your having a 'Cicisbeo,' he does not deprive you of your lovers." We must now return to the Count's palace, where preparations were making upon a scale equal to No, Gerald, but he consented with a very bad the rank and wealth of the parties to be united. grace; to think, Gerald, of a Sicilian girl without a Cicisbeo! What would I do for some one to bring me flowers, to write love songs, and in short to love me as a Sicilian girl should be loved when her husband is pouring over his musty countinghouse books it destroys the monotony of a married life. I think you have grown very handsome, dear Gerald." "Do you, Ada? come, this is your wedding night and though our consanguinity forbids a marriage, we are not forbid to love, let us visit the old cypress tree.'" Away they both joyously took their course to the old favorite spot. They had scarcely left when Johnston entered, and seeing the contract lying open, he took it up and saw still the hated word Cicisbeo." With his knife he tried to erase the word and alter the reading of the contract ;—the seal and wax being on the table, he folded and sealed it and left the room. The lawyer came in directly afterwards, and seeing the contract sealed, attributed it in his mind to the priest, he took it as a matter in the line of his business for safe keeping, until it was to be delivered to the priest, previous to the marriage ceremony, which was to take place that evening at the Church of Saint Paul's. CHAPTER V. Ada seated on an ottoman, dressed in her wedding suit, attended by her bridesmaids, waited the moment of announcement for her to enter the costly carriage which was to convey her to the church. Over her countenance was a shade of apparent melancholy, a tear stole down her cheek, and as her bosom swelled in anguish, an unconscious sigh escaped her she finds too late her hand is given but not her heart. A page announces that her future husband is ready to receive her. Rising and followed by her bridesmaids, she was received at the door by her mother, who presented her to Mr. Johnston; passing through the spacious welllit halls of the Count's palace, Ada was handed into her carriage by her affianced; the wide gates of the court yard were thrown open and the cavalcade passed slowly under the archway, and emerged into the open streets, amid the shouts of nearly the whole populace of Messina-shouts of "Long live the Count De Cheveta." At the church of St. Paul's, Ada was received in the arms of her father, and lifted over the steps of the church, as the superstitions of the Sicilians lead them to believe that a bride touching the steps of a church, is a forerunner of an unhappy marriage. Passing up the spacious building, the bridal party kneeled at the altar. The priest and two assistant brothers of the same order, commenced a low chaunt, the Sacrament was then administered The church of St. Paul's is situated near the to the young couple, and the priest offered up a great square in Messina. The wealth of many blessing in behalf of the pair who were about to nobles has been expended in its decorations; chaste be united in love. The marriage contract was Mosaic, in figures, flowers and historical sketches, then received from the lawyer, blessed and purified beautify the pave of the building; the artist has by holy water, a low chaunt was again performed, displayed his talents and ingenuity in embellishing a blessing offered and the contract placed in the its vast dome and walls, in costly frescos, princi- hands of Ada; the ring was then received by the pally incidents from the life of St. Paul; nor has priest from Mr. Johnston, blessed, purified, and the sculptor neglected to display his taste and abil-placed upon the finger of the bride. Two wreaths ity, in filling the various niches and altars with of pure white Jessamine were then placed by the figures of the most graceful and striking character. priest upon the heads of the bride and groom, marIn one, the Holy Virgin is sculptured in parian riage promises were responded to by both, a prayer marble; in another, the patron saint stands out and benediction were then offered, and given by boldly, shaking from his hand a serpent; the altar the priest, after which all united in a solemn chaunt fills one end of the vast building, and is surmounted and prayer. by a massive silver cross, upon which hangs the The ceremony performed, the parties returned Saviour; Candelabras of silver, massive and rich, to the palace, where was assembled all the beauty, decorate the altar, and the whole is enclosed nobility, and fashion of Messina. The vast palace within a massive rail of pure white Italian marble. of the Count, on this joyous occasion, was refitted The dome is supported by pillars of an unknown on a scale sufficiently magnificent; the halls were and lost marble, massive and antique in their appearance, but having the freshness of yesterday. It was at this church the ceremony was to take place, which was to unite the Lady Ada with Mr. Johnston, and as the Count De Cheveta traced back his ancestors as supporters and founders of this building, it was decorated and lighted for