«Do not be afraid my dear fellow my cook1) is an artiste extraordinaire a regular Cordon Bleu 2). You may eat any thing without fear of indigestion. How people can live upon the English cookery of the present day, I cannot conceive; I seldom dine out, for fear of being poisoned. Depend upon it, a good cook lengthens your days, and no price is too great to insure one. >>

When the ladies retired, being alone, we entered into friendly conversation. I expressed my admiration of his daughters, who certainly were very handsome and elegant girls.

«Very true; they are more than passable,» replied he. «We have had many offers, but not such as come up to my expectations. Baronets are cheap now-a-days, and Irish lords are nothings; I hope to settle them comfortably. We shall see. Try this claret; you will find it excellent, not a headach in a hogshead 3) of it. How people can drink port, I cannot imagine. >>

The next morning he proposed that I should rattle round the park with him. I acceded, and we set off in a handsome open carriage, with four greys), ridden by postilions at a rapid pace. As we were whirling along, he observed, «In town we must of course drive but a pair, but in the country I never go out without four horses. There is a spring in four horses which is delightful; it makes your spirits elastic, and you feel that the poor animals are not at hard labour.» Rather than not drive four, I would prefer to stay at home.

Our ride was very pleasant, and in such amusements passed away one of the most pleasant weeks that I ever remembered. Willemott was not the least altered he was as friendly, as sincere, as open-hearted, as when a boy at school. I left him, pleased with his prosperity, and acknowledging that he was well deserving of it, although his ideas had assumed such a scale of magnificence.

I went to India when my leave expired, and was absent about four years. On my return, I inquired after my friend Willemott, and was told, that his circumstances and expectations had been greatly altered. From many causes, such as a change in the government, a demand 5) for economy, and the wording) of his contracts having been differently rendered from what Willemott had supposed their meaning to be, large items 7) had been struck out of his balance sheet, and, instead of being a millionnaire, he was now a gentleman with a handsome property. Belem Castle had been sold, and he now lived at Richmond, as hospitable as ever, and was considered a great addition) to the neighbourhood. I took the earliest opportunity of going down to see him.

«Oh, my dear Reynolds, this is really kind of you to come without invitation. Your room is ready, and bed well aired, for it was slept in three nights ago. Come Mrs. Willemott will be delighted to see you." I found the girls still unmarried, but they were yet young. The whole family appeared as contented and happy, and as friendly, as before. We sat down do dinner at six o' clock; the footman and the coachman attended. The dinner was good, but not by the artiste extraordinaire. I praised every thing.

«Yes,» replied he, «she is a very good cook; she unites the solidity of the English with the delicacy of the French fare; and, altogether, I think it a decided improvement. Jane is quite a treasure. » After dinner, he observed, «Of course you know I have sold Belem Castle, and reduced my establishment. Government have not treated me fairly 9), but

1) (94). 2) Ritter vom H. Geist - Orden; man nennt so eine ausgezeichnete Köchin. 3) (77). 4) (124). 5) Allgemeines Streben nach Sparsamkeit. 6) Bedingungen nach dem Wortausdruck. 7) Summen. 8) Erwerb. 9) Ehrlich.

I am at the mercy of commissioners, and a body 1) of men will do that which, as individuals, they would be ashamed of. The fact is, the odium 2) is borne by no one in particular, and it is only the sense of shame which keeps us honest, I am afraid. However here you see me, with a comfortable fortune, and always happy to see my friends, especially my old school- fellow. Will you take port or claret? the port is very fine, and so is the claret. By-the-bye, do you know I'll let you into a family secret; Louisa is to be married to a Colonel Willer an excellent match! It has made us all happy.>>

The next day we drove out, not in an open carriage as before, but in a chariot and with a pair of horses.

<< They are handsome horses,» observed I.

<< Yes,» replied he, «I am fond of good horses; and, as I only keep a pair, I have the best. There is a certain degree of pretension in four horses, I do not much like it appears as if you wished to overtop3) your neighbours.»

