ON BLACK CATS. bitter regrets; whilst to the University itself, are velvet, and seem formed to walk on carpets of Sleep thon in peace, my sable Selima, rest and be thankful, for thou wert born in an enlightened age, and in a family of females, and elderly gentlemen. Well is it for thee that thou wert not contemporary with the pious Baxter, that detester of superstition or the learned Sir Thomas Brown, the exploder of vulgar errors; or the great Sir Matthew Hale, whose wholesome severities against halfstarved sorceresses, so aptly illustrated his position, that Christianity is parcel of the common law of England.' Rest, I say, and be thankful, for the good old times had been bitter times for thee. Why should colour excite the malignant passions of man? Why will the sole-patentee of reason, the soi disant Lord of Creation, degrade himself to the level of the Turkey-cock, that is filled with rage and terror at a shred of scarlet? What is a hue an absorbed or reflected ray, or, as other sages tell, a mere extended thought--that we should love or hate it? Yet such is man, with all his boasted wisdom. Ask why the Negro is a slave? He's black, not like a Christian. Why should Bridget's cat be worried? Why, to be sure, she's black, an imp of darkness, the witch's own familiar; nay, perhaps, the witch herself in disguise: a thing most easily put to proof; for if you knock out Grimalkin's eye, Bridget will appear next day with only one maim the cat, its mistress halts; stab it, she is wounded. Such are the dangers of necromantic masquerading, when the natural body is punished with the stripes inflicted on the assumed one: and this was once religion with royal Chaplains, and philosophy with the Royal Society. These superstitions are gone this baseless fabric of a vision is dissolved; I wish that it had left not a wrack behind. But when Satan disappears, an unsavoury scent remains behind him; and from the carcass of buried absurdity, there often proceeds an odour of prejudice-the more distressing, because we know not whence it comes. Neither elderly ladies nor black cats are now suspected of witchcraft; yet how seldom are they fully restored to their just estimation in the world. Be it perverseness, or be it pity, or be it regard for injured merit, I confess myself an advocate for the human tabbies, so famed for loquacity, and for their poor dumb favourites in black velvet. wrath of Jove. Yet, my Selima, if thy tribe have suffered much from the follies of mankind, they have profited by them also. If the dark age looked black upon them; if the age of black arts, black friars, and black letter set them in its black-book, and delivered over their patronesses to the blackness of darkness; yet time hath been when they partook of the honour and worship paid to all their species, while they walked in pride at the base of the pyramids, or Then was their life pleasant and their death as a secreted their kittens in the windings of the labyrinth. sweet odour. This was, indeed, common to all thy kind, however diversified by colour or divided by condition.— Tabby and tortoise-shell, black, white, and grey, tawny and sandy, gib and grimalkin, ye were a sacred race, and the death of one of ye was mourned as a brother's-if natural; and avenged as a citizen's -if violent; and this is the cradle of the sciences, (so called, presume, because the sciences were babies there,) and in spite of the 700,000 volumes of Alexandria. Yet I cannot but think that the wise Egyptians distinguished black with peculiar reverence. We know that their religion, like their writing, was hieroglyphical; that their respect for various animals was merely symbolical; that under the form of the ox, they gratefully remembered the inventor of agriculture, and adopted a beetle as the representative of the sun. Now, of how many virtues, how many powers, how many mysteries may not a black cat be an emblem? As she is cat, of vigilance; as she is black, of secresy; as both, of treachery, one of the greatest of political virtues, if we judge from the high rewards continually given, and daily advertised for it. Again, we know the annual circle, and the signs by which it was measured, was another object of idolatry; but one ample half of time is typi Whether it be true, that Time, which has such various effects on divers subjects, which is so friendly to wine, and so hostile to small beer, which turns abuse to right, and usurpation to legitimacy, which improves pictures while it mars their originals, and raises a coin no longer current to a hundred