the occasion by himself. hung and festooned with the finest and richest damask. Tapestry of the rarest and most costly kind, representing historical, love and rural scenes, covered the walls; chandeliers of every description, wrought by the most skilful mechanics, and massive in appearance, lit the rooms. A thousand varieties of wild shrubbery and cultivated plants were intermingled, bearing flowers of every hue, from the purest white, through all the different had assumed a plumpness bordering on the voluptints to crimson, blended with cerulean blue, and golden colors were called in to form artificial groves throughout the mansion. Even the vast gardens of the Count were fancifully arranged and illuminated, and his hospitality on this night extended even to the lazaroni. Minstrels were employed and united to add their soft music and wild song to enliven the evening; jugglers, a class so famous throughout Sicily, could be seen showing their tricks without a fee to the gaping crowd in the gardens; nothing was left undone which the utmost ingenuity could invent, or a refined taste accomplish, to render the evening pleasant. Weston was, as usual, fluttering around the ladies. He sighed to the sylph-like Lady Cecilia, and boisterously laughed with Madam Gross, drank punch with Senior Cosmo, and gambled with Don Pelata, eat pistacchois with young Munchenarro, and waltzed with the laughing Selima Penaro. Suiting himself to all characters, he soon became the general favorite. Passing round the room he saw his friend Johnston, leaning against one of the marble pillars which supported the roof of the hall, looking intently at a couple who appeared to take no part in the festivities. The lady was neither tall, nor short; her figure tuous, a full formed forehead denoting mirth as most prominent, a skin rather brunette, large, black, swimming eyes, fringed by long silken lashes, that overshadowed them, giving them a soft and languishing appearance. Her face was turned up, and looking at a gentleman leaning over her, she appeared to be listening to him with great attention; at one moment blushes dyed her cheeks, and her eyes fell; at another, anger, love, grief, and all the different shades of passion appeared to take possession of her countenance. The gentleman was tall, dark-eyed, and handsome. The two friends' attention was attracted to this couple. Weston asked his friend who they could be? "Probably husband and wife," replied Johnston. "No," remarked a Sicilian, "that is Lady Remar, one of the most talented and accomplished ladies in Messina. She is married to one of the most disagreeable men in this place, and that gentleman is her Cicisbeo." "Bah!" said Weston," he is a happy dog." Johnston hurried away in disgust, and as he turned, his eye rested on Ada waltzing with her cousin Gerald. [To be continued.] THOUGHTS. BY DR. JOHN C. McCABE. In the studio of J. P. Merrill, in Fredericksburg, stood | Its tendrils leaping up with joy, all carelessly doth twine; the Portrait of a young and beautiful girl. As my heart did homage at that shrine, (a beautiful woman,) that man pauses before but to fling incense, the following thoughts suggested themselves. The young maiden at the Casket, one soft hand resting there, While the sweet cool winds of evening play amid her clustering hair; In the other hand a miniature-the face of one who keeps A place within her thoughts, perchance,—and as the warm tide leaps Within her blue-veined fingers, and to her sweet, bright cheek, But what are these? the beautiful is stamped upon that brow, "Tis written on the smooth fair cheek that glows before me now; 'Tis kindling in that soft blue eye, and in that lip's sweet smile, Well might the Anchorite break his vow, and yield him to Oh maiden at the Casket! though I no wizzard be, Thy brow should be unclouded, and thine eye should never shed A tear for joys departed, or above the treasured dead; Awakens a strange feeling whose thoughts she may not And thy young heart in its gladness, with holy beat should speak. Sweet maiden at the Casket, with forehead fair and high, eye; I would I had the wizzard's lore thy destiny to read, Of all the bright and beautiful to charm thy girlhood's hours. Before thee is a pedestal, surmounted with an urn, thrill, To the music of life's poetry untroubled by an ill. And thy lip should ever smile as now, thy face be all as fair, Yet, maiden, close that Casket. Put back the locket there, Norfolk, Va., 1844. LETTERS OF PLINY THE YOUNGER. (TRANSLATED FOR THE SOU. LIT. MESSENGER.) Compliment; Hunting; Mode of Life; Forensic Argument; TO MAXIMUS. 