9)

the street. Here he met with the beat and shuffled with their feet, threw

young man whom he had previously pieces of paper at each other, and 1 seen at the cottage, and found him to leaped over the benches, while wait

be of the medical profession. Vander. ing for the entrance of the Professor. brummer informed him, that his chief When he did appear, a general hiss :: object in coming to England was to took place. Vanderbrummer was hor

inquire into the state of medicine and ror-struck, and inquired of his commedical practice there. “ You will panion what it meant. “ Oh, this is | learn little that is to our credit,” said nothing remarkable," replied Dr Praca i his companion, whose name was Win- "They are offended at the Professor a ter;" medical science is at a low ebb because he yesterday gave notice that

in this country. There is no such thing he intended lecturing on Saturday, in as theory now. When any dispute order to enable him to complete his occurs, a man instantly refers you to course within the prescribed time.

his practice. When any of his pre- The students conceive this plan to be El scriptions appear to produce good ef- an encroachment upon their hours of

fects, he instantly sets them down as recreation, and express their resentbeing suitable in all similar cases, and ment in the manner you have just administers them accordingly, often witnessed.". However, the tumult to the cost and destruction of the pa- soon subsided, the Professor comtient, without knowing how, why, menced his lecture, and his auditors wherefore, or whether they are right drew out their paper books, to take or wrong. Dr L-is one of the such notes as they could. After the practitioners I have endeavoured to lapse of an hour, Vanderbrummer was describe. Thank Heaven, I cannot startled by a loud ringing. All the be classed with them. I never was in students sprung from their seats by an hospital in my life, yet I flatter one impulse, clapped on their hats, myself I know more of medicine than run along the benches, and rushed out hundreds of those who have the charge tumultuously towards the class-room of such establishments.”- -" Theory is door, near which they became so closevaluable," replied Vanderbrummer, ly wedged, that no one could move " when a man is capable of applying faster than another; while occasional it to practice. May I ask where you groans, screams, and exclamations, were educated ?"" At Edinburgh, proved that some individuals were sir," answered Winter. “ There the threatened with suffocation. “ Dreadscience of medicine is taught in all its ful! dreadful!” cried Vanderbrumpurity. I would strongly advise you mer; what can have happened. Is to visit that city; you will find the the building on fire ?"-" No, no," medical students every way superior returned Dr Practic, laughing, don't to what they are any where else.” be alarmed. Professor -'s lec

Vanderbrummer now took leave of ture commences at this hour, and the Mr Winter, but while walking back 'students are hurrying out, that they to the tavern, reflected upon what he may secure front seats in his classhad heard, and determined to go to

The two friends waited till the Edinburgh. He accordingly engaged door-way became tolerably clear, and a place in the mail-coach that same then went out. While passing through night, and went off next morning. the area in front of the College, they

After reaching Edinburgh, his first observed a crowd of young men tubusiness was to deliver his letters of multuously encircling some one, and introduction, most of which were ad- stretching out their arms as if they dressed to medical men.

A young were aiming blows at him. He ap" physician, named Dr Practic, volun- peared to be driven from side to side,

teered his services in shewing him the and forced to stagger along at the will

University, and conducting him to of those who surrounded him, while un to the different Lecture-rooms.

he spoke at intervals in a tone of enDuring a visit to one of these, Van- treaty, which his persecutors entirely derbrummer was a good deal astonish- disregarded. “Incredible !" exclaimed at the levity of deportment which ed Vanderbrummer ;

are such in the students exhibited, and which human assaults permitted within the was a strong contrast to the solemnity courts of the University? What has and sedateness that characterized the the man been guilty of Will no one same class of persons at Leyden. They step forward to his assistance ?" Dr

room.

In the

Practic laughed again, and then told ed impetuously past them. What him, that the person for whom he felt can this mean?” cried Vanderbrumso much concern, was a street porter mer ; " I wish we had stopped one of in the act of distributing hand-bills them to inquire.”—“He would not among the students who encompassed have answered you,” returned Dr him.

