192 General Committee for Prizes. Births.-Marriages.-Deaths.-Markets. Sir George Mackenzie, Bart. Convener of Com-to Professional.-Mr James Walker, Mr Alex. CALEDONIAN HUNT. At a meeting held here on Tuesday, it was resolved, that their October meeting should be held next year at Perth, and they elected for the ensuing year, Richard Alexander Oswald, Esq. Preses. WERNERIAN SOCIETY. The following gentlemen have been elected Robert Jameson, Esq. President. Colonel er. Council.-Dr Macknight, C. S. Menteath, Esq. Dr Wright, Dr Yule, D. Bridges, jun. [December 20, 1817. John Stein, Esq. of Clonmel, to Eliza, niece | Walter Scott, Esq. They were both interred At Kenmore, in Breadalbane, on the 6th At Glasgow, Mr. James Watson, surgeon, to Miss Catherine Fullarton. At Dundee, Mr. Peter Kinmond, merchant, to Miss Margaret Leighton. At Ayr, Peter M.Taggart, Esq. one of the At Dundee, by the Rev. James Thomson, Dundee. At Dumfries, the Rev. James Hamilton, At Genoa, the Count Gurge de Very, to DEATHS. At his lodgings in Chelsea, James Glenie, Esq. F. R. S. in the 67th year of his age. This gentleman is well known in the literary world. He was born in Aberdeen, and at a very early period was sent as Cadet to WoolHe rose to the rank of major of en wich. gineers, and was employed in Canada; on his return to England he published a treatise reand incurred the displeasure of the Duke of specting the inutility of some fortifications, Richmond, then master-general of the ordnance; so much so, that he quitted the service entirely. In 1806 he was made Professor of East India Cadets, which situation he lost immediately after the trial of Col. Wardle. He also was appointed, in 1807, by the Earl of Chatham, master general of the ordnance, inspecting engineer in some of the West India Islands. This situation, together with the one already mentioned, he also lott. MARKETS. Haddington, Dec. 12. At Viewfield, John Drysdale, Esq. of ViewA large supply of Wheat in market, which field. At Sloane Street, Hyde Park, London, in met with a brisk sale; prices a little higher Esq Dr. D. Ritchie, D. Falconar, Esq. T. the 43d year of his age, Lieutenant-Colonel than last day; best 46s. 6d., current prices Sievwright, Esq. BIRTHS. The Honourable Lady Fergusson, of a son. The Lady of Captain Clarke, of Bemersyde house, of a daughter. At Ratho-house, Mrs. Macknight Crawfurd, of a daughter. Mrs. Joseph Bell, St. Andrew's Square, of a daughter. At Painthorpe, Yorkshire, the Lady of Daniel Maude, Esq. of a son and heir. Fraser, 76th, or Hindostan regiment. Here, Archibald Craufuird, eldest son of At Seringapatam, Mrs. Caroline Grant, the At Calcutta, James Philp Inglis, Esq. At Westport House, the Marchioness of At Crieff, Robert Orr, Esq. of Lochwhinnoch, to Miss Jessie Campbell, third daughter of D. Campbell, Esq. Killin. At Queen Street, Stirling, Mr. George Anderson, surgeon, Stirling, to Jane, only daughter of John Anderson, Esq. of St. Croix. regiment; and the officers of his own corps Letters are received from Calcutta, mention- At George's Square, Margaret, eldest daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Munro. At Irvine, William Fullarton, youngest son of Colonel Fullarton of Fullarton, Baxter's Place, Edinburgh. Drowned, on the coast of Spain, on the 8th At Charlotte Square Chapel, Edinburgh, ult. at the wreck of his Majesty's transport Elthe Honourable Thomas Bowes, to Lady Camp-lice, for Gibraltar, Lieutenant James Wallace, bell of Ardkinglass. At Ballenstadt, the Prince Frederie of Prussia, to the Princess Wilhelmina Louisa of Anhalt Bernbourg. of the 60th regiment, third son of the late At Wauchope, after a few days illness, on At Paris, Comte D'Osmond, son of his Ex- the 2d inst, Ann Scott, aged four years and cellency the Marquis D'Osmond, to Mademoi-nine months: and on the 6th, Charles Scott, selle Destilliers, the richest heiress in France. aged three years and six months, children of Alex. Lawrie & Co., Printers, Edinburgh. Beans from 26s. to 35s. Dalkeith, Dec. 11. The supply of all kinds of grain was large, and in general sold heavily. Dalkeith, Dec. 15. Our meal market was nearly the same in quantity, 470 bolls, as last day, which sold well; for good meal, best 30s. 6d., inferior, of which the quantity was large, sold heavily and considerably lower, current 26s. and as low as 21s. 6d. per boll; retail ls. 9d. to is. and Ild. per peck. Edinburgh, Dec. 16. This day there were 507 bolls of Oatmeal in Edinburgh Market, which sold, First 30s. 6d. Second 29s. per boll.-Retail price per peck of best oatmeal 2s.-Second 1s 11s.-There were also 84 bolls of Pease and Barley Meal, which sold at 20s. 6d.