66 huntsman finds in the woods are powerful aids to reflection: Whenever you hunt, remember that you have my example for carrying a writing tablet as well as your bread bag and wine flask; and credit me, you will meet Minerva wandering in the mountains as often as Diana. Farewell. TO FUSCUS. When I have been arguing in court, it has often You ask how I pass the summer days in my happened that the judges, though not prone in Tuscan villa. I wake spontaneously, and generally general to compromise their dignity, have risen and about six o'clock, often before and seldom later. applauded simultaneously, and as it would seem, The window blinds remain closed, for the mind is involuntarily; and often in the senate I have gained invigorated by silence and darkness. Retired from such distinction as most of all flatters my ambition. all business, and absorbed in a book or reverie, the But never did I receive higher gratification than thoughts cease to be diverted by surrounding objects; from what Tacitus lately told me. At the circus, and the eyes, having nothing to engage them, aphe said, he sat near a Roman knight and conversed pear to see whatever the mind is contemplating. with him on various literary topics; after which If engaged with an unfinished composition, I reflect the knight asked, "are you an Italian or a provin- upon it carefully, and with as close attention as if cial?"My literary character seems not unknown actually writing or revising and compose more or to you," replied Tacitus. Then you are either less according to the facility or difficulty of the Tacitus or Pliny," the knight rejoined. To find subject. I then call an amanuensis, and admitting our names thus sacred to letters, and familiar by daylight, dictate what is thus elaborated; after reputation to those who never saw us, gave me which he leaves me for a time, but is again sent inexpressible pleasure. Something like this had for and dismissed again. About 8 or 9 o'clock, as occurred a few days before. Fabius Rufinus, a it may chance, (for I am not very exact in measurman of character and standing, reclined near me ing time,) I repair to the portico, or summer house, at a feast; and next him a villager just come to and again compose and dictate. I then order the Rome, to whom Rufinus pointing me out, asked, carriage, and even during the ride am employed as "Do you see that man?" And then spoke of my when walking or reclining; for I consider the habits of study. "It must be Pliny then," replied change itself a sufficient recreation without interthe man. Such an incident, to tell the truth, is to mission of study. On returning, I sleep a short me a full recompense of all my labors. The Greek time, and then walk; and next read Greek or Latin orator had a right to be proud when an old wo- in a clear loud tone, to strengthen the chest rather man of Athens pointed him out with the words, "There goes Demosthenes;" and why may not I exult in a similar mark of fame? Yes, I was delighted, and shall not affect to deny it: nor need I fear the charge of vanity, in repeating merely what others say of me, forbearing self-praise; especially since I write to one who envies no man's good name and is a friend to mine. Farewell. TO TACITUS. than the voice, though both are improved by the exercise. Afterwards I walk again, dress, exercise and bathe. At supper, if my wife or a few friends only be present, some book is read aloud. After supper we have comedies or music. Finally, I walk with my household, which reckons some learned men in the number. Thus the evening is spent in diversified conversation, and the day, though the longest in the year, is quickly conducted to its close. Sometimes the order of the day is a little varied; for if I have meditated or walked more than usual, after reading and the siesta are dispatched, I ride, not in the carriage, but on horse I give you leave to langh, as doubtless you will, when you hear that I, your old acquaintance, Pliny, have actually killed three boars, and very fine ones they are. What, you? you ask. Yes, in truth back, which is a more expeditious because a more and honesty; and that too with little sacrifice of energetic mode of exercising. Sometimes friends philosophic ease, for, to tell the truth, I merely sat from the neighboring towns visit me, and civility near and watched the nets. I had taken with me, claims a part of the day for them; though at other not the boar spear and lance, but a pencil and times, when fatigued with study, they afford me a tablet; and, meantime, selecting a subject, wrote seasonable recreation. Occasionally I hunt, but down such ideas as occurred, so that I might return never without a note book, so that I may bring from the sport with a full note book, at least, if home something though I should catch nothing. with empty hands. Now, don't ridicule this mode of studying; for it is wonderful how the mind is raised by the excitement and exercise of the body. The quiet solitude and deep silence which the Farmers in general, as they seem to think, are never at leisure; so, let their complaints commend my literary diligence, which would not be discreditable even to a city gentleman. Farewell. TO TACITUS. expansion; and if such time be denied, it is no I often argue with a learned and ingenious man fault in the orator, but a grievous one in the judge. who considers brevity as the highest excellence in This opinion is supported by the laws, which give forensic arguments. 