Clarke. She also was the frequent associate of the most eminent continental philosopher of the age, the only man who for a moment was thought to dispute with Newton the originality of some of his discoveries, whose Nouveaux Essais were deemed by many to have successfully refuted some of the most famous positions of Locke in his Essay, and who surpassed all thinkers in the universality of his attainments,-Leibnitz. Leibnitz was her table companion, and of him is reported the saying, "The Queen is never satisfied with a single answer, and always wants to know the reason of the reason." His eulogy may be thought to neutralize the contempt of Mr. Croker.

These incidents shew that in public spirit and in purity of motives the Ministers of the present day need not fear a comparison with the Whig Government of George the Second.

H. C. R.

66

GOLDSMITH AND NATURE.

BUT one friend he had that never wholly left him, that in his need came still with comfort. Nature, who smiled upon him in his cradle, in this garret" of Garden Court had not deserted him. Her school was open to him even here, and in the crowd and glare of streets, but a step divided him from her cool and calm refreshments. Among his happiest hours were those he passed at his window, looking over into the Temple Gardens. Steam and smoke were not so all-prevailing, but that, right opposite where he looked, the stately stream which washes the garden foot might be seen, as though freshly "weaned from her Twickenham Naiades," flowing gently past. Nor had the benchers thinned the trees in those days; for they were that race of benchers loved of Charles Lamb, who refused to pass in their treasurer's account "twenty shillings to the gardener for stuff to poison the sparrows." So there he sat with the noisy life of Fleet Street shut out, and made country music for himself out of the noise of the old Temple rookery. Luther used to moralize the rooks; and Goldsmith had illustrious example for the amusement he now took in their habits, as from time to time he watched them. He saw the rookery, in the winter deserted, or guarded only by some five or six, "like old soldiers in a garrison," resume its activity and bustle in the spring; and he moralized, like the great Reformer, on the legal constitutions established, the social laws enforced, and the particular castigations endured, "for the good of the community," by those black-dressed and grey-eyed chatterers. "Often has their plan of policy amused me," he 66 says, as I observed it from my window in the Temple, that looks upon a grove where they have made a colony." Nor will we doubt that from this wall-girt grove, too, came many a thought that carried him back to childhood, made him free of solitudes explored in boyish days, and re-peopled deserted villages. It was better than watching the spiders amid the dirt of Green-Arbour Court; for though his grove was city planted, and scant of the foliage of the forest, there was Fancy to piece out for him, transcending these, far other groves and other trees,

Annihilating all that's made

To a green thought in a green shade.

Forster's Oliver Goldsmith, pp. 447, 448.

DIARIES OF LADY WILLOUGHBY.*

THE publication of a second part of this justly popular work affords us an opportunity of bringing both volumes before our readers. Their outward appearance is highly attractive, and calculated to stimulate curiosity. The type appears to have been cast, and the paper to have been manufactured, and the binding to have been designed, so as to produce a volume resembling in appearance those which, two centuries ago, Evelyn and the aristocratic literati of his day loved to handle.

The authoress (for no one can read ten pages without the conviction that the work is by a lady) has selected as her subject the domestic history of a noble family of England in the most eventful portions of the 17th century; and the story is told in language of exquisite sweetness by means of the Diary of the lady who is represented as presiding over the establishment of Parham, in Suffolk, during the years between 1635 and 1663. The Diary form affords considerable play for literary power. Historical research may enrich nearly every entry; the finest taste may be shewn in forming the groups of historical characters; antiquarian accuracy may illustrate their several peculiarities by appropriate incidents, and dramatic skill may portray, by a variety of delicate strokes, the characters of the several individuals introduced. The "Diaries of Lady Willoughby" do not exhibit all these varieties of literary power. We do not deny to them the merit of representing the general characteristics of the age to which they are ascribed; but they are not rich in illustration, and they are sometimes inaccurate in personal and family details. To this point we shall return by and by. The peculiar merit of these volumes, and what lends so great a charm to them, is the beautiful delineation we have of an amiable, high-born and refined English lady, devoting her thoughts and efforts day by day to her husband, her children, her domestics, and to the great duties of religion. In respect to antiquarian details, many writers of fiction in the present day have far surpassed our authoress; but in the power of moral portraiture she deserves high praise.

The Diary opens soon after Lady Willoughby has become a mother; her first-born son lives, however, only long enough to teach his parents the unspeakable grief of his loss. There are pleasant glimpses of the noble and illustrious associates of the Lord of Parham,-such men as Lord Brooke and Sir Harry Vane. There is a Puritan chaplain, who sympathizes not with the village sports of May, and frowns at the domestic gaieties of Christmas. Other children are born at Parham, but they are girls. Lady Willoughby's mother visits Parham, sickens and dies. The civil war breaks out, and Lord Willoughby takes an active share in the struggle, ranging himself on the popular side. He gains some military honours, but begins to waver in his party allegiance, disgusted by Presbyterian bigotry and republican violence. He

So much of the Diary of Lady Willoughby as relates to her Domestic History and to the eventful Period of the Reign of Charles I. Pp. 220. Fourth Edition. Longman. 1846.

