PUNCTUALITY—BEAUTY.

69

PUNCTUALITY.

lor sat on his bench, with his legs akimbo humming the good old song of

"Hurrah for the cabbage, hurrah!"

“List, while I read thee a lesson." Uncle Bill, as they used to call him, who lived in Woodend, was a plain matter-of-fact old cod-in came the first boy with his "Uncle Bill Nger, who always endeavored to do about right in all dealings with his neighbors. But one very estimable virtue he possessed in a rare degree, viz: punctuality in the fulfilment of engagements. If he promised you a "jag" of wood, at such an hour, the clock would be striking while he was unloading; if he agreed to do a thing thus and thus, it was done thus and thus, and that it was done thus and thus, was sufficient proof to all the neighbors round that he had agreed to do it thus and thus,-such a weight of character had he attained. No "fearful forebodings" ever influenced him to break or postpone an engagement. Always punctual himself, he admired punctuality in those with whom he had to do; and when he dealt with one not like unto himself in this particular, (and it is a thousand pities there are so many of that stamp among us,) they were pretty sure to get the joke upon themselves, if there were a joke in the matter; but let us cite an instance to the point.

wants to know if you'll come up to his house at six o'clock,"-barely waiting to get the words out, ere he set off on his return, as the least delay might nullify his title to any more apples. But he had scarce left the door-step, when in came another boy with the same request; then another and another. In vain the man of fashions endeavored to make them tarry a space to give some explanation; no, Uncle Bill had told them to deliver their message and be off. By the time the sixth had made his appearance the tailor dropped his work in the utmost consternation; and when he had counted ten, he sprang from his bench in a paroxysm of terror, believ ing himself beset by a legion of we did not say what-but it was a gloomy afternoon, and he was somewhat superstitious withal. As the door opened the fifteenth time, his hair rose on end and his bare arms were complete goose-flesh. "Gracious father!" he exclaimed almost beside himself, and set off upon the run, bare headed Uncle Bill once employed one of the down- and bare-backed, with his shirt sleeves rolled up, town tailors to manufacture a suit of grey. for Uncle Bill's. Before he had got half way, it "Now," said he, while he was being measured, began to rain heavily, but he did not heed this "I want them on Thursday evening-will you though he soon had not a dry thread about him, promise to have them done?" "Yes, Sir," un- He rushed into the house with all the fury of a hesitatingly replied the knight of the shears- maniac, and fell flat upon the floor; he jumped whether with any mental reservation or not we up again frothing at the mouth, exclaiming with cannot say, but the truth was not in him if every extraordinary emphasis-"Heavens and earth, thing was expressed, for Uncle Bill called that Uncle Bill, what do you want of me?"" O," said evening, and there was so much finishing to do Uncle Bill, calmly, as he stood with his hands in that he could not have them till the succeeding his pockets," I only wanted to inquire when you afternoon. This was a sore disappointment-ne- thought it would be likely that you could make vertheless, after giving the tailor a concise lec-it convenient to finish my clothes?" ture on punctuality in the fulfilment of promises, forcibly depicting in his plain style, the advantages a tradesman whose word can always be depended upon possesses over those promising ones with whom the fulfilment is a matter of secondary consideration, he departed.

Lynn Messenger.

BYRON'S OPINION OF BEAUTY.-1 do not talk of mere beauty (continued Byron) of feature or complexion, but of expression, that looking out On Friday afternoon, as Uncle Bill's son Bob of the soul through the eyes, which, in my opinion, came round from the mill, he called at the tailor's constitutes true beauty. Women have been for his daddy's new clothes, but there was yet pointed out to me as beautiful, who never could considerable finishing to be done to them, and have interested my feelings from their want of he was requested to ask his father to have pa- countenance; and others, who were little retience till the next morning. When this was re-marked, have struck me as being captivating, ported to the old man his wrath kindled, and he vociferated, with considerable warmth-"Plague take the tailor!" He immediately slipped on his great coat, proceeded straightway to the applebarrel, and filled its capacious pockets with the contents thereof. Going out, he found the boys just dismissed from school. He called one to him, and giving him an apple or two, set him off in great haste for the tailor's shop, which by the nearest route was at least a mile and a half distant, to request the tailor to come up to his house at six o'clock-charging the boy to say nothing about his errand to any one, and promising him more apples if he would return within such a time. He then called another boy and set him off on the same errand under the same restrictions and with the same promises; then another and another still, till he had at least twenty expresses, each a few rods apart. Now as the tai

from the force of countenance. A woman's face ought to be like an April day-susceptible of change and variety; but sunshine should often gleam over it, to replace the clouds and showers that may obscure its lustre, which, poetical description apart, (said Byron,) in sober prose means, that good-humoured smiles ought to be ready to chase away the expression of pensiveness or care that sentiment or earthly ill calls forth. Women were meant to be the exciters of all that is finest in our natures, and the soothers of all that is turbulent and harsh. Of what use, then, can a handsome automaton be, after one has got acquainted with a face that knows no change, though it causes many? This is a style of looks I could not bare the sight of for a week, and yet such are the looks that pass in society, for pretty, handsome, and beautiful.-Monthly Magazine.