1 however think brevity de- abundant time, and recommend, not brief, but cosirable, if the case will admit it; otherwise, it is pious, or at least elaborate arguments, which are a mere prevarication, to omit what ought to be incompatible with brevity except in the most unimspoken, or to pass slightly over what ought to be portant cases. I will add what that excellent I have had amplified and fixed in the mind by reiteration. In master observation has taught me. many cases argument gathers force and weight by some experience as an advocate, a counsellor and progression, and sinks into the mind, as steel pierces a judge. Men's minds are variously moved, and the body, as much by protracted impulsion as by arguments which seem feeble often produce a great a sudden blow. In this conflict of opinions we impression. Our judgments, feelings and prejuresort to authorities; and from the Greeks he cites dices are much diversified; and hence, from the Lysias against me, and Cato and the Gracchi from same argument we often draw different conclusions, our own countryman, whose orations are certainly and sometimes the same conclusion, but by different very brief and concise. To Lysias I oppose De- mental processes. And besides, each man is parmosthenes, Æschines, Hyperides and many others; tial to his own original view; and is apt to regard and against Cato and the Gracchi, counterpoise the speaker as a deep logician when he hears him Pollio, Cæsar, Cœlius and especially Cicero, whose insisting on what his own sagacity had already longest oration is adjudged his best. And in point discovered. Therefore, all should be given someof fact, every good book, like other good things, is thing which they can recognize as just and regard better for its size. It is admitted that statues, with partial favor. Regulus once said to me in a images, paintings, and in short, the figures of men casual interview, "You think it necessary to urge and animals in general, if designed with taste, are all that can be said in every case; but I at once highly recommended by ample dimensions. The perceive the throat and grasp that"—and, indeed, same principle obtains in works of the mind; and he grapples manfully with whatever he seizes, but magnitude alone seems often to give weight and often mistakes his mark. I replied that a man might authority to books. All this and much more I often mistake the knee, or the calf, or the ankle for the urge in support of my opinion; but he contrives to throat. "For myself," said I, "since I can not evade it, (being extremely subtle and versatile in always discern the throat, I assault every part sucargument,) and contends that these men, on whose cessively, and in short leave no stone unturned."* authority I rely, published their orations at greater As in agriculture, I cultivate vineyards and fields, length than they delivered them. I think dif- as well as rear nurseries of trees; and in fields sow ferently. Many speeches of various orators might not wheat or rice alone, but barley, beans and other be alleged, and among others, Cicero's for Muræna, pulse; so in pleading I sow various seeds broad Varenus, &c., in which the crimes charged are cast, and reap whatever comes up. For the minds indicated by a brief and barren catalogue of titles of the judges are not less obscure and deceptive alone. From these it is evident that he spoke than the qualities of the soil and the changes of the much in court which was omitted in his published weather. Nor have I forgotten what praise the speeches. In the oration for Cluentius he said comic poet Eupolis gives that consummate orator that he had argued the cause at large, without assistance, in accordance with the ancient custom; and in that for Cornelius, that he had spoken four days. Nor can we doubt that in a speech of several consecutive days he must have dilated amply what was afterwards reduced so as to be compressed But Pericles himself could never have blendinto one large pamphlet. But a forensic argument ed soft persuasion and soothing gentleness with is not an oration, it might be objected. I know brevity and rapid energy, or with either, (for that some persons think so; but I am well con- these expressions are not synonymous,) unless vinced, (though perhaps I am wrong,) that a good an ample range had been allowed him. For to law speech may be an indifferent oration, but not soothe and to persuade demand a liberal scope of conversely; for an oration is the exemplar and amplification; and he may leave a sting in the archetype, as it were, of forensic speaking. Ac- minds of his hearers, who not simply punctures, cordingly, in the best of each kind, we find a thou- but fixes it deeply. Add what another comediant sand extemporaneous strokes of art; and even says of the same Pericles : Pericles: "For passion's rapid energy he knew, sometimes in published speeches, as in that against "He thundered, lightened and convulsed all Greece:"— Verres; an artist? What artist ?