—Retail price per peck, 1s. 5d. December 17. There were 1,000 sheep in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, this morning, which sold at from black cattle in the market, which sold at from 11s. to 27s 6d. per head. There were also 240 6s. to 7s. 6d. per stone, sinking offals. Edinburgh Corn-Market, Dec. 17. Our market was well supplied with grain to-day, and sales were heavy, and prices in rent 40s. to 47s. Best Barley 33s., current general rather lower. Best Wheat 48s., curA small parcel of Oats was sold 26s. to 32s. at 36s.; but general prices ls. to 2s. lower; current 23s to 30s. Pease and Beans as last; best 34s. No. 9. THE EDINBURGH OBSERVER, OR TOWN AND COUNTRY MAGAZINE. Walks in Edinburgh and its Vicinity. Cases of Bankruptcy-Gay the Poet-Beggars 180. SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1818. PRICE 1S. Glasgow some years ago, and previously ever distinctly stated. The declaration to an alteration of the bankrupt-laws of the bankruptcy was immediately folwhich was then contemplated by the lowed, as usual, with keen disputes alegislature, from all which it was easy bout the management; the parties for a disinterested spectator to perceive struggled hard for the superintendence IN last commuication I noticed some that gross abuses prevailed. Without of their own affairs under trustees, of the abuses to which the sanctuary presuming to point out the means of and for a time succeeded; but some for debtors in Holyroodhouse is liable; correcting such abuses, which seems of the creditors, through favour or and I hinted, that as such a privilege to me a less difficult task than is com- right, claimed a preference; one partis rarely enjoyed by those who are en-monly apprehended, I shall notice one ner charged another with unfairness titled in justice and equity to protection general test of inquiry which might with and misconduct; recrimination followed; of this kind, and besides being super great propriety be applied to all bank- and after being for some time tossed in seded by the laws, if no suspicion of ruptcies, and it is contained in the sim- a tempestuous sea of troubles, partners, fraud exist, it ought to be entirely abro-ple question, What loss has been sus- debtors, and creditors landed safely in gated. But having some pensions and tained? No man of respectability now the quiet and secure haven of the Court places attached to it, such a change is engages in trade without a regular set of Session. In such complicated conmore to be wished than expected. of books; but if a bankrupt cannot ex-cerns, where so many discordant interests Observing what happens in numer- hibit a distinct view of his transactions, were to be adjusted and settled, endless ous cases of bankruptcy, observing the with corresponding documents; if he litigation presented itself; as if by comprosperity which springs up and flou- cannot give a satisfactory answer to the mon consent the plan of a sequestration rishes in the midst of seeming misfor-above question; or if under the sem- was adopted; and this measure was tune, I cannot help thinking that some blance of a systematic form, his books soon followed by the offer of a composialteration is yet necessary in the laws are complicated and unintelligible, un- tion, which was accepted and succeeded relative to that subject, or that the le- susceptible of explanation by himself, or by a discharge. The amount of the gislative enactments now in force are of being understood by others, a very composition was between seven and ten overlooked and neglected. Fraud, it is natural suspicion arises that all is not shillings in the pound; but let it be true, is strongly guarded against, and exactly fair and right, and a stricter in-stated at the highest sum; and let it be it is followed by severe penalties; but vestigation is imperiously called for. supposed that the loss on the whole conit is fraud of a dark and deep dye only But let it not once be imagined, that in cern was one-fifth, or 50,000l.-surely that is brought forward; the slighter throwing out these reflections, a rigid a very ample allowance. This leaves shades pass altogether unnoticed. It is scrutiny is recommended in the affairs 200,000l.; from which the amount of unfortunate that in a commercial coun- of any man who happens to be visited composition, at ten shillings in the try bankruptcy is unavoidably frequent; by misfortune, and whose dealings ap- pound, equal to 125,0001., is to be deit is one of those evils or imperfections pear fair and honourable: On the con- ducted. The balance remaining is which are inseparable from human af- trary let him be treated with gentleness 75,0001.; and if 25,0001, be allowed for fairs; but it is still more unfortunate and indulgence; for he is not the vo- management and law expenses, the sum that the derangement of a man's affairs luntary cause of the calamity which he of 50,0001. may be considered as clear should be converted into a source of deplores; he is the victim of those vi- gain in this view of the transaction. profit to himself or others, to the ruin cissitudes which are interwoven with the But suppose the loss to have been equal of some, and to the great injury of all lot of man. But the following cases to one-third of the whole, and suppose his creditors. When a bankruptcy create suspicion, and demand the exa- the expenses of management and litigatakes place, the competition to be no- mination alluded to. tion to have been 12,000l., the profit minated commissioners and trustees is Some years ago a company failed for remaining is 30,000l. I suspect no inoftener the serious concern of the credit- a very large sum. The amount, accord-quiry of this kind was instituted; but ors who take a lead in the business, than ing to some, was not less