studied but little, he lost his time in the amusements of his age; his quickness however made amends; he surpassed the greatest number of his comrades, astonished his masters, and seemed rather to guess the meaning of the different authors, than study them. His spirit was independent, and averse to complying with the rules; every thing might be obtained from him by good humour, and he was overpowered by kindnefs; but ill judged rigours and the caprices of authority irritated, and his spirit revolted against them. The Santons found out that he was lazy, uncontrolable, and a disputant. : Salem was seen with very different eyes, both by the Santons, and by his comrades; he had no exertion of soul, no eagernefs of mind, and was never drawn away by the most agreeable amusements. Steady to his task, he learned in three days what cost Alladin only an hour. He did not penetrate like Alladin the full meaning of his author, but he could repeat the text. Salem was cited as a model of perfection by the Santons every mark of distinction was fhewn him; and whenever they could not avoid giving some recompences to Alladin, they were always accompanied with remonstrances. The principal of the Santons, an old man who had studied the morals of mankind all his life, was of a different opinion. He loved Alladin and pitied him. "O my son, said he, as he was taking leave of him, if I have any advice to give you, it would be to hide half your understanding; but that is impofsible. It will be necefsary for your first entry in the Nov. 20. world; and how can the brilliancy of it be fhadowed, without some rays appearing? You will soon be known, hated, and persecuted. The most fatal gift man can receive from God is a great genius. It overpowers others, and disgusts us with them. You have a feeling heart, which is another misfortune; it will make you sensible of a thousand wants which you will not be able to satisfy; and your sensibility will heighten your misfortunes. To know and to feel are the most noble employments of the human faculties; they are also the two greatest sources of misfortune, because there are in the world two curses called envy and ingratitude." As he finished these words, he embraced Alladin with tears, who felt his heart opprefsed. It seemed as if a ra pid ray of light had fhewn him the future misfortunes of his life, the abyfs which surrounded him. His soul was melted by the affection fhewn him by this respectable old man; tears of pleasure inundated his cheeks, and soon his mind gave loose to hope. He flattered himself that he should be beloved by mankind, whom he would love to serve. He only saw in himself but franknefs, benevolence, and generosity, how could he believe others to be unfeeling, ungrateful, and hypocrites? Melancholy experience a lone makes those who are born good and generous, acquainted with mankind. To be continued. A gentleman, with a few of his select friends, happening one afternoon to drink tea with a young lady, to whom he had been once much attached, but whom he afterwards ungenerously deserted, in the course of the repast, this amiabie fair asked him to help himself to some particular sweatmeat which stood on the table; he politely refused, observing at the same time, that he never eat any of it, as he found it disagree with him. Upon which one of the company addrefsing himself to the lady, jocularly observed, that he imagined fhe had known his taste better; fhe readily replied, with the greatest good humour, that his taste was greatly changed since fhe first had the pleasure of his acquaintance. READING MEMORANDUMS. When we consider our natural depravity and weakness, it appears to be as much our duty to avoid temptation, as it is to resist and overcome it when we happen to be inadvertantly insnared. It is equally incumbent on us to avoid whatever may unfit or indispose us for our duty, as it is to adopt those means that will enable us to discharge it to the best advantage. If you think the following little piece deserves a place in your en tertaining Miscellany, you are requested to insert it. MONTAUBAN OVER THE BODY OF JULIA *. NEAR that sad bed where ill-starr'd Julia lay, 1 The gloomy horrors of that mournful night. All pale and cold the guiltless victim lay, Cropt like the tender lily of the vale, M. B. S. When threat'ning storms, and howling winds afsail. No more her bosom heaves with smother'd sighs": "And is this, the wretched husband cries, "No! ev'n in death fhall charm thy peerless form, "Still on that lip the smile of peace appears, A "Peace which Montauban never fhall know more? He spoke and wildly from the chamber rush'd, To seek in death the remedy he wish'd, And quench the fever of his burning brain. Vide, Julia de Rousseau vol 2d. The direful draught was near; a phial stood And have I seiz'd the thunder-bolt of fate? "Off gloomy thoughts! no longer tear my soul, "Nor crush my tortur'd conscience with your weight. "Hold! sure all nature rises at my crime, "Hark! how the driving tempest howls around; "See the pale lightnings cast a livid gleam, "And rattling bursts of thunder shake the ground. "What nameless forms are these? defend me Heav'n"What frightful spectres flit amidst the gloom? "Yet ah! I dare not ask to be forgiven, "I dare not deprecate my aweful doom. "Why does this lingering draught delay its pow'r? "Why creep thus slowly through my freezing veins ? "Ev'n death the wretch's friend delays the hour, "To put a final period to my pains. "Ev'n now I feel a torture worse than death, "A torture which the guilty only know; "Oh would that solemn hour which ends my breath, "Wind up the last dread close of all my woe. "Ah! what a languid flutt'ring at my heart, "What forms terrific prefs on every side? Help! help oh death!-speed, speed thy finging dart, "Have mercy gracious Heav'n?" he said and died VOL. Xviii. M. B.S. |