however, agreeably to the general custom, "henceforth I shall wander alone through I solicited the indulgence of my hearers :- our fields and meadows, seek you every It was in the country that Nadir had where, call after you without ceasing, and spent the time of his childhood. Elma, the not meeting you, I shall be most miserable." daughter of one of his father's intimate "It will be some alleviation to your sorfriends, and by two years younger than || rows," replied Nadir, "that every object himself, was his constant play-fellow, and here will bring me back to your recollechis companion in his daily rambles. One tion, and that you may converse about me might have said that the gods had animated with your mother, whenever you are pleased them at one breath. The first impressions so to do; but whom shall I confide my of Nadir's heart were in favour of Elma, distresses to? With whom am I to speak who could hardly articulate the dear name of my Elma? I shall be solitary in this of Nadir without some emotion. Distressed wild world.”—“ A thought, my good friend, and fretful, when absent from one another, has just occurred to me; you shall have a they never met again without a blush, yet something that will bring Elma back to both were surprised at their blushing. your remembrance." So saying, she proMute, through an excess of pleasure, they duced a double edged sharp steel instruwould gaze on each other. Elma would ment, applied it to her hair that was wavlean her head on the heaving breast of ing down to her knees, and presented him Nadir, who, with tears of joy in his eyes, with a silver lock. He seized it, carried it enlivened with an innocent salute, the rosy to his lips, and fixed it close to his heart. bloom on her cheek. They next would go, What are riches compared with such a hand in hand, singing all the way, to some token of love? Nadir would have stayed turf seat, at no great distance, where he at Babylon, had not Elma's mother, partly used to read to her. At every tender pas- with threats, and partly by promises, forced sage they sighed, and Nadir would exclaim him to depart. The die is cast; his high —“ Elma, that author has read within my mettled steed bears him through the plain ; thoughts!" If a lover promised to be faith- he turns round, no longer sees his friend, ful, she then would press her young friend's || but still imagines that he beholds her feahand on her heart. They would now direct || tures. As he proceeds he is overwhelmed their steps towards the humble habitation with grief, yet he attempts not to ward of the poor, and there, as by stealth, leave its pangs; conscious that to resist it can behind them dates or other fruit, and some- only promote its fury. times money. They were so happy in doing a little good, they appeared so full of gratitude, that the indigent, whom they had relieved, might have been mistaken for their benefactors! The two youths accordingly were universally beloved. Fortune seemed to smile upon them, but Fortune, the same as Time, is supplied with wings. The latter, with a sudden unexpected blow, struck the young man's father, without leaving him leisure to settle his affairs. Some interested individuals disputed the inheritance. In order to substantiate his claims, Nadir was obliged to visit the metropolis of the empire. Elma might go with him; but how could she determine to leave her mother, whose affection and infirmities required her uninterrupted attendance? Nadir, at least, will never forget her; he promised a thousand times, upon oath, to live for her alone. My dearest friend," did Elma say to him, After having travelled fifty parasangs, Nadir reached the metropolis, and alighted at a famous caravansera. He sat down to a table, where the foreign idioms of a hundred guests, ambulating gazetteers from all the districts of the planet, might be heard at a time. He, however, soon left the disputants to go and take a view of the town. Stately palaces engage his attention, he reads the various inscriptions, and next asks a thousand idle questions of passengers who do not listen to him, but leave him to attend to their own pursuits. Behold him now entering a most delightful garden; there he saw myriads of captivating women, whose aspect, nevertheless, only caused him to regret the more the simple air and modest deportment of Elma. Whilst indulging his reflections, he had the misfortune to tread on a lady's gauze train, and thereby to be deserving of a very severe reprimand. As he drew back he she not a female?" would Phanor say, and our hero remained involved in thought, when one day his gay companion apprized him, most abruptly, that he was going on a long journey. He was to repair first, unaccompanied by any one, to a villa, where, undoubtedly, he was expected by a spright and then, without answering any question whatever, he bade him a hasty farewell, and left him. Nadir stood rather amazed at such a conduct. happened to justle a beau, who carried the lap-dog of his mistress. Down came the delicate quadruped; Favori, alas! sends forth a most piteous yell, and the lady faints. Her lover, who held a bamboo in his hand, applied it across the shoulders of Nadir, who instantly repaid the compliment. All present