Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

whom a clergyman was examining and catechizing. I really thought and felt that this was a most delightful and useful mode of employing that otherwise idle interval which is announced by the ringing of a church bell. Just behind me were the boys and girls of two schools, arranged on seats opposite each other, and their young eyes enjoying the angellike countenances before them; for I observed that the little fellows could not turn their backs on the girls, but continued looking at them as though they had been under the influence of attraction. One of them was a very noisy blade, and he made almost a riot by his endeavours to keep the others silent.

66

Keep less noise-keep less noise,” repeated he. "Why," said I, from the Barber of Seville, "You are the only noisy person here,' you little rogue!" which had the effect of quieting him. Soon after, a very handsome young clergyman, whose name, I believe, is Purdon, came into the passage between the two seats, and examined them in a manner which, in my humble estimation, did him great honour; and while I heard him expound the influence of Christianity on the human heart, I could not avoid the conviction that, from his earnest and

VOL. III.

K

66

board. "What have we to pay, waiter ?" inquired Jem, with a significant look at me. Tenpence, Sir, if you please," was the reply. Tenpence a piece?" said I. No, it was for both snacks,

66

"Thus," said Jem, "I manage to live independently and comfortably on four shillings a day; and I would strongly recommend every half-pay subaltern to do the same. What I save from the gratification of my appetite not only conduces to my external appearance, but really preserves my health. My bed-room costs me only five shillings a week; my breakfast I can have for a trifle in my own apartment; my dinner averages about a shilling daily; so, you see, I have a fund remaining to meet mental recreation, and contribute to self-love."

"Bravo, Jem,” answered I, grasping his hand; "well thou deservest thy character for prudence. He is the true gentleman who lives within his means; and that man only deserves the title of honourable who is just to others before he is liberal to himself. Yes, my friend, if all our brothers on half pay were to act the noble part which, to your credit, you play, his majesty's commission would not so often be the inmate of a jail, or the scorn of a petty

craving tradesman, whose wife and children, perhaps, are reduced to want by the credit which an officer's name created. Better, like the brave and proud Captain in Gil Blas, to live in a garret on onions, than to lose the cheering consciousness of upright independence by pampering extravagance with inconsistent luxuries."

The worthy James Davis and I parted soon after; and in the hope that these particulars may be useful to some of my readers, I have embodied them in this faithful narrative of real occurrences. Proud would it make me, and uprightly should I march to my grave, could any thing from my pen essentially serve the profession to which I belong ; inspire the young soldier with principles of honour, with zeal for the service, with respect for himself, with every requisite that forms the perfect officer and the distinguished gentleman!

In the evening my friend Malony embarked on board the Mersey for Liverpool; but the continuation of his journey demands another Number.

199

No. VIII.

LIEUT. JOHN MALONY.

(Continued.)

I can't but say it is an awkward sight
To see one's native land receding through
The growing waters; unmans one quite,
Especially when life is rather new.

BYRON

Six o'clock was the hour appointed for the Mersey to sail. True to the moment, I was on board. Previously I had admired her fine accommodations. She was a perfect picture. Her cabins are fitted up in the most tasteful and expensive manner-rich carpets-gold fringes-Ottoman couches -and mahogany furniture.

I took my station on the poop, or cabin deck, and gazed on the scene with interest. The gaslights of Dublin were spreading their clear blaze around, till, lost in the horizon, they twinkled like

« AnteriorContinuar »