Some further Portions of the Diary of Lady Willoughby which do relate to her Domestic History and to the stirring Events of the latter Years of the Reign of King Charles the First, the Protectorate and the Restoration. Pp. 178. Long

man. 1848.

deserts the Parliamentary ranks, and is thrown into the Tower. The first volume closes with his escape to the Hague. The outline is filled in with a succession of incidents, such as occur in every household, and the neighbourly charities which are customary duties to the English lady.

In one respect this work is peculiar. The sequel is better than the beginning. There is more freedom and greater power. The incidents are better chosen, and the sentiments, while lacking nothing of the sweet and gentle tone of those in the first volume, are less commonplace. This progression agrees with the plot of the story. Thrown upon her own resources, compelled by her husband's long-continued absence from Parham to think and act for herself and for the household and her poor neighbours, her mind develops unaccustomed energy. Yet throughout there is gentleness and tenderness. Her husband, after a vain attempt to promote the Royal cause by taking temporary command of the navy, seeks a retreat in the island of Barbadoes, of which he held a lease from the Earl of Carlisle. He proclaims the young King in Barbadoes, but is soon followed and dispossessed of the island by a Parliamentary commander. He returns to England, and, entering into the intrigues of the Royalist party, is again thrown into the Tower. Here he is visited and nursed by his faithful lady, who in her husband's cause visits the Protector himself, not to sue for mercy so much as to remonstrate against oppression. He is released, and is left preparing to return to the West Indies. The domestic portraits contained in this volume are more varied than in the first. The daughters, their studies, characters, loves, marriages, families and after histories, are set beautifully before us in the Diary of their mother.

We proceed to give a few extracts to justify the character we have given of this work. Thus sweetly does the Diary open:

"1635, May 12, Tuesday.-Arose at my usual houre, six of the clock, for the first time since the Birth of my little Sonne; opened the Casement, and look'd forth upon the Park; a herd of Deer pass'd bye, leaving the traces of their Footsteps in the dewy Grasse. The Birds sang, and the Aire was sweet with the scent of the Wood-binde and the fresh Birch leaves. Took down my Bible; found the Mark at the 103d Psalm; read the same, and return'd Thanks to Almighty God that he had brought me safely through my late Peril and Extremity, and in his great Bountie had given me a deare little One. Pray'd him to assist me by his Divine Grace in the right performance of my new and sacred Duties: truly I am a young Mother, and need Help. Sent a Message to my Lord, that if it so pleased him, I would take Breakfast with him in the Blue Parlour. At Noon, walked out on the South Terrace; the two Greyhounds came leaping towards me: divers household Affaires in the course of the Day: enough wearied when Night came.”—Pp. 1, 2.

The brightest domestic happiness is sometimes overcast with a passing cloud.

"May 25, Monday.-Most unhappy in mind this day; temper sorely tried, and feelings of resentment at what did appear unkind conduct in another, were too visibly expressed in manner and countenance, though I did refraine from words.

"May 26, Tuesday.-Slept last night in very Wearinesse of Weeping; and awaken'd this morning with a feeling of Hopelessnesse; and ill at ease myselfe, methought every Thing around seemed melancholy; Truth and Affection doubted, Shortcomings hardly judged of; this is an unlook'd for triall. The

Sun shon brightly through the open Window, but it seemed not to shine for me. I took my Bible to read therein my usual Portion, and kneel'd down to pray, but could only weep; thoughts of my Mother's tender love arose, and the Trust on either side that had been unbroken between us. Remembering an outward Composure must be attained unto before I could go down to breakfast, washed my eyes, and let the fresh aire blow upon my face; felt I was a poore dissembler, having had heretofore but little trouble of heart to conceal; mett my Husband in the Corridor with Lord Brooke, and well nigh lost my selfe-command when he gave a kindly pressure of my Hand as he led me down stairs. This evening how different does all appear; and though this and some other late Experiences occasion me to perceave that Life is not so calm a Sea as it once did seem in my ignorance of humane Nature; slight Breezes may ruffle it, and unseene Rocks may give a Shock to the little Shipp; haply the Mariner will learn to steer his course, and not feare Shipwreck from every accident."-Pp. 6-8.

Sorrow has visited Parham; Lady Willoughby has lost her firstborn child.