interfere, the fair ladiesly nymph whom Nadir might well know; side with the offended mistress of the dog; and the gentlemen unanimously declare, that according to the most noble custom of their ancestors, a duel is become indispensable. The two heroes, in consequence, repair to a neighbouring wood. The one, with a feeble hand shoots an inoffensive arrow; the other, with equal vigour and skill, lodges his weapon in the shoulder of his antagonist. Nadir, on being surrounded by a cluster of people, thought that he was ruined; but he was soon undeceived, and agreeably surprised, when his wounded opponent declared himself his friend, invited him to get into his palanquin, and carried him to his own home. But our hero was still in the prime of life, and a prey to that irresolute ardour which prompts us to relinquish our actual situation, with a view of soaring towards another sphere which we fancy to be more beauteous and resplendent, merely because it is unknown to us. With a jealous eye would he behold such as were richer than himself, more powerful, or greater favourites among the sex; nay, he grew curious of renowned poets, his own compositions being but of an inferior cast. Too violent his sorrowful ideas, Nadir, at day-break Phanor (so was the young man called,)ly agitated by his contending desires, and had an uncle, who happened to be one of Nadir's judges. By this means, and owing to numberless visits, which in the common language are denominated solicitations, our hero, after the revolution of thirteen moons, obtained from the tribunal a gratuitous verdict, that entitled him to enter into possession of his deceased father's estates. Twothirds of the property, however, he was under an obligation of distributing amongst the good people who had interfered in his behalf, and the public opinion was, that he had got off very cheap. The invocation was rather in a familiar style; nevertheless a sudden beam of light pierces through the blinds, bearing Alzor, Upon his first arrival in the metropolis, who, gently descending, alights on the sofa Nadir used to write daily to Elma, from of his protegée, presents him with a little whom he also heard every day. Her let- volume bound in blue morocco, with gilt ters he would read to Phanor, who, indeed edges, casts an amicable look upon him, treated with indifference a passion which and seated on his beam, returned as he had he termed romantic, and of which he en- come, through the blinds. In case that deavoured to cure his new friend. He in- sprite, occasionally, took unavailing steps, structed Nadir in the arts of dressing init cannot be said, however, that his disstyle, of assuming fashionable airs, of shamming levity, and of composing extempore declarations. In the forenoon he would take him to the toilette of some celebrated belles; in the evening he introduced him into the circles of ton. Not unfrequently Phanor would destroy Nadir's letters, so that not only days but months elapsed without the latter hearing from Elma. "Is course was to be misconstrued. I know several loquacious, tedious individuals, who harass us with their monotonous, endless visits, and would act wisely if they were to go to silent Alzor's school. Nadir hastened to open the book, and read several times over the following directions :— "Pronounce aloud the words at the top and metaphysical arguments, induced his admirers to invite him to challenge Mirza himself in the dramatic field. The gold pen was set to work. Both a comedy in of the first page, and thou shalt become possessed of wisdom; those at the top of the second page, will procure thee wit and science; those on the third, graces and beauty; those on the fourth page, opu-seven acts, and a tragedy in ten, went lence; those on the last page, grandeur.Learn how to moderate thy wishes." through two thousand two hundred and fifty successive representations, and the great Mirza confessed that he was beaten. || The academy, in a fit of enthusiasm, sent two deputies to the new luminary of literature, to invite him to illumine the horizon of their meetings. Nadir accordingly made his appearance among them, and was appointed to take the chair. All through the republic of Belles Lettres were influenced by him. No work was published unless it had met with his approbation or consent. Authors would send him pompous dedications, in order to procure a short note from his own hand which they gloried in producing. His thoughts were analyzed, and fifty translators were engaged, day and || night, in transmitting his productions in every idiom that was known. Nadir could not suppress a smile as he looked at the first page, "Wisdom!" muttered he;" why surely Alzor is making game of me! Is there even a sprite possessed of more wisdom than myself? Let us turn to another page; but which shall I give the preference to? Strange perplexity! Illimited power is as bad as having no power at all." The impatient youth was torturing his brains, when his servant brought him the newspaper. He cast his eyes over it, and read an advertisement, stating that a scientific discussion was to take place, in order to decide whether there was more merit in delineating with the pen than with the pencil, and also whether it was requisite to