But a more intimate acquaintance makes a discovery of some bearable qualities, and familiarity renders the odious less odious; and then it is thought that there are more qualities existing in him than have been discovered, because more have been discovered than were suspected. So foppery and foolery are tolerated from habit and intimacy." THE CAPTAIN AND HIS MEDICAL AD VISER, or the Triumph of Professional 'BLESS my soul!' said Senna, affecting surprise, and assuming, as he approached his patron, an expression of anxious concern-What's the matter?-dear me! I couldn't think it possible the countenance could so sensibly alter in so short a period!'- Egad! I seem to astonish every one,' said Crank, with a chuckle-' even Thomas, this morning, when dressing me, remarked that he thought I was quite another man.'- Another man, indeed, Sir,' said Senna, gravely. Permit me, pray, to feel the pulse.'-'Why, hang it, man, don't I tell you I never was better in my life!-I sleep well, drink well, eat well, and now begin to walk well-and what's more, in a great measure, I attribute this favourable turn in my health to-(for you know I never mince matters -I'm always above board)—to forgetting, for this last fortnight, to take your physic,' continued the veteran, with evident glee at having it in his power, thus jocularly, to hull (as he termed it) the doctor with a shot in return. There it is, my good Sir: you've at once accounted for it all!' exclaimed Senna, with an air of triumph, not unmingled with reproach. How could you do such injustice to yourself and to a fond family, as to neglect the alterative system, and decline the use of the preventive drops? Now, Sir, I entertain the most serious apprehensions, and the countenance itself clearly indicates it -that the paroxysm, which is approaching, as I perceive, will attack you with redoubled fury.'-Well-you are cursedly positive, Senna. Why, I tell you, man, I have not been so well for these five years past!'-'So much the worse!-I'm sorry for it the more danger is to be apprehended; you know, you are always prepared to expect a calm will be succeeded by a storm? Why, sometimes, to be " 6 sure.'-This-a phenomenon with re- Not yet, I hope.'-Here there was a mutual pause for some moments,-"You say you sleep well?' resumed Senna.'Like a ground-tier butt, Sir-never start tack or sheet, till Thomas comes to call me in the morning; and you know, some few weeks since, half the night long, I was tumbling and tossing about in my bed, like a collier in a cross sea.'-'Ah! every thing confirms my suspicions. Believe me, my dear friend, that apparent soundness of repose is quite artificial—an unnatural stupor-a sure forerunner (if not of approaching apoplexy itself) of a determination of blood to the head.'-' De termination of blood !-d-n-n, it seems as if you were determined I should have no blood left in any part of my body. If it's a job you want, say so at once and I'll endeavour to find you a patient to practise on. This excitement, captain -this positiveness on your part, if you will only have the kindness to be patient, I shall prove to your satisfaction'-'Satisfaction, indeed!' exclaimed the veteran, -pretty satisfaction, to tell a man who is in good health, that he is in danger every minute of dropping down dead!'-'All that I suggest is for your good. To convince you of the sincerity of my motives, I am now about to propose, as the only chance I see to-to-in fact, save you in time-(for why should I blink the busi ness to a man who has met death in every shape?) to order you, immediately, for change of air-for you know, when physic fails, we have no other alternative-to one of our most celebrated watering-places.' -Watering-places!-what, leave the cottage?'-'Yes, and proceed immediately to Cheltenham, and commence a regular course.' "Here Crank, with a face flaming with anger, broke away from him, and flourishing his right hand aloft, whilst he hitched up his waist-band with the other, he shouted aloud, 'I shall do no such thing, Sir; a pretty pass indeed, to begin and drench me now with salt water, because I've not had enough of it in my day.'" "The doctor was certainly not an original or first-rate actor; but, like other persons of his class, give him his cue, and he was an excellent second. A melancholy interest overshadowed his rubicund visage, as he pathetically gazed on the veteran; and the visual orbs were suffused with the briny test of affectionate concern; whether the effect of the last pinch of snuff being taken by the eyes' instead of the nose, or of an onion con cealed in the sleeve of this treacherous crocodile, is left to the intelligent reader to determine. With that hickup of grief, not unusual under strong emotion, the wily tragedian thus expostulated with the friend he was labouring to deceive.Well-my dear friend, I can onlyonly say-and-sorry I am- ,' added he, extracting his white handkerchief, 'the imminent urgency of your case compels me to speak so explicitly-and indeed alarmingly-'tis the only chance remaining for your life.' "Here his words were quite choked with well-dissembled sorrow, and the handkerchief duly applied to extract the far-famed Irish blackguard' from his tearful eye. The painful smart being abated, he assumed more composure.— 'As a professional man-I solemnly declare-I-I-Affection-my dear friend will unman, you see, the stoutest hearts,' said Senna, sobbing.— Well! well! I need no other proof to assure me of your friendship-cheer up-cheer up-I'll willingly do whatever you desire but pray, my good fellow, don't frighten the women about me-you needn't say, I'm as bad as I am. Bless me!Sure enough-there now I feel thatthat dizziness in my eyes.- Ah, Sir, it only surprises me,' exclaimed the arch hypocrite, 'you didn't perceive it before.' "The good-hearted old fellow might, more properly, have attributed this sensation in the eyes to the overflowing of his gratitude, at finding his health the object of such deep solicitude to his friend. But he was doomed to be duped: and what simple spirit, like his, could have fared better, when opposed to professional science?" MEMOIRS OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE AND HER FEMALE CONTEMPORARIES. 