times the value it ever went for ;-whether this wonder-fied by a black oat. working Time be able to deface the loveliness of women, shall be a subject for future inquiry. But, my pretty Selima; thou, that like Solomon's bride, art black, but comely; thee, and thy kind-the sable order of the feline sisterhood, I would gladly vindicate from those aspersions, which take occasion from the blackness of thy coat to blacken thy reputation. Thy hue denotes thee a child of night; Night, the wife of Chaos, and being a female, of course the oldest female in being. How aptly, therefore, dost thou become the favourite of those ladies, who, though not so old as night, are nevertheless in the evening of their days. Thon dost express thy joy at the return of thy mother, even as the statue of Memnon at the approach of her rival, frisking about in thy mourning garb by moonlight, starlight, or no light, an everlasting merry mourner; and yet a mute in dress, and silence too, not belying thy name by volubility. How smooth, how silky soft are thy jetty hairs! A peaceful multitude, wherein each knows its place, and none obstructs its neighbours. Thy very paws But should these deep speculations be deemed mys- ral, we may account for it on the supposition, that After all, Selima, I doubt whether thou hast lost REPOSITORY OF GENIUS. ENIGMA. No. 9. And let your answers, Sirs, be known A foreign name I always bear, I at the festive board attend, Manchester, March, 1822. J. SWILBRIG. CHARADE. No. 10. To make a populous town in Lancashire. One half of a despicable character; One half of an easy office in the Collegiate Church. But there is one of thy hues whose condition might One half of an useful animal, have been envied by all the sacred mousers of Egypt. | And two fifths of an emblem of peace. Had there dwelt less of beauty in that cheek, Then young, and fair, and spotless as thou art, Oh! marvel not my bosom should enshrine, Thy lovely image whence it ne'er shall part; And as o'er desert wilds a single star Doth sometimes shed its solitary ray, To guide the wand'ring pilgrim from afar, Kemble and Lewis chancing to be at Dublin at the same time, were both engaged by the manafor one night's performance in Leon and the Copger per Captain. Their announcement was coupled with the following delectable passage. They never performed together in the same piece, and in all human probability, they never will again; this evening is the summit of the manager's climax. He has constantly gone higher and higher in his endeavours to delight the public, beyond this it is not in nature to go.' SINGULAR INDICTMENTS. A writer in Dr. Anderson's Bee, vol. 6, mentions the following singular indictments, as copied from an old M. S. that had fallen into his hands; the writer begins his minutes thus: Memorandum,-That one, the 19th daye of February, 1661, was the firste tyme that I was upone the Jury for life and death at the Old Bayley, and then were these persons following tryde, and for what crime. After mentioning the names of nine persons who were tried that day, and seventeen the next, for ordinary offences, are the following entries: Katherine Roberts is endited for selling of a child to the spirits for 28s. 6d. ; but after much hearinge of witnesses, it could not be clearly proved, and so she was found-not guilty.' Mary Grante is endited for beating of her husband, but nothinge is made of this. The law says, that the husband cannot endite his wife for a battery.' BENEFIT PLAY-BILL. Linton, a musician belonging to the orchestra of Covent Garden Theatre, was murdered by some street robbers, who were discovered and executed. A play was given for the benefit of his widow and children, and the day preceding the performance, the E'en thus art thou to me whilst thro' the world I following appeared in one of the public prints : stray. EPITAPH ON AN INFANT. Adieu! sweet Babe! thy sleep enjoy, Thy heav'nly soul was call'd away. Aurora's car shall bear it on To scenes of bliss above the skies, And Seraphs, as they taste the morn, Shall chaunt its triumph as they rise. Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. FOR THE BENEFIT OF MRS. LINTON, &c. The widow,' said Charity whispering in my ear, 'must have your mite, wait upon her with a guinea, and purchase a box ticket?' You may have it for five shillings,' observed Avarice, pulling me by the elbow. My hand was in my pocket, and the guinea which was between my fingers, slipped out. Yes,' said I, she shall have my five shillings. 