70

BLANNERHASSET'S ISLAND-BUTTONS AND WAISTCOATS.

social joys. If treason matured its dark designs in her mansion, here also the song, the dance, and the revel, displayed their fascinations. The But I know that you are by this time, ready to order of arrest was the signal of dispersion to ask me, whether I am seriously endeavoring to this ill-fated band; and it is said that the lovely convince you that Burr was a true and loyal sub-mistress of this fairy scene, the Calypso of this enject to the sovereign people of these United chanted isle, was seen at midnight "shivering on States? I have no such design; though I must the winter banks of the Ohio," mingling her confess, that if I had the power to execute so tears with its waters, eluding by stratagem the difficult a project, I would with pleasure employ ministers of justice, and destitute of the comforts it. I should be happy to obliterate a stain from of life, and the solace of that hospitality which the annals of my country, and a blot from the she had once dispensed with such graceful libefame of a fellow citizen. I should be glad also rality. to be always victorious in argument, if I could I believe it is not doubted that Burr intended admit that success was the test of truth. But to have attempted the conquest of Mexico. A this I do not believe. I will tell what I do be- large portion of the people of that country were lieve. I believe that nine-tenths of Burr's adhe- supposed to be waiting only for a favorable oprents knew no more of his projects than you, portunity to throw off the Spanish yoke. The and I, and all the world; and that those who do Americans as their neighbors, and as republiknow any thing, will be wise enough to keep cans, would, it was thought, be received without their own council. But if I cannot tell you what suspicion; nor would Burr have unfolded his ulCol. Burr intended to do, I can relate what he timated design, until it should be too late to predid; for here I am in sight of the deserted fields vent its accomplishment. He would have estaband dilapidated mansion of the unfortunate Blan-lished a monarchy, at the head of which would nerhasset! That this fairy spot, created by na- have been King Aaron the First. I am told that ture in one of her choicest moods, and embellish- the young gentlemen who were proceeding to ed by the hand of art, was once the seat of a join him, often amused themselves on this subphilosophic mind, has already been told in lan-ject-talking, half in jest, and half in earnest, at guage which I need not attempt to emulate. But the offices and honors which awaited them. alas! I cannot recognize the taste of Blannerhasset, or realize the paradise of Wirt.-All is ruin, solitude and silence!-They are gone who made the wilderness to smile.

Titles and places were already lavishly distri- ! buted in anticipation; and Mrs. -, who was an accomplished and sprightly woman, had arranged the dresses and ceremonies of the Court. Blannerhasset was an Irish gentleman of easy When the alarm was given, and orders were fortune-a man devoted to science, who retired given for the arrest of Burr and his adherents, from the world, in the hope of finding happiness they were obliged to resort to a variety of expe in the union of literary and rural occupation. dients to escape detection. At Fort Massac, He selected this island as his retreat, and spared and other places, all boats descending the river no expense in beautifying and improving it. He were compelled to stop and undergo strict examis described as having been retired in his habits, ination, to the great vexation of boatmen and amiable in his propensities, greatly addicted to peaceable voyagers, who were often obliged to chemical studies, and a passionate lover of mu- land at unseasonable hours. Very diligent insic. In this romantic spot, and in these innocent quiry was made for the lady I have just mentionpursuits he lived; and, to crown the enchant-ed, who several times narrowly escaped detecment of the scene, a wife, who is said to have tion, through her own ingenuity and that of her been lovely, even beyond her sex, and graced companions. Adieu. with every accomplishment that could render it irresistible, had blessed him with her love, and made him the father of her children. But Blannerhasset, in an evil hour, became acquainted with Burr-he imbibed the poison of his ambition, became involved in his intrigues and shared his ruin a ruin as complete, desolate and hopeless, as his former state had been serene and bright.

Whatever were Burr's intentions, it is certain that they embraced schemes so alluring, or so magnificent, as to win the credulous Blannerhasset from the abstractions of study and the blandishments of love. This island became the centre of operations-here arms were deposited and men collected; and here, assembled round their watch-fires, young gentlemen, "who had seen better days," and "sat at good men's feasts," endured all the rigors of the climate and the privations of a campaign, rewarding themselves in anticipations with the honors of war and the wealth of Mexico. Burr and Blannerhasset were the master spirits who planned their labors; Mrs. Blannerhasset was the light and life of all their

GAMBLING-LEGAL MANAGEMENT

which offered an inexaustible source for conversation.