"Oct. 26, Wednesday.-Oft times I seeme to have no power of giving my Mind to Prayer or Meditation, but walk about the house, or sit down with a Booke or Needlework before me allmost without consciousnesse and well nigh without life. What doe all past Trialls and Vexations appeare, now a Burthen of Sorrow is layd upon me I am unable to beare? I had known Grief and Disappointment, and already in my short experience of life had learnt that this State of Existence is only a Preparation for Happiness hereafter, not Happinesse itselfe; But a precious Gift came from Heaven, my beautiful Child smiled on me; I held it to my heart, and did think it was my owne: what great evil have I done in thy sight, O God, that thou hast thus stricken me? "Oct. 27, Thursday.-At Prayers my Lord was sensibly affected by hearing the words, Suffer little Children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven: the beholding him thus overcome by strong emotion, led me to consider my owne Conduct; and I do feare me, I have been very selfish in the Indulgence of my own Sorrow, too regardlesse of him who equally with me hath lost the deare Sonne of his Love, and who doth ever strive to strengthen and support me, and would fain lead me to take an interest in our family concerns, and in the Wellfare of our Neighbours, albeit Grief lieth heavy on his Heart. I felt another Reproof in his Looke of tendernesse and commiseration, as at our mid-day meal I sent away the plate, the food untasted: I roused myself to exertion, and was repay'd the effort when his Eye rested on me approvingly. The Servants left the room, he took my Arm within his, and we walked to and fro in sweet and solemn Silence: my heart, which had been strangely shut up, melted within me, when he uttered a few gentle words; and I felt there was yet something left to live for: Surely to him was due the poore remaining Powers of my Mind and Affections."Pp. 34-36.

The civil war has broken out, and the Lord of Parham has taken his side with the Parliament, and is ordered on important duty. At Parham there is a sorrowful parting.

"1641-2, March 19, Saturday.-* The Take-leave time came at last. And now, deare Heart, he said to his trembling Wife, with much adoe I kept a tolerable Composure, have no Misgivings of thyselfe; I have ever found thee of quick Wit in Difficulties, and manifesting a quiet Courage and Endurance, at which I have marvelled: and if need should be, I will find Meanes for your better Protection. Well was it now that the Horses were readie, and he look'd not around, after his parting Embrace, to see mee drown'd in Teares. He set forth well armed. Two men the same, and another with a led Horse and Baggage. Went to my lonely Roome at Night; the Casement shook with the

:

Winde, and presently the Raine came downe heavily for a time I was overpower'd with the grief of losing him, and thinking of him riding all night in Weather so tempestuous, the while I sat by a brightly burning fire, in a comfortable warm Roome. Yet would I gladly share his Hardshippes, and be at his side through all. Roused myself at last, and prepared for Rest, praying for strength that my selfish Love may never be a hinderance to my beloved Husband in the way of his Duty, but rather that I may give all the Aide that a poor weake creature may, to one so farre above her in all true Noblenesse. As I beheld the little Face sleeping beside mee, thought what should betide if wee were driven from our Home: how should wee find Shelter for this tender Flower, and the other deare ones.”—Pp. 117–119.

The extracts that follow are from the second volume:

"1648, Aug. 22, Tuesday.-Begin to doubt that I have beene too readie to bee satisfied with myself, and to say to my soule, Peace, peace, when there is no peace, and have not been so contrite and broken under a sense of Sinne, and so is it not unrepented Sinne which doth stand betweene mee and the light of my Father's Countenance. Read the 51st Psalm, but still felt in darknesse.

66

To-night hath God spoken to mee by the voice of my little child. It did chaunce that late in the evening I had occasion to give some orders in the Nurserye; passing by the bed I stooped to kisse my little Girle as I asked her had she sayd her prayers to Nurse? She answered, No, I sayd them to God. I told her God will blesse little children who pray to Him, and He lookes downe and sees us all. Yes, she answered, keeping the while fast hold on my apron, God sees Father in the Ship a long way off, and he sees me in Bed, and when I feel affraid in the darke, I say, Please God I am a good little child sometimes. Except ye become as little Children ye cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Lord, increase my Faith. I believe, helpe thou mine unbeliefe. Why art thou cast downe, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within mee? hope thou in God. Chastened, but not without Hope, I goe to my Bed, and lay mee downe in Peace, praying to become as a little Child."-Pp. 4, 5.

The picture which the Diary gives us of Lady Willoughby training the habits and affections of her daughters is perfectly English, and both beautiful and instructive.

"1652, May 12, Wednesday.-Lizzy hath finished her Sampler; her Sister Die hath much credit for the same, for the Patience with which Shee hath taught her this, and other Needle-worke.

"Reading our usual portion of Holy Scripture this morning, after some remarks thereon, I felt encouraged to say a few wordes to my daughter Fanny. Shee hath lesse of self-will and heate of temper needing restraint and watchfulnesse than her elder Sister, but falleth into errour of another sorte, seeming too well inclined to take her ease, and sheweth an indifferency to such Pursuits as suite not her Fancie, yet which are of good account and Service in a Familie. Especially she hath of late again addicted herself over-much to her Bookes, which, if not to the hurt of her Health as formerly was the case, causeth her to be so enwrapt in them, and in the indulgence of her own Imaginations, that she neglecteth those small occasions wherein she might bee of Use or Pleasure to others, and at the same time secure Benefite to herselfe by being drawn into little acts of Courtesie and Kindnesse, which doe keepe alive and enlarge the kindly dispositions of our nature, and doubtlesse are soe intended by Him who hath planted mankind in Families. She did receive with meeknesse this Reproof, acknowledging her sometime negligence, and her temptation to the unprofitable spending of her time in some particulars, and did confesse that haply her affections had beene too highly set on Works of the Fancy and Imagination; although she sayd, they were such as did for the most part containe manie pious and vertuous Meditations, and added with modesty,