2 vols. THIS distinguished lady reflected honor, by her good sense and her virtues, on the court of Napoleon; she was a better wife than he deserved to obtain, though he did not treat her with that arrogant tyranny which he exercised toward others. Her gentle influence softened his hard heart, and occasionally made the "rod of empire" fall with less terrific and appalling weight. The anecdotes and stories given in these volumes are apparently authentic, and many of them are related with vivacity and grace. Josephine's reflections on the folly of collecting jewels and baubles serve to introduce the notice of a less brilliant but more seasonable present.-" We asked the empress to shew us all her diamonds. With the utmost complaisance, she or dered them to be brought and arranged on a large table. When the various boxes were opened, we were dazzled by the brilliancy of their contents. The collection was composed of the most precious stones belonging to the various towns conquered by the French armies. Her majesty was exceedingly amused by our mute admiration. After having allowed us to examine them leisurely, 'It is to cure you of an excessive fondness for jewels,' said she to us, in a kind tone, that I have shown you mine. After having seen such extraordinary ones, you will have no wish to see others, especially when you recollect, splendid as they are, how unhappy I have been, even amidst the possession of them. In the earlier periods of my astonishing career I entertained myself with these baubles; but by degrees I became disgusted with them, and I now wear them only when my new rank compels me to do so. Be sides, a thousand events may deprive me of these superb but useless things. Have I not the brignolettes that belonged to the queen, Marie Antoinette? Is it certain that I shall be able to retain them? Let me advise you, young ladies, not to envy a magnificence which in no way contributes to happiness. You will be very much surprised when I tell you that I have received more pleasure from the present of a pair of old shoes, than I ever did from the gift of any of the diamonds spread before you.' We laughed, fancying that this was a mere pleasantry; but she told us with so grave an air that what she had said was true, that we earnestly entreated her to favor us with the history of this famous pair of old shoes. On leaving Martinique, with Hortense,' she continued, 'I found myself on board of a vessel, in which I was treated with an attention that I shall never forget. Embroiled with my first husband, I was far from being rich; obliged to visit France on business, the payment of my passage had absorbed the greater part of my resources; and it was with VOL. X. At difficulty, that I could purchase the most F I this fine fellow, whose interest I would gladly have promoted when I possessed the means of assisting him.' In the following instance, Napoleon evinced a tyrannical spirit resembling that of some of our early kings, who settled in the most arbitrary manner the marriages of their chief feudal subjects.-"Josephine related to us the way in which the marriage of Mademoiselle Leclerc and general Davoust was brought about. At the time of the expedition to Saint-Domingo, Napoleon was desirous of intrusting the command of the troops to general Leclerc, who had married Pauline Bonaparte. He called him into his closet, and told him of his intentions. I should be happy again to serve France; but, general, a sacred duty detains me here.' Your love for Paulette? She shall accompany you. The air of Paris is pernicious; it is that of coquetry; she has no need of it, and shall go with you: so that is settled.' Undoubtedly I should be inconsolable to be separated from her; but that would not be sufficient to induce me to refuse an honourable command. My wife would remain surrounded by a family which loves her; and I should have no uneasiness on her account. It is the state of my good sister which compels me to reject what, under other circumstances, would be the object of my envy. She is young and pretty; her education is not entirely completed; I cannot give her any portion: ought I to leave her without protection, during an absence which may be long, perhaps eternal? My brothers are not here; I must therefore stay. I appeal to your own heart, so devoted to your family; general, can I do otherwise?'No, certainly; she must be married forthwith.-To-morrow, for instance; and you can set off instantly. But, I repeat, I have no fortune to give her; and Well, do I not know that? Come, my dear friend, make your preparations; tomorrow your sister shall be married; I do hot yet know to whom; but that is all one.' But I fancy I have expressed myself distinctly; so no remarks.' Leclerc, accustomed, like all the other generals, to consider as a master the man who so short a time before had been his equal, left the room without adding a word. Some minutes afterwards, Ďavoust called on the first consul, and told him that he came to communicate to him his intended marriage. With Mademoiselle Leclerc? I think it an exceed ingly suitable match.'- No, general, with Madame With Mademoiselle Leclerc,' interrupted Napoleon, laying an emphasis on the name; 'not only is it a suitable match, but I am determined that it shall take place immediately.'