Practic. - These are members of the In the evening, Dr Practic carried Medical Society. You must know, Vanderbrummer to a meeting of the that, at the conclusion of the debate, members of the Royal Medical So- the secretary calls over the names of ciety, that he might shew him the state all who ought to attend its meetings, id tin of medical disputation in Edinburgh. and any one who is not present to anThere were about ninety persons pre- swer is fined a sixpence. Those who sent, and the President sat in a sort lately passed us have been out amu-, of pulpit, holding a hammer in his sing themselves. They now hurry hand. He proceeded to read an Essay back to the Hall, that they may

be in that had been written by one of the time to save their sixpences.”—“! members of the Society. Having fi- would rather pay many sixpences," nished it, he said he would be happy said Vanderbrummer," than again pass to hear observations upon the subject such a wearisome evening as this has from any gentleman in the room. A been.' “ All who can afford to do. dead silence ensued, and continued so will agree with you,” returned his nearly half an hour. He then flourish- friend. ed his hammer, and cried, " I will be Next day was Saturday. particularly happy to hear some obser- furenoon, Dr Practic and Vanderbrumvations upon this important subject." mer walked along Prince's Street, and A tall young man then stood up, and there met a young man genteelly dresshaving requested the indulgence of his ed. He immediately entered into conauditors, proceeded, with a strong Irish : versation with Dr Practic, and said, “I accent, to criticize the production that saw you at the Hall last night-What had just been read. Several of his fel- an excellent debate we had !-Chair low members soon rose from their seats, well filled-many new theories started. and advanced to a table where a num- Your friend must become one of us ber of visitors' tickets lay, and each He shall have my interest."

“ He is taking one, they returned to their pla- much obliged to you,” returned Dr ces; they next pulled out their pen-, Practic; “but I believe he, at present, cils, and Vanderbrummer saw that they has no intention of soliciting for adwere , preparing to take notes of what mission into the Medical Society.”.the speaker said. A long debate en- “Indeed! why that's strange," cried sued, but those who engaged in it, ge- the young man.

" He must have nerally wandered from the subject; heard of us abroad, --we made one of while the President was evidently too the most celebrated Dutch physicians ignorant to perceive this, or to correct an honorary member, and I wish you them when they did so. All that was had seen his letter of thanks,-he was advanced by the disputants on either very grateful for the honour ;-but

, side of the question, had evidently good bye.-Will you and Mr Vanderbeen gleaned from books; and he who brummer sup with me on Monday. remembered most, enjoyed the repu- night?” Dr Practic had a previous tation of speaking best. Vanderbrum- engagement, but Vanderbrunmer acmer soon became tired of hearing pla- cepted the invitation. « Behold a spe giarisms, absurdities, and common-cimen of an Edinburgh medical stu

. place remarks, and left the Hall, ac- dent,” said Dr Practic, when their acom companied by Dr Practic, who joined quaintance had left them. “He is him in ridiculing the assembly in miserably poor, but vain and assuming which they had spent the evening. While attending the classes during five “ I am indeed a member of the insti- days of the week, he dresses so shabu tution,” said the latter, “ but became, bily that I am ashamed to speak to so that I might have the use of its li-, him ; but this day being Saturday, noise-struck their ears; and, next mo, now struts along the pub Zie walks

, and remark when a confused thundering thinks himself a man of fashion. He ment, twenty or thirty young men rush- courts the observation

f

every

· On Monday he will not be met with, moved. Vanderbrummer expected to

except in back lanes and retired streets. hear some professional or scientific disI suspect he did not attend Professor cussion; but his companions had no

-'s lecture this forenoon, for the relish for any thing of the kind. They 2 fear of getting dust upon his new pan- made their studies a subject of merri

taloons. I'm glad you accepted his ment boasted of their medical ignoinvitation, for I'm sure you'll have rance-ridiculed the Professors-mensome amusement at his lodgings.” tioned how often they slept during