than 300,0001. whether it was or not, a flourishing conan inquiry into its more immediate or sterling; but for the sake of even num-cern was immediately entered into, and remote causes; and examples are not bers and easy calculation, let it be stated during the whole progress of the busiwanting of considerable dilapidation of at 250,000l. The company by specu-ness little or no abridgment of a large the funds in settling this preliminary af-lation, no doubt experienced consider-expenditure was observed; while some fair. Few who are connected with able losses; but I could never learn that of the unfortunate creditors were uttercommercial transactions can have for- the proportion of the loss either in its ly ruined. No account is here taken gotten the violent and controversial dis- foreign or domestic transactions, or the of the original capital, which at no pecussions which issued from the press at amount of loss on the whole concern was riod, as was asserted by those who had 194 the best opportunities of knowing, exceeded a few thousand pounds; so that, in every view of the case, it was a bold, but to some of the parties concerned a very successful speculation. ated, when he returned to his former business, and seemed to wallow in affluence. Walks in Edinburgh and its Vicinity. [January 3, 1818. the benefit of the act above alluded to gate pastoral would make an odd pretty was still rejected. But, in consequence sort of a thing. Gay caught the hint, of an appeal to the House of Lords, the but altered the plan, and thought it interlocutor of the Court was reversed, would be better to write a comedy on the debtor was enlarged, and the cre- the same subject. This gave rise to the I heard lately of another case of bank-ditors never received one penny. This far-famed Beggars Opera. When he ruptcy, which, in its general character ex- case presents another proof how neces-first mentioned the change which he hibited the strongest indications of fraud; sary it is that creditors should have projected, according to Pope's account, but every attempt on the part of the the power of directing a more rigor- Swift was not cordial in his approbation. creditors to establish it according to the ous scrutiny to certain points than was "As he carried it on," says Pope, "he present system of laws, failed. An inn-authorized or practised by the former showed what he wrote to both of us, keeper in a neighbouring town, with the law. and we now and then gave a correction, view of evading the payment of his From topics certainly not unimport- or a word or two of advice; but it was debts, transferred his whole property to ant to some part of the community, but, wholly of his own writing". When it one of his sons. The creditors, justly perhaps, of a less pleasing kind to the was done, neither of us thought it would irritated at being thus cheated, kept general reader, let us now return and succeed. We shewed it to Congreve ; him in durance for fourteen tedious pursue the walk and the conversation who, after reading it, said, that it would years, and, no doubt, supported him at which this discussion had interrupted. either take greatly or be damned contheir own expence during great part of Passing along the Canongate, and some foundedly. We were all, at the first that time; but seeing no prospect of re- where nearly opposite to Queensberry night, in great uncertainty of the event; covering payment of one penny of their House, my literary friend, on what au- till we were very much encouraged by debts, permitted him at last to be liber-thority I know not, used to point out a overhearing the Duke of Argyle, who window belonging to an apartment sat in the next box to us, say, It will which is said to have been occupied by do,-it must do! I see it in the eyes of the poet Gay when he visited Scotland, them. This was a good while before The following is a third instance of a with the Duke and Duchess of Queens- the first act was over, and so gave us fraudulent bankruptcy which escaped berry, and it was added that he com- ease soon; for that Duke, beside his detection. A merchant who was long posed the Beggars Opera during his own good taste, has a particular knack, known for his extensive dealings, sud- residence in Edinburgh. Although as any one now living, in discovering denly and most unexpectedly declared we differed widely in opinion of the the taste of the public. He was quite himself bankrupt; and aware of the sus-merit and tendency of that singular pro-right in this, as usual; the good nature picions which his conduct could not fail duction, yet we cordially agreed in our of the audience appeared stronger and to excite, instantly took refuge in the expression of a kind of reverential re- stronger every act, and ended in a clasanctuary of Holyroodhouse; but on a mour of applause." charge of meditating his escape from the But of the reception and success of country, he was imprisoned, and was this piece no words can convey a more finally shut up in Canongate jail, where distinct view than what is given in a he remained several years. A componote to the Dunciad. "This piece was sition of five shillings in the pound, But it seems doubtful whether Gay received with greater