-you say well: it for it is not a short and mutilated speech, but a was Polycletus. It follows therefore that pleading approaches perfection as it resembles an oration, provided sufficient time be allowed to give it due' VOL. X-77 * “ παντα denique λιθον κινῶ.” † Aristophanes. "His words fell deepening like the winter's snow." Nor yet am I always displeased with Your lofty and majestic oration that thunders, lightens see whether yours or his mode of expression is and throws all into mingled tumult. "Some mea- preferable. If in any respects yours is better, sure, however, should be observed:"--who denies you will have just ground of self-gratulation; but it? Yet he as much fails to keep that measure some cause to blush, if yours is inferior in all. who sinks below, as who soars above the proper Nor will it be amiss to select occasionally the most mean, he who is too succinct, as much as he who celebrated authors, and thus contend with the highis too diffuse. You hear the epithets feeble and est. The effort may be bold, but not improper, sterile as often as turgid and redundant. In the because it is withdrawn from the public view. one case the orator exceeds his subject; in the Yet we see many acquire fame by daring rivalry other he fails to develop it properly each errs of this sort; and some who can scarcely follow in part, but one from weakness and the other from their authors as humble imitators, presumptuously strength; and the latter is the fault of a noble in- hope to surpass them. Occasionally revise what tellect, though not of a chastened taste. In say- you have written, after you have had time to forget ing this, I do not mean to commend excessive pro- it, and retain, erase, interline and alter as improlixity even in Homer; but rather, ving judgment dictates. It is a heavy and wearisome task perhaps, but of benefit proportioned to the effort it costs, to return with resolution to a discarded essay, and interweave with the old fabric "A story brief indeed, and unadorned," new figures harmonizing with the whole. although, if forced to choose, I should prefer an first aspiration, I am aware, is forensic eloquence; oration that fell like snow, that is copious, deepen- but notwithstanding, I would not advise you to culing, continuous, and in short, celestial and divine. tivate exclusively a contentious and argumentative "But many prefer short speeches :"-they do, but style for the mind is strengthened by exercise in the indolent alone, whose fastidious objections it various departments of thought, as the earth's ferwere ridiculous to respect as reasonable. And if tility is restored by a succession of different crops. you take them into counsel, you will have to pro- I would have you at times compose a historical scribe all speeches, long or short. Thus far you essay; at times practise epistolary writing, and at have my opinion, which I am willing to change if other times compose verses; for at the bar a style you oppose it; but in that case I beg you will ex- of narration, not historical simply, but almost poetic, plain your reasons for dissenting. I ought, 'tis is often requisite; and brevity and purity of extrue, to bow to your dictum alone; but in a matter pression abound most in letters. In versification, of such importance, I would rather be vanquished do not attempt a long, continuous poem-for that by reason than authority. So then, if you agree requires much time to perfect-but short and piwith me, you can write as short a letter as you quant epigrams, which may aptly employ the interlike; but write nevertheless, for I want my judg-vals of leisure occurring in every occupation. ment confirmed. If you think me wrong, however, Such versicles we call jeux d' esprit ;* but trifles then prepare a long and elaborate epistle. A sub. tle form of bribery, is it not?-to burthen your dissent with the labor of a long letter, and let you off with a short one in case you concur with me. Farewell. TO FUSCUS. though they are, they sometimes gain as much celebrity as graver compositions; and therefore let me assume the poet in urging you to cultivate poetry. As ductile wax receives whatever form The artist's plastic fingers would impart, You ask what plan of study I think you ought to pursue in your present agreeable retreat. It is highly useful, and many writers advise it, to transThe translator has ventured to use a French phrase, late Greek into Latin, or Latin into Greek; for by because the original word lusus has a half technical meanthis exercise you attain a correct and elegant phra-ing, which the English will hardly reach. But apology is seology, store of metaphors, and the art of clear scarcely necessary, for Pliny's letters are quite copiously and forcible statement, as well as the mind's general besprinkled with Greek, a language which, in point of reimprovement in imitating the best models. Be-finement, fashion and foppery, bore nearly the same relation to the Latin that the French does to the English. sides, the translator must encounter fairly many + Subjoined are the original words of this indifferent things which the careless reader escapes. In this way the understanding and judgment are ripened. It will also be well to select from books you have read some theme of which you remember the substance and argument, and write as if in emulation; after which, compare your production with your author's and examine every sentence critically to epigram : Ut laus est ceræ, mollis cedensque sequatur |