'Good Heaven,' exclaimed Justice, what are you about? Five shillings! If you pay but five shillings for going into the theatre, then you get value received for your money.' And I shall owe him no thanks,' added Charity, laying her hand upon my head, and leading me on the way to the widow's house. Taking the knocker in my left hand my whole frame trembled. Looking round, I saw Avarice turn the corner of the street, and I found all the money in my pocket grasped in my hand. Is your mother at home, my dear?' said I to a child who conducted me into the parlour. 'Yes,' answered the infant, but my father has not been at home for a great while; that is his harpsichord, and that is his violin. He used to play on them for me.' Shall I play you a tune, my boy' said I. 'No sir,' continued the boy, my mother will not let them be touched, for since my father went abroad, music makes her cry, and then we all cry.' I looked on the violin, it was unstrung,-it was out of tune. Had the lyre of Orpheus sounded in mine ear, it could not have insinuated into my frame thrills of sensibility equal to what I felt. I hear my mother on the stairs,' said the boy, I shook him by the hand;-Give her this,' said I, and left the house. It rained,-I called a coach, drove to a coffee-house, but not having a farthing in my pocket, borrowed a shilling at the bar. METEOROLOGY. THE MUSAEID. No. II. THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1822. TULL. 'Tis not because we've nothing else to do; LETTERS TO RICHARD HEBER, Esq. M. P.-Old maids read novels for employment, and young maids read them for pleasure. But there are few women who them with any critical intention, or who peruse form opinions which may serve them for subsequent reflection. It may not be difficult to account for this. The motives of their reading are not of a studious or inquisitive nature; and the female disposition is not, of the grave and severe complexion, favourable to habits of deep and connected thought. There is still another reason which prevents them profiting, as they might do, from this fascinating species of literature. The two days allowed,' by Circulating Libraries, the grand repositoria of romance, are not sufficient for that close application of the mind without which no proper understanding of a book can be attained: and hence it is that, after the first excitement is abated, there is little remembered but the author, the plot, and the principal character. The volume, which we have now before us, is not the result of such hasty and superficial discussion.It is framed by the band of diligence and research: and we have no doubt, will prove both serviceable and amusing to the professed or real admirers of the Waverley Novels. The object of the letters is to prove by the internal evidence of these works, and of the avowed productions of Sir W. Scott, the identity of their author. The arguments are skilfully managed, and the proofs are as complete and satisfactory as we could be warranted in expecting from the resemblances which an author may be supposed to bear always to himself. Besides this, there is a taste and elegance, predominant throughout, which cannot fail extremely to gratify the reader; and the numerous quotations are so judiciously selected, that they recal in the most lively manner, and with the most pleasing associations, the memory of the books themselves. Upon the whole, we cannot imagine a more rational or elegant entertainment than these letters are calculated to afford; and we recommend them to our fair friends, with the fullest conviction that they cannot fail to admire the acuteness and taste which is every where displayed by the author. THE NEW BONNET. -Dulcique animos novitate tenebo.-- OVID. Shall I not tempt you?-'tis the sweetest thing, 'Don't detain me a moment; Mrs. Taylor has the And are you going sweetest little bonnet, I hear.' to have it?' said Volatile, accompanying the fair one in her hasty steps along the west side of the Square: I don't know yet, that depends upon mamina; but I hope she will let me if I like it, for I am so tired of this ugly poke fashion-you can't imagine.' May I give you my opinion?' said our friend, but the lady had vanished into the shop. Volatile however hovered round the door. think Five guineas!' said the lovely Anne to her cousin, 'five guineas!' what a terrible price! do you any body will be so foolish as to buy it?' And not 'Good morning, Mr. Volatile,' said the fat and THE MANCHESTER IRIS. the step. Excessively genteel,' said one of two sisters who were young twenty years ago, do you think it would become me?" Why ee e n-o-I dont think itthe other, as if half afraid to intimate that the beauexactly-would something closer perhaps,' said tiful Mary must soon begin to throw a little into the shade those charms which once it was her greatest pride to display. sorry he could not, assisted them into their carriage, TO CORRESPONDENTS. We have a score of apologies to make to our correspondents Whiles glistering hope in my path shineth, without feeling that the space might have been better oc- them. We do not doubt that a Young Lady' is a genuine lover of Solitude; indeed, we found her sonnet very re tiring -on a second perusal. 