I spent a few very pleasant days, and then quitted his hospitable roof. A severe cold 4), caught that winter, induced me to take the advice of the physicians, and proceed to the South of France, where I remained two years. On my return, I was informed that Willemott had speculated, and had been unlucky on the Stock Exchange; that he had left Richmond, and was now living at Clapham. The next day I met him near the Exchange.

«Reynolds, I am happy to see you. Thompson told me that you had come back. If not better engaged, come down to see me; I will drive you down at four o'clock, if that will suit. >>

It suited me very well, and, at four o'clock, I met him according to appointment at a livery stables 5) over the Iron Bridge. His vehicle was ordered out, it was a phaeton drawn by two longtailed ponies altogether a very neat concern 6). We set off at a rapid pace.

«< They step out well, don't they? We shall be down in plenty of time to put on a pair of shoes by five o'clock, which is our dinnertime. Late dinners don't agree with me, they produce indigestion. Of course, you know that Louisa has a little boy.»

I did not 7); but congratulated him.

husband. Mary is

«Yes, and has now gone out to India with her also engaged to be married a very good match a Mr. Rivers, in the law 8). He has been called to the bar this year, and promises well. They will be a little pinched 9) at first, but we must see what we can do for them.>>

We stopped at a neat row of houses, I forget the name, and, as we drove up, the servant, the only man-servant, came out, and took the ponies round to the stable, while the maid received my luggage, and one or two paper-bags, containing a few extras 10) for the occasion. I was met with the same warmth as usual by Mrs. Willemott. The house was small, but very neat; the remnants of former grandeur appeared here and there, in one or two little articles, favourites of the lady. We sat down at five o'clock to a plain dinner, and were attended by the footman, who had rubbed down 11) the ponies and pulled on his livery.

«A good plain cook is the best thing, after all,» observed Willemott. «Your 12) fine cooks won't condescend to roast and boil. Will you take some of this sirloin? the under-cut is excellent. My dear, give Mr. Reynolds some Yorkshire pudding.»>

When we were left alone after dinner, Willemott told me, very unconcernedly, of his losses.

1) Gesellschaft (Zunft). 2) Keiner hat den Vorwurf allein zu tragen. 3) Zuvor thun. 4) Erkältung. 5) Miethstall. 6) Hübsches Ding. 7) (336). 9) Ein Rechtsgelehrter. 9) Es knapp haben. 10) Nebensachen. 1) Pußen. 12) Die.

«It was my own fault,» said he; «I wished to make up a little sum for the girls, and risking what they would have had, I left them almost pennyless. However, we can always command a bottle of port and a beefsteak, and what more in this world can you have? Will you take port or white? I have no claret to offer you. »

We finished our port, but I could perceive no difference in Willemott. He was just as happy and as cheerful as ever. He drove me to town the next day. During our drive, he observed, «I like ponies, they are so little trouble; and I prefer them to driving one horse in this vehicle, as I can put my wife and daughters in it. It's selfish to keep a carriage for yourself alone, and one horse in a four-wheeled double chaise appears like an imposition') upon the poor animal.»><

I went to Scotland, and remained about a year. On my return, I found that my friend Willemott had again shifted his quarters. He was at Brighton; and having nothing better to do, I put myself in the «Times, » and arrived at the Bedford Hotel. It was not untill after some inquiry, that I could find out his address. At last I obtained it, in a respectable but not fashionable 2) part of this overgrown town. Willemott received me just as before.

<<I have no spare 3) bed to offer you, but you must breakfast and dine with us every day. Our house is small, but it's very comfortable, and Brighton is a very convenient place. You know Mary is married. A good place in the courts) was for sale, and my wife and I agreed to purchase it for Rivers. It has reduced us a little, but they are very comfortable. I have retired from business altogether; in fact, as my daughters are both married, and we have enough to live upon, what can we wish for more? Brighton is very gay and always healthy; and, as for carriage and horses, they are no use here there are flies 5) at every corner of

the streets.>>

I accepted his invitation to dinner. A parlour - maid waited, but every thing, although very plain, was clean and comfortable.