On Monday evening, at the appoint- lecture, -and censured many of the sed time, Vanderbrummer set out for most eminent practitioners in the city. * Mr Walnut's lodgings, and reached They at last became so noisy, and

them after ascending half a dozen riotous, and disagreeable, that Vander

flights of dark stairs. The house-door brummer took leave of them and went => was opened by an old woman, who home. Next morning he received a 1. ushered him into a small apartment, letter informing him that a change had

where he found Walnut sitting alone, taken place in his father's circumi reading the fourth volume of Peregrine stances. He was desired immediatePickle. He had thrown off his coat ly to return home, and, therefore, from motives of economy, but apolo- had suddenly to leave Edinburgh, and i gized to his guest for having done so, embark, at Leith, in a vessel bound for

and immediately put it on again. À Amsterdam. violin with three strings hung in one On arriving at Amsterdam, he found 'corner of the room, and one number affairs even worse than he had expecta

of Neil Gow's strathspeys lay upon a ed. Total ruin had come upon the small side-table." Vanderbrummer be- mercantile company in which his fagan to speak of medical subjects, and ther was the chief partner; and the inquired what theory of life was then old man had been so much chagrined most prevalent among Scotch physi- at this reverse of fortune, as to be cians." To tell you the truth," re- seized with a lethargy or stupefaction, plied Walnut, “ I know nothing about terminating in an illness of which he the matter. I expect to learn all these died. Vanderbrummer had lost his things from my grinder.- I haven't mother many years before, and only a read ten pages about medicine these few distant relations remained to him six weeks past. I have even ceased in Amsterdam. They condoled with taking notes. - Confound the classes ! him, and assisted him in gathering to-I wish the session were over !” Van- gether whatever little remnants could derbrummer was hesitating what reply be found of his father's property.

he should make to these declarations, These were sufficient to preserve him when his ears were assailed by a singu- from want. But a different kind of

lar noise which seemed to take place grief seized the student on another in the stair, out of doors. A tumult account; for he had not in any degree of voices echoed through its recesses, forgotten his early attachment; but and regular concussions proved that no longer stood in the same favourable something was rolling down the steps. circumstances for a suitor as at first.

Presently two young men entered the He visited the lady, and found that room, and began to explain the cause change which he expected. Although of the disturbance, which was in con- deeply wounded, he could not help adsequence of their having, when near miring the propriety of her behaviour, the top of the stair, come into collision and that compliance with the vicissia with a servant girl who was carrying tudes of the world which sits better two pitchers of water. The three in- upon women than upon men, since the dividuals had fallen above each other, female sex ought to be more in bonand received the contents of the pitch- dage to society. When he was shewn ers upon their clothes, and had got down stairs, he found, at the door, a broken shins into the bargain. Wal- carriage, from whence came a gallant nut affected to commiserate the con- and gaily dressed Frenchman, and dition of his guests, but all the while passed Vanderbrummer with a look of made signs expressive of derision, to perfect suavity. This was a more forVanderbrummer.

tunate wooer going up to visit the Supper being soon brought in, little young lady. conversation took place till it was re- The friends of Vanderbrummer pity

a

ing him for the circumstances of his which he meant to afford gratis if any lot, advised him to retire from Am- illness should occur among the country sterdam for some time, and to seek for people. a quiet residence in the country, where When settled in this place he rehe would be more able to recover the curred to his college habits of life. For, equilibrium of his feelings. He, ap- having no other thing to do, he was proving of their suggestion, sought for induced to occupy his time with study, a place at a considerable distance from which led him again into metaphysical town, and hired a lodging in a small thought. His mind became again infarm-house. Hither he conveyed his terested in the old chain of argument books, with his seldom-used case of which had formerly pleased him at instruments, and a few medicines, Leyden,

SEA-SHORE REFLECTIONS AT SUN-SET.
Thou, mighty ocean, whom I now behold
Kissing, with murmur bland, thy shores of gold;
Often, at eve, as thus the vernal day
Closes its eye, and melts in peace away,
I love beside thy broad expanse to walk,
And hold with Meditation silent talk.