applause than which was offered at the very first, was ever was in Scotland. In no part of his ever was known. Besides being acted indignantly spurned by the creditors, correspondence is such an event alluded in London sixty-three days without inand was obviously followed by a deter- to; and it generally happens that his terruption, and received the next season mination of the debtor that they should journies and residence in different parts with equal applause, it spread into all receive nothing. His application to the of England, particularly with his patrons the great towns of England; was playCourt of Session to be admitted to the of distinguished rank, are noticed in his ed in many places to the thirtieth and benefit of the cessio bonorum, which was own letters or in those of his friends fourtieth time; at Bath and Bristol fifty, renewed from year to year, was as often which have been published. But it was &c. It made its progress into Wales, defeated by the opposition of his credit- not till after the appearance of the Beg-Scotland, and Ireland, where it was ors, on the ground of charges of fraud. gars Opera, the popularity which it performed twenty-four days successiveThe books when examined exhibited a acquired, and the celebrity which it ob- ly. The ladies carried about with them singular and surely a suspicious system tained for the author, that he was ad- the favourite songs of it in fans, and of nomenclature. No company or indi-mitted to the acquaintance of these il- houses were furnished with it in screens. vidual was denominated by the usual or lustrious personages; and, perhaps, it The fame of it was not confined to the proper name. As a specimen of this was in the view of enjoying a kind of author only. The person who acted system, a banking company was called reflected reputation, as is usual with the Polly, till then obscure, became all at the Great Gun, and a merchant was great, that they condescended to notice once the favourite of the town; her named Florizel. The report on the ex- the bard. All this, it is true, is a mat-pictures were engraved and sold in amination of the books by the account-ter of small moment. great numbers; her life written, books ant, stated that no fraud could be traced; What is stated of the origin of this re- of letters and verses to her published, and although the Court of Session, with and pamphlets made even of her sayings some difference of opinion, coincided and jests. Furthermore, it drove out of with this statement, the application for England, for that season, the Italian O gard by contemplating a spot which has markable dramatic production is ex- January 3, 1818.] pera, which had carried all before it for ten years." bers. Walks in Edinburgh and its Vicinity. its principal charm, some poet may be Anecdote of a Spanish Widow. 193 ly consent to be united to me when he knows it was my husband's wish, who knew of my partiality, that I should marry his friend." It was impossible for the duchess to preserve her gravity During its representation, the Beggars Opera met with unanimous applause; but when it appeared in print, different opinions were entertained of at this artless avowal of the fair mournits merits and tendency. The exceler's plans and feelings; but, quickly lence of its morality was commended by ONE day (said a foreigner of distinc- softening her laugh into a smile, she Swift; because, as he thought, "it tion) while I was on a visit to her ex-graciously assured Madame de Sof placed all kinds of vice in the strongest cellency the beautiful and charming her willingness to serve her; but feeling, and most odious light;" while others, Duchess de Sainte P, Madame de she added, that the speaking to the inamong whom was the Archbishop of S, the widow of an officer of the spector-general on the subject of the Canterbury, censured it as giving en- Walloon guards, came with a petition widow's wishes would come with more couragement not only to vice, but to that she might be admitted by her grace propriety from her husband than from crimes, by making a highwaymen the to the honour of an audience. The herself, she would immediately repair to hero, and dismissing him at last unpu- duchess, on receiving this message, ap- his excellency, and procure permission nished. It was even asserted, that the peared to hesitate on the answer she for her introduction to him, when she exhibition of the Beggars Opera had the should return, which induced me to re- might plead her own cause, to which effect of multiplying the gangs of rob-quest that I might be no impediment to her eloquence could not fail to give due her granting the interview solicited; on effect. For this purpose her grace quitDr. Johnson's reflections on this di- which an assent was immediately given, ted the room. versity of opinion are peculiarly appro- and soon after the lady appeared, dress- As the Duke de Sainte P― was at priate." Both these decisions," he ed in the deepest mourning, and veiled this time confined with the gout, masays, are surely exaggerated. The from head to foot. This shade, how-dame was pleased at having an opporplay, like many others, was plainly ever, she raised as, with an air of incon- tunity of affording