«<I have still a bottle of wine for a friend, Reynolds,» said Willemott, after dinner, «<but, for my part, I prefer whisky-toddy 6), it agrees with me 7) better. Here's to the health of my two girls, God bless them, and success to them in life! >>

My dear Willemott,» said I, «I take the liberty of an old friend, but I am so astonished at your philosophy, that I cannot help it. When I call to mind Belem Castle, your large establishment, your luxuries, your French cook, and your stud 8) of cattle, I wonder at your contented state of mind under such a change of circumstances. >>

<<I almost wonder myself, my dear fellow,» replied he. «I never could have believed, at that time, that I could live happily under such a change of circumstances; but the fact is, that, although I have been a contractor, I have a good conscience; then, my wife is an excellent woman, and provided she sees me and her daughters happy, thinks nothing about herself; and further, I have made it a rule as I have been going down hill, to find reasons why I should be thankful, and not discontented. Depend upon it, Reynolds, it is not a loss of fortune which will affect your happiness, as long as you have peace and love at home.>>

I took my leave of Willemott and his wife, with respect as well as regard; convinced that there was no pretended indifference to worldly advantages; that it was not, that the grapes were sour, but that he had learned the whole art of happiness, by being contented with what he had, and by «cutting his coat according to his cloth.»

1) Starke Belastung. 2) Vornehm. 3) Besonderes (übrig). 4) Gerichtshof. 5) Fiacres. 6) Branntwein mit heißem Wasser und Zucker. 7) Bekommt mir. 8) Zucht.

3. Description of the Entry of Queen Elizabeth.

(By W. Scott.)

It was the twilight of a summer night (9th. July 1575), the sun having for some time set, and all were in anxious expectation of the Queen's immediate approach. The multitude had remained assembled for many hours, and their numbers were still rather on the increase. A profuse distribution of refreshments, together with roasted oxen, and barrels of ale set abroach) in different places of the road, had kept the populace in perfect love and loyalty towards the Queen and her favourite, which might have somewhat abated, had fasting been added to watching 2). They passed away the time, therefore, with the usual popular amusements of whooping, hallooing, shrieking, and playing 3) rude tricks upon each other, forming the chorus of discordant sounds usual on such occasions. These prevailed all through the crowded roads and fields, and especially beyond the gate of the Chace, where the greater number of the common sort were stationed; when, all of a sudden, a single rocket was seen) to shoot into the atmosphere, and, at the instant, far heard over flood and field, the great bell of the Castle tolled.

Immediately there was a pause of dead silence, succeeded) by a deep hum) of expectation, the united voice of many thousands, none of whom spoke above their breath; or, to use 7) a singular expression, the whisper of an immense multitude. «They come now, for certain,» said Raleigh. «Tressilian, that sound is grand). We hear it from this distance, as mariners, after a long voyage, hear, upon their night-watch, the tide rush upon some distant and unknown shore. >> << Mass!)» answered Blount; «I hear it rather as I used to hear mine own kine lowing from the close of Wittenswestlowe. >>

«He will assuredly graze presently,» said Raleigh to Tressilian; «<his thought is all of fat oxen and fertile meadows he grows little better than one of his own beeves 10), and only becomes grand when he is provoked to pushing and goring.»

«We shall have him at that presently,» said Tressilian, «if you spare not your wit.>>

«Tush, I care not,» answered Raleigh; «but thou too, Tressilian, hast turned 11) a kind of owl, that flies only by night; hast exchanged thy songs for screechings, and good company for an ivy -tod 12). »

<<But what manner of animal art thou thyself, Raleigh,» said Tressilian, «that thou holdest us all so lightly?»>

<<Who, I?» replied Raleigh. «An eagle am I, that never will think of dull earth, while there is a heaven to soar in, and a sun to gaze upon.» «Well bragged, by Saint Barnaby!» said Blount; «but, good Master Eagle, beware the cage, and beware the fowler. Many birds have flown as high 13), that I have seen stuffed with straw, and hung up to scare kites. But hark, what a dead silence hath fallen on them at once!>>