'Twas the sweetest note we ever had,' we saw Artemesia A numerous company now issued from the shop, whose simultaneous chatterings pretty nearly resemEliza, bled the clamour of a flight of lapwings. did you like it?' I can't say that I did much.' 'I'm sure I caught the We'll try You know we Shamefully extravagant!' when we get home,' was the reply. pattern,' whispered one of the number. may easily get the velvet, and the blonde that trimmed our satin dresses last winter will do as well as any other, won't it-quite?' Volatile bowed to the party, but they were too busy to bark at him: though Margaret may send the verses, how could she doubt they there had been times, when not so interestingly occupied, he had feared the dislocation of every joint in his frame, from the contrary pullings of this formi dable crew. 'Well,' said an elderly lady to her niece, as she ing. As soft as dove's down, and as white as it; The letter of Thespis is well written, but it would not suit What are you here yet said the fair one whom 'Yes, mamma, but what do My sweet Miss Lomas, why so coy, O frigid Thomas! still to me thy soul Postscript.-Friday, 4 o'clock, p. m..-We have just called at the Iris Office, to correct the proof sheet of our paper, and have found three letters addressed to us, from Adeline, Lætitia, and X. T. C. We beg to inform our correspondents in general, that we have arranged with Mr. Smith, to send our letters on Wednesday evening, and that all communications received after that period cannot be regularly noticed until the following week. We have a card in preparation, which will be issued forthwith; in the mean time, our friends will have the goodness to remember our address-THE EDITORS OF THE MUSAEID, AT THE IRIS OFFICE. WEEKLY DIARY. MARCH. REMARKABLE DAYS. SUNDAY, 31.-Palm Sunday. In the missals, this day is denominated Dominica in ramis Palmarum, or Palm Sunday, and was so called from the palm branches and green boughs formerly distributed on that day, in commemo ration of our Lord's riding to Jerusalum. In Yorkshire, and the northern counties, Palm Sunday is a day of great diversion; young and old amusing themselves with sprigs of willow, or in manufacturing palm crosses, which are struck up or suspended in houses. In the afternoon and evening, numbers of impudent girls and young men sally forth, and assault all unprotected females whom they meet out of doors, seizing their shoes, and compelling them to redeem them with money; These disgraceful scenes are continued till Monday morning, when the girls extort money from the men by the same means; these depredations were formerly prolonged till Tuesday noon. Of the present ceremonies observed at Rome on Palm Sunday, we have a pleasing account by a modern traveller. About half-past nine in the morning, the Pope entered the Sistine Chapel, attired in a robe of scarlet and gold, which he wore over his ordinary dress, and took his throne. The Cardinals, who were at first dressed in under-robes of a violetcolour (the mourning for cardinals), with their rich antique lace, scarlet trains, and mantles of ermine, suddenly put off these accoutrements, and arrayed themselves in most splended vestments, which had the appearance of being made of carved gold. The tedious ceremony of each seperately kissing the Pope's hand, and making their three little bows, being gone through; and some little chaunting and fidgetting about the altar being got over; two palm branches, of seven or eight feet in length, were brough to the Pope, who after raising over them a cloud of incense, bestowed his benediction upon them: then a great number of smaller palms were brought, and a Cardinal, who acted as the Pope's aid-de-camp on this occasion. presented one of these to every Cardinal as he ascended the steps of the throne, who again kissed the Pope's hand and the palm, and retired. Then came the Archbishops, who kissed both the Pope's hand and toe, followed by the inferior orders of clergy, in regular gradations, who only kissed the toe as they carried off their palms. The higher dignatories being at last provided with palms, the Deacons, Canons, Choristers, Cardinals, train-bearers, &c.' REMARKABLE DAYS. MONDAY, 1.