drawn by a pair of coursers, whose bits are whitened by impatient foam; they start with emulous ardour, and soon reached the assigned spot. Thirty attendants have been contending for the honour of receiving their master in their arms. They conducted him to an apartment equally elegant and sumptuous. In the twinkling of an eye, his plain tunic is soon replaced by a costly flowing robe. Half a score pier glasses reflect his image, and he smiles with proud satisfaction at his splendid appearance.

the company began chattering aloud, and burst out a laughing. During the concert many a wife and husband, negligently lolling on a couch at a great distance from each other, received or gave an assignation for the next day. When at last the music || ceased, all present gave in their opinion, according to custom. The curtain, at the farther extremity of the room, is instantly drawn up, when a company of dancers are discovered, who perform a luxurious pantomime. Now the conversation is at an end; all the eyes are fixed on the stage, all feel

youthful virgins were in a blaze, married women even take lessons of voluptuousness. The financiers shake their purses, and the young men plan contrivances to dupe the seniors.

After the pantomime was concluded, Nadir's high taste was extolled to the skies; but the party were hardly out of the portico when they made game of him: "He shows all the stupid haughtiness of an upstart," said one; true," interrupted another, "but his steward and his cook are wonderful clever fellows :" and our hero, who had only heard the flattering encomiums, fancied he had procured numbers of friends in consequence of the elegant entertainment he had given them. Extended on a down bed, he soon fell asleep. "What!" thought he," is that all that is required from a man of fortune?"

The clock had just struck six, when comings are alive. The imaginations of the pany was announced. Successively were introduced ladies, men of letters, and monied men. Some among the former, by dint of art, concealed the ravages of years: others, young and lively, laughed at the pretensions of their grand-mothers; each of them, in a whisper to Nadir, would alternately censure her most amiable companions, and extol her own merit and graces. The financiers would speak of the stocks and bankruptcies, or yawn insignificantly; finally, the wits worried the whole company with a display of their erudition and profound knowledge; the poets alone made themselves agreeable, by reading lines in praise of my lord, although it might be observed that one word was used to mean a whole sentence, or that sometimes also, the thoughts and ideas were the quintessence of wit. In the mean time a gorgeous dinner had been served, to which all the guests eagerly sat down; Nadir alone, feeding upon the mere smoke of opulence, hardly tasted any of the dishes. The moment the repast was ended, the literati, without exception, sneak off unperceived. Nadir and the rest sat dawn to cards. Cards," said an ancient sage, "dispense from being witty such as are unqualified to converse. Gold pieces in plenty roll on the table, and some among the ladies, by dint of stolen glances, secure their success. Nadir was in a run of bad luck, but as he shewed not the least ill humour, he was universally complimented on account of his equanimity. The play being over, sorbets and ice creams were brought up; but dull silence prevailed, not even a word of scandal was uttered. On a sudden a concert of lyres, harps, flutes, and the most enchanting voices began. Then it was that No. 63. Vol. X.

When he awoke he did not think proper to ring the bell for his servants to wait upon him. He was desirous of inspecting privately the whole range of his apartments, in order the better to enjoy the splendid furniture. By mere chance, or perhaps Alzor, brought him to the window of a library filled with thousands of volumes, which the bookseller alone had ever opened. From that same window he could look into a lonely street. Was it a dream?-Close to a window he saw seated in a plain modest undress, but still enchanting. It was she-and he cried out, "It is she!"-she heard his voice turned round her head, but not recognising him, immediately let down the blinds.

What is Nadir to do? He thinks of going to throw himself at her feet. Would it not be humbling himself too much? He would lay his fortune at her feet but are

Y

170

riches thus to be parted with? No: he
would offer her his hand:-he! could he
thus inconsiderately resign himself to eter
nal bondage? A thousand confused
thoughts agitated his mind, when his
steward, who had entered the library on
tip-toe, expressed great surprize at seeing
him, at that early hour, in that solitude and
in such an emotion. Nadir told him what
had happened, and the other smiled:
"My Lord," said he, " that house appears
to be the abode of honest mediocrity; but
perhaps exposed to want. I agree with
your Lordship,-you must not forsake
Elma;
but it would be unbecoming in you |
to speak to her before you have sent her
presents, unquestionable pledges of your
affection, and of which I offer to be the
bearer."

You may easily

on the mantle-piece.
judge of my surprise, when on turning
round 1 found that the bird was flown. I
ran down stairs, and hallooed out with all
my might; an old woman now making her
appearance, I caught hold of her arm, and
put several questions to her. Alas! my
kind gentleman,' answered she to me,' the
dear child is labouring under some secret
affliction that makes her seek solitude;
but she is so good natured, and so virtuous,
pray do not attempt to seduce her.'