༥

<<The procession pauses,» said Raleigh, «at the gate of the Chace, where a sybil, one of the fatidicae 14), meets the Queen, to tell her fortune. I saw the verses; there is little savour in them, and her Grace has been already crammed full with such poetical compliments, She whispered to me during the Recorder's speech yonder, at Ford-mill, as she

1) Set abroach, aufgesvundet. 2) (85). 3) (232). 4) (252). 5) Worauf folgte. 6) (80). 7) (252). 8) Großartig. 9) Bei der Messe. 10) (98). 11) Bist geworden. 12) Epheu - Ranke. 13) Eben so hoch wie du. 14) Lat. Wahrsagerin.

entered the liberties 1) of Warwick, how she was pertaesa barbarae lo quelae 2).

«The Queen whispered to him!» said Blount, in a kind of soliloquy; «Good God, to what will this world come!»> His farther meditations were interrupted by a shout of applause from the multitude, so tremendously vociferous, that the country echoed for miles round. The guards, thickly stationed upon the road by which the Queen was to advance, caught up the acclamation, which ran like wild-fire to the Castle, and announced to all within, that Queen Elizabeth had entered the Royal Chace of Kenilworth. The whole music of the Castle sounded at once, and a round of artillery, with a salvo of small arms, was discharged from the battlements; but the noise of drums and trumpets, and even of the cannon themselves, was but faintly heard, amidst the roaring and reiterated welcomes of the multitude. As the noise began to abate, a broad glare of light was seen to appear from the gate of the park, and broadening and brightening as it came nearer, advanced along the open and fair avenue that led towards the Gallery-tower; and which, as we have already noticed, was lined 3) on either side by the retainers of the Earl of Leicester. The word was passed along the line, «The Queen! The Queen! Silence, and stand fast!»> Onward came the cavalcade, illuminated by two hundred thick waxen torches, in the hands of as many horsemen, which cast a light like that of broad day all around the procession, but especially on the principal group, of which the Queen herself, arrayed in the most splendid manner, and blazing with jewels, formed the central figure. She was mounted on a milk-white horse, which she reined with peculiar grace and dignity; and in the whole of her stately and noble carriage, you saw the daughter of an hundred kings.

and

The ladies of the court, who rode beside her Majesty, had taken especial care that their own external appearance should not be more glorious than their rank and the occasion altogether demanded, so that no inferior luminary might appear to approach the orbit of royalty. But their personal charms, and the magnificence by which, under every prudential restraint, they were necessarily distinguished, exhibited them as the very flower of a realm so far famed for splendour and beauty. The magnificence of the courtiers, free from such restraints as prudence imposed on the ladies, was yet more unbounded. Leicester, who glittered like a golden image with jewels and cloth of gold, rode on her Majesty's right hand, as well) in quality of her host, as of her Master of the Horse. The black steed which he mounted had not a single white hair on his body, was one of the most renowned chargers 5) in Europe, having been purchased by the Earl at large expense for this royal occasion. As the noble steed chafed ) at the slow pace of the procession, and, arching his stately neck, champed 7) on the silver bits which restrained him, the foam flew from his mouth, and specked his wellformed limbs as if with spots of snow. The rider well became ) the high place which he held, and the proud animal which he bestrode; for no man in England, or perhaps in Europe, was more perfect than Dudley in horsemanship, and all other exercises belonging to his quality. He was bare headed, as were all the cour tiers in the train; and the red torch-light shone upon his long curled tresses of dark hair, and on his noble features, to the beauty of which even the severest criticism could only object the lordly fault, as it may be termed, of a forehead somewhat too high. On that proud evening, those features wore all the grateful solicitude of a subject, to shew himself sen

1) Bezirk. 2) Lat.: des verdrießlichen Geschwäßes überdrüffig. 3) Besehen. 4) (325). 5) Streitroß. 6) Schnauben. 7) Kauen. 8) Paßte.