Fresh blew the matin breeze; and cloud on cloud
Veild the blue heavens with melancholy shroud;
Moaned the deep woods, as shower succeeding shower,
Bedim'd the glory of the noontide hour;
And, on thy breast, the bark was seen to brave
With difficult repulse the crested wave;
While, borne with fleet wing to its rocky home,
The wailing sea-bird shot athwart the foam,
And left to winds, and waves, and pelting rains,
The solitary shore, and joyless plains.

But now the breeze is calm'd; o'er cloudless skjes,
The crimson Day smiles forth before he dies;
The yallies lie in peace and, on the hill,
Spreading their leafy arms, the woods are still.
From budding copse the blackbird's mellow lay,
With a deep tone far inland melts away;
And, yet remoter far, the cattle's low-
Mayhap from flowery meads returning slow;
Hush'd is the landscape--still as still can be,
As if the eve beld silent jubilee !

Why then, when Nature's pulse subsides to rest,
Sleep not the passions of the human breast ?
Why does the throbbing sense of inward pain
Oppress the heart, or shoot athwart the brain ?
Do Misery's clouds, with melancholy roll,
Float o'er, and shade the regions of the soul;
And visions crush’d, and hopes that wan’d to nought,
Disturb the spirit, and oppress the thought ?

O! fragile man---thou pageant of a day,
Whose painted splendours dim, and die away ;
Thou thing, whose grasping aspirations soar
To realms, where glory reigns for evermore;
But findest, yearning with a downcast soul,
Thy tiny means unfit to reach the goal.
Still in thy sight the rays of beauty flash,
Sublime thou listenest to the torrent's dash-

31

Pantest in dreams, still foild, and still renewd
For perfect bliss, and unsubstantial good ;-
Till, finding hope a visionary gleam,
A rainbow light, the splendour of a dream,
Friendship a tie, that, prone a while to bless,
Yields to the wizard touch of selfishness;
And earth a home, where vice and sorrow meet,
The realm of shame, the palace of deceit-
Man views his brightest prospects melt in air,
Yields up his sinking bosom to despair ;
And as he turns from earth with loathing eyes,
Proclaims that all.is vanity-and dies !

Yet droop not thou, my soul, but turn thine eye
Beyond this earth, that perishable sky,
And when the clouds come o'er thee dark and deep,
And melting sorrow veils her face to weep-
Let the celestial glow of upper spheres,
Gild with reflected light thine earthly years.

So, when the noon of life in toil and care
Hath pass’d, its evening may be soft and fair ;
All thoughts unholy banish'd from the breast,
And every ill that presses, lulld to rest-
Bright then, as July sunset, shall decay
The earth-born spark, and with as pure a ray,
Till vanishing on earth's extremest skies
It sets, in other worlds renew'd to rise !

A

THE PRIMROSE.

I saw it in my evening walk,

No other flower, no rival grew A little lonely flower

Beside my pensive maid ; Under a hollow bank it grew,

She dwelt alone, a cloister'd nun,
Deep in a mossy bower.

In solitude and shade.
An oak’s gnarl'd root, to roof the cave, No sun-beam on that fairy pool
With Gothic fret-work sprung,

Darted its dazzling light;
Whence jewell’d-fern,* and arum leaves, Only, methought, some clear cold star
And ivy garlands hung.

Might tremble there at night.
And close beneath came sparkling out, No ruffling wind could reach her there
From an old tree's fall'n shell,

No eye, methought, but mine,
A little rill, that clipt about

Or the young lambs that came to drink, The Lady in her cell.

Had spied her secret shrine. And there, methought, with bashful pride, And there was pleasantness to me She seem'd to sit and look

In such belief-cold eyes On her own maiden loveliness,

That slight dear Nature's loveliness
Pale imaged in the brook.

Profane her mysteries.
Long time I look'd and linger'd there,

Absorb'd in still delight;
My spirits drank deep quietness
În with that quiet sight.

C.

* The flowers of the Osmunda Regalis, or flowering-fern, are set like two rows of jewellery on the
under sides of the leaves. This elegant plant blows in July and August, and is generally found on or
about the botes and twisted roots of old tiees.
VOL. X.

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