occasions." the indulgence of a sort of slovenliness of mind, "Like master, like man,' you know is an old which Philip thought ought to be ascribed partly proverb which has much truth in it; it is, howeto indolence, and partly to the independent and ver, not so generally understood, that the converse secluded mode of life led by most of these gen- of the proposition is equally true. Many of us tlemen, for each one followed his own fancy in might trace our slovenly habits of thinking any reading, without definite aim or object, unless expedient good enough that will answer the presome political aspiration gave form and consis-sent emergency, and letting the morrow take care tency to his studies. for the things of itself, to negro influence. Yet our intercourse with them, is not wholly without its beneficial effects upon ourselves." Henry Livingstone's feelings became daily more deeply interested in Fanny, as he observed her character in the varying lights, which different circumstances presented. Her lovely singleness of mind and forgetfulness of self became more stri- "In the first place, we learn, almost from our kingly apparent, in scenes calculated to call forth infancy, to enter into their feelings, and become any latent love of display, or kindle any smoul- so imbued with the views and sentiments of our dering spark of vanity; but it was evident that mammies, aunts and playmates, that we learn to she partook of the general mirth with the gaiety attach an importance to their approbation, and and simplicity of a child, and she never seemed to entertain a sympathy with their feelings, which to act upon design, except that she systematical- we never shake off. This enables us to know ly endeavored to bring into notice those who better how to promote their happiness, and the were neglected from bashfulness or want of at- tribunal of public opinion amongst the colored traction. Henry thought he had never seen her population, thus obtains a considerable and enlook more beautiful and interesting than when during influence over the minds of the whites. engaged in doing the amiable as hostess, to a The vices which they view with the greatest dispoor, uncouth Yankee teacher, who was avoided approbation, we learn to regard with especial as an especial bore by almost all the company. abhorrence, such as cruelty and niggardliness, "Look at Fanny Seyton," said Frank Forrest and strange as it may appear, our notions of what to Henry, but he perceived the advice was super- constitutes the character of a true gentleman, are fluous as soon as it was given, "see how patiently somewhat derived from them; for no people reshe is answering Mr. Sandford's interrogatories; ject, with greater contempt, the idea that money after having satisfied his curiosity upon twenty makes gentility than our blacks do. You are "May I ask," said Henry smiling, "what those beneficial effects are?" |