adhere scrupulously to the established rules and principles, or ad- In the mean time the excess of that glory visable to overlook them. Nadir instantly with which Nadir was in some measure felt anxious to shine in the literary dispute, overburdened, bruised the hearts of his and cried out Wit and Science. A writing- rivals. Long stunned by his first successes, desk of cedar wood was immediately drawn they thought at last of being revenged. near him by an invisible hand; it opened, Under the veil of delicate censure, they and a gold pen was produced. Nadir shot at him the shafts of ridicule, which seized it, and began writing with a facility, seldom miss the object they are aimed at; elegance, and energy that he knew not and soon after attacked him openly. If being endowed with. Surprised at his his style was concise, they pronounced it wonderful success, he carried his work to enigmatical and unintelligible; if he coma man who composedly dealt in the per- bined gracefulness and humour, perfidious formances of others. This gentleman beg-echos would attenuate his ideas, and leave ged to be allowed some time to read the production; then ran it over, pretended to review it, seemed to depreciate the book, appeared fearful of publishing the first essay of an unknown writer; printed it, however, through mere complaisance, and made a good round sum of money by the publication, leaving for the portion of the author, innumerable critics, and a few admirers. Nadir had many adversaries; but whilst they were striving in vain to procure readers, every one was anxious to procure his replies, and all engraved in their memory the emanations of his sublime eloquence. Some fugitive poems that he had composed, and which, (who would believe it in the present time?) were void of bombast them only the mobility of air. As soon as his pretended friends found out that the idol was threatened with an overthrow, they disappeared for fear of being crushed in his fall. Nadir continued writing, proved that he was on the right side of the question, but he met only with unbelievers; till at last satiated with insipid compli ments, and overwhelmed with invectives, he shut up his cedar wood writing-desk, broke his gold pen, and with a view of ending his poignant chagrin, seized a dart, sharpened its point, brought it close to his breast, but recollected on a sudden that, authors should cherish life, and he determined to travel. He was already at a great distance from the town before his departure would have been thought of. merit. The simply ornamented boxes caused the beauteous fair, so desirous of being admired, to shine with additional lustre. In spite of the inclemency of the weather, these inconsiderate females exposed the contour of their ivory arms, and indiscreetly bared their bosoms; the breath of Zephyrus seemed to be the only veil they wished should conceal their charms. The eyes of the enraptured spectators wandered over the enchanting groups, at a loss, as it Numbers of were, which to rest upon. those fair, with a prism in their hand, com What a beautiful variety of magnificent, prospects did nature present to his view! Rocks, whose summits supported the skies, whose flanks pour forth thousands of cas cades, which fall roaring into impenetrable abysses; the river, of which they form the origin, which at first, as a simple rivulet glides gently across the meadows, swollen within a short interval by immense tributes, would lay waste distant lands, if the work of man opposed not its ravages; those bridges whose proud lofty arches command its majestic waves; the golden harvests, the verdant vines, and the antique forests.pelled to cast down their looks, such youths But whatever enraptures the cheerful traveller, appears insignificant, far from exciting admiration, in the agitated mind of Nadir. The outrages he has endured from his enemies engross his whole attention; he recalls to his mind a thousand circumstances that ought at least to have prevented their speedy triumph. Where shall he go to expose his disgrace? Shall he return to Elma? No. Stupid vanity, so often the reverse of noble pride, checks his progress. He is determined not to meet his friend again till he can show himself crowned with glory. But what is he to do until such time as he has gained that point? It was not in solitude that he could find the means of filling up the chasm that he had opened to himself: once more he must seek the of those men whom he had company loaded with imprecations, and he accordingly returned to the metropolis. At any rate, he thought it advisable to change his name, and to take other lodgings. Super-probation; the male performers are no longer fluous precaution! Who could have known him again? He was no longer the man in fashion. Exasperated at the inattention he was treated with, he thought it announced the downfal of the empire, and gave himself up to that coarse, blunt misanthropy, which, among certain civilized nations, is decorated with the high appellation of philosophy. as had not yet been taught not to blush; listened to,and the actresses, forgetful of their majesty, like other weak mortals, stop, and remain silent to stare, in admiration, at our hero. In the mean time the author