him a little amusewritten to divert, without any moral solable grief, she approached the duchess, ment at the expense of the widow; purpose, and it is, therefore, not likely and informed her that she had within a compensating, however, for so doing, by to do good; nor can it be conceived, few days experienced the greatest of first obtaining a promise from her huswithout more speculation than life re- misfortunes in the loss of the best of band, that he would embrace her cause. quires or admits, to be productive of husbands; adding, while a torrent of Having prepared her lord for the smiles much evil. Highwaymen and house- tears bathed her face, "As you must be and tears, and melancholy graces of the breakers seldom frequent the play-house, sensible, madame, nothing can be more afflicted relict, the duchess returned to or mingle in any elegant diversion; nor deplorable than the situation of a poor conduct her to his excellency, who had is it possible for any one to imagine officer's widow, since the queen and the with him, when Madame de S― enthat he may rob with safety, because he Duke of Ripparda have persuaded the tered, the minister at war, and another sees Macheath reprieved on the stage." king to suppress their pensions. I am nobleman of the court. The widow, The Beggars Opera still maintains its actually in danger of wanting bread, un-after gracefully bending to the duke, place; and when it is brought forward less your excellency will take compas- repeated, with still stronger expressions the enjoyment of the audience is un-sion on me, and relieve my distress by of grief and agitation, the request which doubtedly derived chiefly from the mu- marrying me to the lieutenant-colonel she had before addressed to her grace. sical part, with very little reference to of the regiment." This petition was | Various questions ensued on the part of the sentiments or characters of the piece. closed with sobs and sighs. the duke, the answers to which were so But even with all its merits in this “I pity you most sincerely," replied well seconded by the fine bedewed eyes view, it is rather wonderful that the the duchess, "but I am quite at a loss of the widow, that, turning to the minicoarseness of the whole train of actions to understand by what means I can ef- ster of war, he requested, as a favour represented should have been so long fect your wishes, and oblige the lieu- to himself, that he would forward her tolerated in a country where the drama, tenant-colonel to accept the hand you wishes. The minister, with great goodwithin the last half century, has been are so willing to bestow on him." ness, assured the petitioner he would inso much improved and refined; and is stantly dispatch the required order to it not still more wonderful that Amerithe Marquis de Spinola, and was taking ca should lead the way in making the his leave to perform this promise, when first attempt to banish it from the stage? that nobleman most opportunely arrived When it was acted at New York not to inquire after his excellency's health. many weeks ago, and the performance The inspector-general was well acquamtwas supported by the brilliant musical The duchess then inquired whether ed with Madame de S; but not suspowers of Mr. Incledon, who fascinated any attachment subsisted between her pecting the business which had brought our transatlantic neighbours, the audi-and the officer with whom she wished her to the duke's, accosted her with ence permitted the play to proceed to to be united. "Ah! madame,” exclaim- compliments of condolence on the irrethe conclusion, but, much to their cre- ed the petitioner, with great animation, parable loss she had so recently sustaindit, expressed their disapprobation of it" I have long entertained for him a ed by the death of her husband, an offiin such strong terms as would probably great affection, and I have no reason to cer for whom he expressed the highest prevent its repetition. If the music be doubt that he returns it, and will readi- esteem. This address again roused all "By the easiest in the world, madam," eagerly returned the widow, "you have only to order the Marquis de Spinola, inspector-general, to grant me a formal permission to marry the lieutenant-colonel." 196 Anecdotes.-Epitaphs. Bibliographical Anecdote. [January 3, 1818. Carried into Church that he might money geet. By this you See what man will dwo to geet and Pray by the Foresaid young man !!! et money if he can who did refuse to come . -This minister was the learned Mr. her distressed feelings, and she poured Spain, which created in her majesty a them forth with such lively expression curiosity to see the principal actress in of sorrow that the Marquis de Spinola, it, and the widow was accordingly inThe above was transcribed, verbatim who was not like the other spectators, introduced. On this occasion, the queen the secret of her real feelings, was quite took a malicious pleasure in questioning literatim, as a curiosity in its way. It overpowered by his own, till the minis- her respecting her deceased husband, setting up of this stone, the churchter of war seeing calm succeeding to this and witnessing her theatrical display of may not be amiss to add, that on the