-' I have long loved Madame; she is now free, and nothing shall induce me to renounce her. Nothing but my will,' replied the first consul, fixing on Davoust his eagle eye: you shall go immediately to SaintGermain with Madame Campan; you shall demand your future wife; you shall be presented to her by her brother, who is now with my wife; he shall accompany you; the bride shall come this evening to Paris; you shall order the nuptial present, which must be handsome, because I intend myself to give away this young lady; I take upon myself the payment of the portion, and the expense of the paraphernalia; and the marriage shall be cele brated as soon as the formalities required by the law can be fulfilled, and I will take care to abridge them: you have heard me? I must be obeyed.' On finishing this long sentence, which was pronounced rapidly, and in that absolute tone which belonged only to himself, Napoleon rang the bell, and gave orders to let Leclerc know that he was wanted. As soon as he saw the general, Well! was I wrong?' he exclaimed, there is your sister's husband. Go together to Saint-Germain, and let me not see either of you until all is arranged: I hate discussions about business.' The two generals, equally astonished, left Napoleon to obey him. Notwithstanding the bluntness of a character by no means amiable, Davoust humbly submitted. their arrival at Madame Campan's house, he was presented to Mademoiselle Leclerc : the interview, they say, was rather a serious one; but in a very few days the wedding took place." On Speaking of the beautiful but licentious Pauline, the authoress says, "Madame Leclerc was, without doubt, the most lovely person I ever beheld. Jealousy and envy, so ready to observe defects in that which is admired, never succeeded in finding the slightest imperfection in that exquisite countenance, to which were united the utmost elegance and perfection of form, and the most fascinating grace. To censure her exterior was absolutely impossible; it was requisite either to be silent or to add one's own eulogies to those which that surpassing beauty every-where excited. Happily for those women who repine at the success of others, they found many opportunities of revenging them selves on the mind, character, and con. duct of this lady." "At a later period, when she was known as the princess Borghese, flattery, carried to the most abject adulation, may have found the means of proving that a sister of the great Napoleon was necessarily a woman perfect in every particular; but, at the time of which I speak, the world went no farther than to praise with enthusiasm her admirable face. It was right-all that could be said on that point was below reality. Without desiring to enter here into the details of her private life, one must yet acknowlege the dissoluteness of her manners." THE BEAUTIES OF A ROMAN-CATHOLIC PRELATE. As the best things are liable to gradual corruption, it was not to be expected that Christianity itself, in its progress through the dark ages, would preserve its purity and lustre unimpaired. The heads of the church were frequently men of vulgar and worldly minds, and so negligent of true religion, as to suffer the intrusion of unscriptural doctrines into the establishment, and the prevalence of scandalous abuses. These grievances had arrived at a great height, when the Protestant reformers arose, the benefit of whose labors we now enjoy in the profession of the purest system of religion that exists among mankind. But, while the Romish prelates, more particularly in Italy and Spain, perpetrated upon good Christians and worthy men those cruelties which cannot be remembered without horror, there were a few bishops who did honor to the catholic church, and to the good principles which it still retained even in the midst of corruption. Among the best of these characters we may reckon Francis de Sales, bishop and prince of Geneva, who died in the year 1622, and was canonised by pope Alexander VII. His friend the bishop of Bellay selected from his writings such parts as seemed most likely to be useful, and published them as his Beauties. From these we extract a few with pleasure, not with a view of influencing the decision of the catholic question in this country, which must depend on the general character of the sect and of its church, but to show that even a Ro mish priest may be liberal in his opinions, benevolent, candid, tolerant, wise, and just. The church to which Francis de Sales belonged may be accused of bigotry; but he was no bigot. Do your duty, and let the world talk. -As I was going to preach at Paris, dur ing Lent, St. Francis taught me to be indifferent to what the world says, by the following recital:-The principal of a college placed the great clock under the care of an idle man, to whom he thought the occupation would be an amusement: but, having tried, he declared that he had never found any act of obedience so tiresome or difficult. 'Why,' said the prin cipal, you have only to wind it up regularly.'-Oh no, not that, but I am tormented on every side.'- How so?' demanded the principal. 'Why,' said the poor man, when the clock loses a little, those who are labouring in the college complain; and when, to satisfy them, I advance it a little, those who are in the town come and abuse me because the clock gains. If, to please them, I retard it again, complaints are renewed on the other side; I am bewildered with their murmurs, for my head is like the bell against which the clock strikes,-I am attacked on all sides.' The principal consoled him with this advice:- Keep to true time, give gentle and obliging words, and all parties will be satisfied.'— 'Now,' continued St. Francis, you will be the butt for criticism; and, if you stop to listen to all that is said about you, you will find no end of the objections and cavils of men. The question is, how are you to steer your way by gentle and obliging words? But, after all, follow your own path,-be guided by your own taste and judgement, and do not seek to conform to the caprice of all your auditors. Look only to God, and yield your self to his guidance; we do not desire to please men; why then should their opinions concern us? God, who reads the secrets of our hearts, is our judge; from him nothing is hidden.'" "Coldness in prayer.-When any one complained to the bishop of not experiencing any inward consolation or warmth of devotion in the exercise of prayer, instead of expressing compassion, he used to say, 'I always prefer dry sweetmeats to the more luscious syrups." " "Singularity.-St. Francis strenuously endeavoured to banish every appearance of singularity from religious families, saying, it was a fault which rendered |