"I replied to the old woman that I had been commissioned by a friend, on his death bed, to return those jewels and the money to their right owner. The good woman, delighted at the idea of Elma getting rich, promised to seek after her, wherever she might be, and to bring her to reason; so that I left the whole in the possession of the old dame." (This part of the story was not very correct, but a steward is no more bound to speak the truth than to be disinterested.) "My Lord,” continued he, “ I doubt not but we shall find out Elma. Keep up your spirits, and wait for the event. A crowd of people are waiting to pay their respects to you. Allow me to introduce them, some may be bearers of agreeable tidings. For my part I consider gold as the principal of all enjoyments, since it can purchase them all, and is the real antidote to the sorrows of love." This said, the fellow retired, and the visitors were admitted.

Nadir was no longer the man he had been; pride and haughtiness, with a mixture of licentious bluntness had taken possession of his soul. He dispatched the complaisant messenger, and, notwithstanding he expected his return with some degree of impatience, he doubted not but Elma would be flattered at sight of his gifts, and would repay him in proportion to the high value of the presents. The Ambassador, however, did not appear to be satisfied with the result of his mission: "My Lord," said he, "the young woman, I confess, is handsome enough, but she behaved in the most ridiculous manner. I addressed her most courteously, but she did not even lift up her eyes from her tambour frame. When I mentioned your name, together with all the titles that were best calculated to please her vanity, and produced your costly presents, I could see her tears flow on the letters she was embroidering; the name most likely of some of her village sweethearts."—"Don't you say that Elma was embroidering?”. "She had just finished, my Lord; but, would you believe it, she threatened to leave the room, if I would not withdraw myself."-"Tell me what letters had Elma been working?"- "I did not pay great attention, my Lord; I think however, I read NAD."" Oh! my good friend, how happy I am! come, take me immediately to Elma.”—“Will you, my Lord, have patience enough to hear me to the end? I took very little notice of the|| lady's menaces, but deposited my valuables

The first who made his appearance was a projector, who proposed to Nadir's acceptance a scheme, in consequence of which he might derive immense riches without being one single taël out of pocket. A second brought him bonds to a large amount, as a compliment for not having crossed him in a certain financial operation. The third was a young nobleman, over head and ears in debt, who, for a trifling sum in ready money, offered to make a transfer of a considerable patrimony. Next comes agent to inform him that his ship Fortune is arrived, bringing in with her several rich prizes. Now enters another agent, to let him know that some articles of merchandize which he had put up to sale, were claimed by a broker; and that one of his creditors is a bankrupt. Last of all he is addressed, in a mysterious way, by a cer

an

she had entered into a conspiracy with the crafty steward, who was to become her husband. With a view of bringing their projects to a speedy issue, they persuaded him to solicit the lucrative and honourable post of banker to the court. Nadir could not, with any propriety, refuse the means of in

tain go-between, who presents him with a list of such men in power whose interest he may purchase, with a statement of the compliment each of them expects, and of the services he can render. Nadir had framed a code of laws for himself. Not for the whole empire would he have wronged one single individual of a denarium; but increasing his wealth. He therefore began imitation of many a Right Hon. Gentleman, and in consequence of the corrupt morals of the age, he thought himself authorised to plunder the revenues of the state, that is to say, the mass of his fellow subjects. Impudence alone was requisite, in those days, for a man who was entrusted with the management of public affairs, to acquire wealth, and Nadir soon amassed immense treasures: but his steward had taken it in his head to share in the spoils of the nation, and determined to succeed, either by hook or by crook, he commenced his operations in the following manner: One morning, as his master was taking his morning walk in his garden, he went up to him with the intelligence, that notwithstanding all his researches, and the enormous expence he had been at, Elma was not to be found: in vain had he sent emissaries all over the whole extent of the empire. Were it not for his unlimited zeal, he never could have been prevailed upon to speak the fatal truth; but although Elma is lost for ever, it is no reason why my Lord should renounce a world wherein success awaits him in all quarters. My Lord cannot dispense keeping a mistress, who will outshine and eclipse all the wives and mistresses of his most liberal friends. The steward having met with very slight resistance from his master, introduced him the next day to a cyprian, whom Venus herself could not have seen without feeling jealous. The artful coquette knew how to flatter Nadir, soon captivated him, and behold him now become tributary to all her whims and caprices. He had a house furnished for her, close to that he himself inhabited. A certain door joined both their apartments; but one, more secret still, opened into the chamber of Mr. Steward. Nadir imagined that Daphne sought only to please him; she was so condescending! Oh! Daphne was a true, downright mistress! In order the better to fleece him,