wardens immediately waited on the milast burst of lamentation thus addressed extravagant grief. nister of the parish, representing to him the sympathising inspector." The dead the offence which the epitaph had givhusband, Monsieur, is no longer in question; on the contrary, the subject under In the attic storey of an antique en themselves, and his parishioners in consideration is the procuring a living one, through whom the disconsolate wi-house in a county town of France, did general, from the scandalous falsehoods dow may be restored to happiness and a Scots gentleman, slightly affected with it contained, and the stigma intended to comfort. To you she looks for effecting bibliomania, stumble upon a vender of be fixed by it on his character: for they virulent small-pox, and so suddenly, this change in her present forlorn situa- title pages: but, alas! his occupation knew that the deceased had died of a solicits your had gone bye; revolutions and wars, contion; and for this purpose permission that she may marry the lieu- scriptions and contributions, had put at that there was scarcely time for giving firmed it. They, therefore, begged, tenant-colonel of the regiment to which rest in France the amusement of book-notice of his illness before his death conher deceased husband belonged when hunting. Some of the ancient stores of this that the epitaph might be obliterated, living." The Marquis de Spinola replied, "If the lieutenant-colonel solicits bibliographic quarter-master-general still and that they might be supported by having gratified the church-wardens my consent, far be it from me to throw remained, which was eagerly acquired his concurrence in doing it. But he, impediments in the way of madame's for the moderate sum of ten francs. Out of two hundred title pages, dated indignation and his own curiosity, by finding consolation for the death of one husband in the arms of another." The from every chief city in Europe, about looking at the inscription, desired that "he could not allow himself to have a widow then hastily departed, promising fifty or sixty proved to be good exam- it might be permitted to remain; for share in the destruction of such poetry!" to return speedily-which she did, and, ples of the finely cut wooden prints that with a gay yet modest air, presented adorned the books of the sixteenth centhe Marquis de Spinola a letter from the tury, and which might figure in that lieutenant-colonel; on reading which, beautiful work the Bibliographical Dethat nobleman courteously praised the cameran of Dibdin. Being questioned how he had collect taste shown by the writer in his choice of so amiable a lady, and at the same ed, and carried on such a stock in this In contrast with the above vulgar time complimented her on her dexterity singular traffic, he declared, with apparin making an event which threatened ent sincerity, that he had never sparfrom Stoke-Gabriel, in Devon : to degrade her, the means of her eleva- tanized a leaf, but had fairly and honest-abuse, is subjoined an elegant distich, tion; with which compliment the fairly rescued all of them from the grocer petitioner appeared highly gratified. It and tobacconist. was, indeed, a masterstroke on her part, in the success of which she had great The following is found in the churchreason to triumph. Nor did she attempt to conceal the pride and pleasure with yard of Little Hempston, in Devonshire: which she glowed, but with much animation thanked all present for the good fortune they had joined in procuring her, and departed with a countenance from whence all traces of grief had vanished. When the widow had retired. the whole party indulged in a hearty laugh, and some free animadversions on her sudden transitions from sorrow to joy. The duchess compared her to the Ephesian matron; but the gentlemen were more indulgent, and the Marquis de Spinola, in particular, endeavoured to soften the indecorum of her conduct, by relating many instances of the correctness and amiableness with which she had performed all the duties of a wife. The duchess could not resist relating this adventure to the Queen of Epitaphs. Here lies the body of Betsey Bowden; Lynne Regis, in Norfolk, the author of Love, Fair Flower!-transplanted by the hand of To bud and bloom in milder bowers above." It were to be wished, that the officiating minister of every parish would exercise a right which he unquestionably possesses; (and for which churchwardens in general are but ill qualified), namely, that of giving his imprimatur to sepulchral publications. Surely no epitaph should appear unsanctioned by the clergyman. From his regular inspection and occasional suggestions, the memorials of the dead would acquire a tone and a spirit of which we can at present form no conception; and even the country church-yard would become a repository of moral instruction and Christian admonition, equally adapted to untutored and cultivated minds. For cautious in excluding from the epitaph But he would not all vulgarity and profaneness, the judicious inspector would never lose sight of simplicity. But a more ridiculous epitaph may Here lieth the body of atend But when this young Man Buried was the minister did him admit he should be |