rushed on the stage, harangues the performers, addresses the public, weeps, and tears off his hair by handfulls; it is all in vain, the piece is damned-a due reward of his animosity against Nadir! One day that he saw a crowd at the door By this time a lady, no longer in the bloom of youth, but whose diamonds were of the national theatre, he felt inclined to of the finest water, and in great profusion, see the performance of a new drama, comhad drawn near the new Adonis, and reposed by one of his most celebrated rivals. The house had recently been repaired. quested he would have the goodness to One hundred tubes, suspended by a silk and protect her home. Nadir, stretching out gold tissue, spread a soft and equal light|| his hand, accompansed her to her carriage, at sight of which the whole swarm of her with a magnificence hitherto unknown. In an extensive amphitheatre were placed || rivals shuddered with rage and malice, (To be continued.) the judges (seldom impartial) of dramatic THE LISTENER.` TO TIMOTHY HEARWELL, ESQ. SIR, I hope you will pardon my presumption in the comparison I am now about to make; but, alas! dear, good old gentleman, I must say, that I think there is a great similarity between us. You commenced author, and determined to lead a town life, at a very advanced age, and I, kept as recluse as yourself, by a father, who set forth the world as a sink of depra vity, and a mother, who pinned me to her apron-string, as soon as ever I was delivered from their dominion, which was not till I was fifty-five years of age, became, by this emancipation, master of a plentiful estate, to use as I pleased. I accordingly, but I own awkwardly enough, drove my barouche and four greys into London, resolving not to leave it till I not, but somehow or other we were always meeting whenever I took a quiet walk alone by permission of papa aud mamma, who were truly indulgent in many instances, particularly in letting me have plenty of pocket-money, without ever asking me what I did with it! Scarce had my love been slily declared for the steward's daughter, when her father died, and left poor Anne, in her nineteenth year, without a penny. I took her privately as a mistress, and kept her at a village a short distance off, where I used to ride out every morning before my father and mother were up, who, now grown very infirm, never rose till very late in the day. When I became in possession of my estate I was still constant to my first and only amour; and when I came up to London I established Aune as my housekeeper, and though 1 had no idea of the art of modern love, I was determined to make a dash in mar But in order to avoid prolixity, I will relate, in brief, my London adventures. It was not long before I perceived that the character of a rake seemed most acceptable to the ladies, and that even a man who had seduced the wife of his friend was received with welcome and delight, in some of the first circles of females, styled modest. I instantly, then, on this discovery, at fifty-five, resolved to be a professed libertine: my natural good health and activity, with the assistance of my tailor and perukemaker, who made me a most elegant milling peruke, to look like nature, enabled me to pass for twenty years younger than I really was. And thus equipped I set out one evening, telling my housekeeper I should not be at home, perhaps, much before twelve the next day. had become a buck of the first water: and dash and notoriety, let them cost what they would, I was resolved to obtain before I died. Amongst other strange maximsriage, and obtain a dashing wife. which my father endeavoured to inculcate in my mind, was a dread of the fairest part of the creation he represented women as wily syrens, lying in wait to entrap mankiud by their allurements. I was, either through fear or love, certainly a very dutiful son; I looked on my parents as the certain oracles of truth, whereby I ought to regulate my conduct; yet, in spite of all their prohibitions, I found that at the age of six-and-twenty I was no longer able to withstand the charms of female conversation, nor could I longer shut my eyes against a beautiful, or even agreeable countenance, if it belonged to woman. Forms, moulded by the Graces, would sometimes flit before me, when I attended, by the side of papa and mamma, the races at a neighbouring town; where, though arrived at that age where discretion certainly is come, if she means to come at all, my mother kept a very strict watch over my looks; and I blushed and hung down my heading beauty, whose apparent innocence and with shame, if ever she caught my ardent eyes wandering after any of these divinities in petticoats. My father's steward had a very pretty young daughter, at that time about fifteen, when I was double that age: whether she purposely threw herself in my way I know My first ramble was to Covent-Garden Theatre, where I took my stand in one of the upper boxes, by the side of an enchant modesty won my notice. With much reluctance, she entered into conversation with me, and frequently lamented her indiscretion in coming by herself to an amusement she was so passionately fond of. After the second act was over, she begged me to see her to her carriage; when great 1 |