TO HAYDN. WHO is the mighty master, that can trace And men aghast survey the horrid scene; Then, when rejoicing fiends flit, gleam, and scowl, And bid the huge tormented tempest howl; When fire-fraught thunders roll, when whirlwinds rise And earthquakes bellow to the frantic skies, Suspects the wreck of worlds, and general doom; MADAME DE STAEL. STAEL, Anne Louisa Germain Necker, baroness de, was the daughter of the celebrated M. Necker, and born at Paris, in 1766. She received a liberal education, and early displayed extraordinary talents; but the new philosophy, as it was called, gave a masculine tone to her mind. In 1786 she married baron de Stael, a Swede, by whom she had four children, two of whom only survived her. In 1789, Madame de Stael began her literary career in 'Letters on the Writings and character of Rousseau,' and soon afterwards she took an active part in the French Revolution. In 1793, her husband being appointed ambassador to the new republic, gave Madame de Stael an opportunity of exerting herself in those political intrigues to which she had a great propensity. Bonaparte, however, had no esteem for female politicians, and in 1803 banished her from the capital. Upon this she went to Germany, next to Italy, and twice visited England. She died July 15th, 1817. Her principal works are, 1. On the Influence of the Passions upon Individuals and Nations.' 2. 'On the Influence of Literature upon Society.' 3. 'Delphine,' a novel. 4. ‘Corinne, or Italy,' a novel. 4. Germany, or Observations on that Country. ANECDOTE. LALANDE dined one day at the house of Recanier, the banker; he was seated between the celebrated beauty, Madame Recanier, and Madame de Stael, equally distinguished for her wit. Wishing to say something agreeable to the ladies, the astronomer exclaimed, 'How happy I am to be thus placed between wit and beauty.' 'Yes, Lalande,' sarcastically replied Madame de Stael, and without possessing either.' THOMAS JEFFERSON, THIRD president of the United States, was born in Chesterfield county, Virginia, April 2, 1743. He received the honours of the college of William and Mary at an early age, and was distinguished for great scholarship. He then commenced the study of the law with the late George Wythe, chancellor of Virginia, and in a few years made great proficiency, and was admitted to practice. His uncommon qualifications soon brought him into notice, and before he had reached his twenty-fifth year, he was a conspicious member of the Virginia legislature, and had subsequently a large share in all those determined measures of that body, with regard to Great Britain, which finally led to the call of a general congress. In 1775, when the propositions of lord North were laid before the assembly by the governor for their consideration, he was unanimously appointed to answer them. His reply on this occasion was not only eloquent, but exhibits a mind of liberal and enlarged views. A few days after, he was elected a delegate to the general congress, which had convened at Philadelphia. In this enlightened assembly, he had scarcely appeared before he became conspicuous among those the most distinguished by their abilities and patriotism. And while he pursued a bold and undeviating course towards the great object of independence, was enabled by his example, as well as by his arguments, to encourage and confirm others. The declaration of independence is justly attributed to his pen, the merits of which it is unnecessary to canvass: not only America, but all Europe too, has long since decided on its claims to excellence. The only alterations the original draft of this celebrated production received in the committee, were from Dr Franklin and John Adams, each of whom suggested a single verbal variation. From the commencement of the year 1777, to the middle of 1779, he was engaged with Pendleton and Wythe, in making a general revisal of the laws of Virginia; in which he bore a considerable share, and to whom Virginia is indebted for the most important and ben eficial changes in her code. |