—All or Auld Fool's Day, On this day every body strives to make as many fools as he can: the wit cheifly consists in sending persons on what are called sleeveles; errands, for the history of Eve's mother, for pegeon's milk, stirrup oil, and similiar ridiculous absurdities. THURSDAY, 4.-Maundy Thursday. had each to receive branches of olive, to This day is called, in Latin, dies Mandati, the day of the command, being the day on which our Lord washed the feet of his disciples, as recorded in the second lesson. FRIDAY, 5.-Good Friday. This day commemorates the sufferings SEA STORIES; No. VI. Oft would he, as on that same spot they lay Barry Cornwall. The procession issued forth into the Sala Borgia (the hall behind the Sistine Chapel), and marched round it forming Or, the Voyage and Adventures of Cyril Shenstone, Esq. nearly a circle; for by the time the Pope had gone out, the leaders of the procession had nearly come back again; but they found the gates of the chapel closed against them, and, on admittance being demanded, a voice was heard from within, in deep recitative, seemingly enquiring into their business, or claim for entrance there. This was answered by the choristers from the procession in the hall; and after a chaunted parley of a few minutes, As soon as this tale was finished, a spruce young the gates were again opened, and the gentleman, delicate in his appearance, and somewhat Pope, Cardinals, and Priests, returned to of their seat. Then the Passion was chaunted; and then a most tiresome long service commenced, in which the usual genuflections, and tinkling of little bells, and dressings, and undressings, walking up and coming down the steps of the altar, and bustling about went on; and which at last terminated in the Cardinals all embracing and kissing each other, which is considered the kiss of peace. and The palms are artificial, plaited of to resemble the real branches of the palm- Rome in the 19th century. APRIL. April is derived from Aprilis, of aperio, I open; because the earth in this month, begins to open her bosom for the produc tion of vegetables. a dandy in bis outward man, exclaimed in an under tone to his next neighbour-''Pon honour Charles that's d-d bad Scotch-I believe this fellow is some impudent pretender, who knows just about as much Scotch as Jack Robinson. Scotch,' said the other, such stuff was never heard since the tower of Babel was built.' 'Lord, how the wind howls', said the simpering lady, I declare I never neard any thing so frightful Ha! ha ha!' roared Jack Brindle, why that's a mere puff am Puff,' said the other lady, Oh Lord how sick I The Captain now went on deck, and I followed. The sea was a little rough, but in the course of an hour the wind subsided, and tranquility was restored below stairs. We descended and the Captain desired them to make the best use of their time, for it was getting late. Well,' said the young gentleman I'm for you,' and thus commenced- TALE V. The Outlaw's Tale. Slowly advanc'd the leaky skiff, II. You hoary fool, keep to the side,' Yea, e'en these moon-beams might disclose Now, with a speed increased, they glide And from the lake an outlet shows, IV. Bright spangles from the oar blades dash, Or moss grown rocks, or wood fringed bay. V. Lovely, as fancy conld pourtray, But intermingled with the wild Further the smiling shore recedes, With thick impenetrable shades Where large eyed stags stood listening round The tree tops held the croaking crows, It was not now this scenery showed, As well as prospect charmed the sight. Yet not Vicentio or the rest, Were by such scenes or thoughts imprest; To hear of the defenceless hold Are pleasures to his heart of stone. A fearful life- a shameful end. XI. Men, such as these, save but a few But let us follow now the band, How cam'st thou by thy knowledge, say, XIII. Suspicion this might well excite, The Baron asked where he had been, XIV. 'But Langton taken by surprise, 'His speed, redoubled by his fear, And now it was my task and care BARRISTERS. A gentleman who is now attending York assizes writes:-" I spent most of my time in the Nisi Prius Court. Besides that the trials are of a less painful nature than those at Crown end, the Bar have certainly there the widest scope for the display of talent. I visited it for |