To this fashionable extravagance succeeded, in the same year, that of the waistcoats. These became a capital object of luxury in dress. They had them by dozens, and by hundreds, as they had shirts. They exhibited the fancy of the wearer, by their fine paintings, and they were enriched by the most costly ornaments. Among the variety of subjects which they of fered to the eye, a number of amorous and comic scenes were drawn; vine-gatherers, hunters &c. ornamented the chests of the elegans; and over the body of an effeminate trifler was seen a regiment of cavalry. One of these amateurs, delighted with finer fancies, had a dozen of these waistcoats painted, to represent the finest scenes in Richard Cour de Lion, and the reigning operas of the day, that his wardrobe might become a learned repository of the drama, and perpetuate its happiest scenes.

GAMBLING.-An extract of one of Dr. Nott's addresses to the students of the Union College. * But you do not mean to gamble nor advocate it. I know it. But I also know if you play at all, you will ultimately do both. It is but a line that separates between innocence and sin. Whoever fearlessly approaches this line, will soon have crossed it. To keep at a distance, therefore, is the part of wisdom. No man ever made up his mind to consign to perdition his soul at once. No man ever entered the known avenue which conducted to such an end with a firm and undaunted step. The brink of ruin is approached with caution, and by imperceptible degrees, and the wretch who now stands fearlessly scoffing there, but yesterday had shrunk back from the tottering cliff with trembling.

Do you wish for illustration? The profligate's unwritten history will furnish it. How inoffensive its commencement-how sudden and how awful its catastrophe! Let us review his life. He commences with play; but it is only for amusement. Next he hazards a trifle to give interest, and is surprised when he finds he is a gainer by the hazard. He then ventures, not without misgivings on a deeper stake. This stake he loses. The loss and the guilt oppress him. He drinks to revive his spirits. His spirits revived, he stakes to retrieve his fortune. Again he is unsuccessful and again his spirits flag, and again the inebriating cup revives them. Ere he is aware of 't, he has become a drunkard; he has become a Dankrupt. Resources fail him. The demon despair takes possession of his bosom; reason deserts him. He becomes a maniac, the pistol or the poignard closes the scene, and with a shriek he plunges unwept and forgotten into hell.

* As we have said, the finished gambler has no heart. The club with which he herds would meet though all its members were in mourning. They would meet though the place of rendezvous was the chamber of the dying; they would meet though it were an apartment in the charnel house. Not even the death of kindred can effect the gambler. He would play upon his brothers coffin; he would play upon his father's sepulchre.

71

LEGAL MANAGEMENT.' ANECDOTE OF EMMET.-Some years ago a journeyman saddler in New York, who by his industry and economy, had accumulated a few hundred dollars in money, resolved to establish himself in business, in an adjacent village.After securing a situation for a shop, he returned to the city, with about $200 to purchase his stock. He put up at one of the public houses, kept by N

-W. and confiding in the integrity of the landlord, put the money into his hands for safe keeping, till he should call for it. He then traversed the city, in search of a favorble chance to purchase his stock, and after finding one that suited him, he returned to his quarters, and called for his money. "Your money," said the landlord, "you put no money into my hands." He had no evidence of the fact, and finding all his efforts to induce his host to give up the money were fruitless, the desponding and indigent saddler repaired to Mr. Emmet for counsel-After hearing a statement of the facts, and taking such measures as satisfied him that the saddler was a man of the strictest integrity, he rebuked him for putting his money into such hands, without evidence; "but," said he, "if you will do as I tell you, I will obtain your money for you." The saddler very readily promised a strict obedience to his directions. "Well," said Emmet, “go back to the landlord and tell him, when no one is present, that you owe him an apology—that you have found your money, and was mistaken in supposing that you put it into his hands; you will then return to me." The saddler did so, and the landlord expressed great satisfaction, at the discovery of the mistake. "Mr. Emmet then gave the saddler $200 and told him to go and deposit it in the hands of the landlord, but before you enter the house procure some gentleman of respectability, to go in and call for a glass of beer, and request him then to take his seat and carelessly pass away the time in reading the news, &c. till you arrive. You will then enter the room, and in his presence, tell the landlord you now wish him to take the $200 for safe-keeping till you call for it."—This done, the saddler again returned to Mr. Emmet who directed him to continue his lodging at the house for two days, and be regular at his meals; and then, when no other person is present, tell the landlord you will take your money. This the saddler did, and the unsuspecting landlord without hesitation, immediately refunded the money, which the saddler restored to Mr. Emmet, who directed him to take a good witness with him, and go and demand the $200--which you delivered in his hands for safe keeping, in the presence of the gentleman who called for the beer.

The saddler accordingly proceeded to the house, in company with another gentleman and demanded his money. Your money,' 'said the astonished landlord, "I have just handed it to you." "No sir," replied the saddler, "I have not received my money, and if you refuse to deliver it to me, I shall take measures to obtain it." The landlord dared him to "do his best," and Mr. Emmet immediately instituted a suit against him in the favor of the saddler. The landlord, finding himself outwitted, paid over the money, with about $20 cost.

72 BEHAVIOUR BEFORE FOLK-ALLITERATION-FIRST IMPRESSION OF A STAR.