canvassing, even among the clerks, who took particular care to mortify him, sometimes at his own table; but, however, he succeeded, and prepared to dispose of the riches of the empire, as his fancy, or rather that of the two accomplices should direct. They acted so very incautiously, that certain officious hints caused Nadir first to suspect, and finally to discover their perfidious manœuvres. Without the least hesitation he determined to remove them. Yet, in order to accomplish this measure, some length of time, much artfulness, and especially great sacrifices were required! He had entrusted them with so many critical secrets! Nadir, besides, was apprehensive lest they should find imitators, leave many behind them, and begau to mistrust all who surrounded him; in short, he thought it indispensable to stand himself sentinel over his strong box. If, for a moment excessive fatigue weighs his eyelids down, he dreams he hears the grating of the file. Amusements, repose, the very shadow of happiness have deserted him. "Where then does happiness reside?" said Nadir, one day; "is it in those elevated ranks from whence imperious orders are issued; whence one of your smiles, equally powerful as those of the Great Being, conveys satisfaction and joy through every heart? Withheld by a morality that was not applicable to myself, have I misinterpreted the sense of Alzor's present? The last term of his book is Grandeur. Did he not mean to reveal to me the summit of human felicity? Alas! I have hitherto crept through the rugged path that leads to it; however, I have acquired experience, and I plainly discover that grandeur alone can suit Nadir.-Grandeur! fly, come and crown my brow with wreaths of immortal glory!

(To be concluded in our next.)

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MOST CELEBRATED ANCIENT POETS.

beauty. Her style was amorous and passionate, but inimitable: she invented the use of the bow belonging to the harp, which has been of great advantage to its

tone.

She fell a victim to her unrequited love for Phaon. She has been universally styled the tenth muse.

Thespis was a composer of tragedies, and was much famed for works of that kind.

The Odes of Pindar were so sweet, that it was fabled of him, that while he was an infant in his cradle, the bees made honey on his mouth. He was a poet of the first order, and obtained immortal glory and honour, even from every other poet who came after him. The sublimity of his style was very difficult to imitate: lofty, pure, and chaste, he generally employed it in the entertainment of Kings and Princes; and he chiefly sang the praises of those who had been victors in the Olympic Games. He was justly styled the wonder of his age. He died without a pang, as he was reclin

HESIOD, the first of the poets, was of a very illustrious lineage, being descended from Orpheus, and a near kinsman of the celebrated Homer. It is reported that the family of Hesiod was very rich, but his father, having been rather prodigal, so entangled his affairs, that not being able to live at the expence he was accustomed to, he left Cuma, where he formerly dwelt, and went into Bootia, Hesiod had a brother named Perses, who differed very much from him. Hesiod was a great writer, and Perses a most wretched poet. Dius, the father of Hesiod, had contracted a particular friendship with an eminent priest of the Muses at Mount Helicon, which being peculiarly consecrated to them and Apollo, all the considerable people in Greece used to go thither once in their lives. The fabulous part of Hesiods history says, that on his visit to Mount Helicon, he had an extraordinary vision, wherein the muse Calliope appeared to him, and foretold to him his future greatness. History mentions little of Hesiod, excepting on a friend at a public spectacle. his great fame as a poet, of which his works are a proof. We are told that he travelled through many different countries, that he obtained the golden tripod, and an advantage over Homer in the Judgment of Paris. The Orchomenians having consulted an oracle, were promised much felicity if they could get the body of Hesiod into their power; but the place of his sepulchre was so carefully concealed from strangers, that it could never be discovered.

Homer was so poor that he subsisted a long time by begging. Some seamen once refusing to take him in a vessel as far as Chios, a violent storm arose, which they thought was a chastisement from heaven for their unkindness; they returned to take him in, and had a pleasant and successful voyage. Homer, after this event, married, and had two daughters. He first composed his famous Odyssey, and afterwards his Iliad; in the Odyssey he highly celebrates his father-in-law, Phineus, and also his friend Mentor.

The famous Sappho of Mitylene, has been celebrated through all ages; she was a brown woman, and had no pretensions to

When Alexander conquered Thebes he requested to be shewn the house where Pindar dwelt, to secure it from being pillaged, and preserved the goods of another Pindar, in honour of his name.

Anacreon was the poet of joy and feasts: his poems were witty, delicate, and natu||ral; and his odes are likely to last as long as the empire of letters shall endure. He invented those verses which bear his name, styled Anacreontics. He made also some very fine elegies. His favourite mistress was named Euripile, whom he highly celebrates. He invented a kind of lyre with one-and-twenty strings. He died at a feast, by swallowing a grape stone, at the age of four-score and five years.

Eschylus, the Athenian, was the first who published his tragedies, and he added much to the ornaments of the theatres: he was the first to establish that maxim, that too many deaths and murders in a tragedy, destroy its effect. He composed four-score and ten tragedies. Though he lived to a great age, he was outdone by Sophocles in the very spring of his youth; which so grieved him that he retired into Sicily.

Eschylus was sublime, dignified, and grave || ed as he was swimming in the port of in his expressions, and sometimes rather Piraeus, rude and unpolished; while the style of Aristophanes acquired great popularity Sophocles was so flowery as to obtain for by his sharp, subtle, and elegant style: he him the name of the Bee; others called was of low birth, but was the favourite of him the Syren, as the mind was insensibly the multitude, as he never scrupled to lash allured and charmed by his writings. In the vices of the great, and was bold in his his extreme old age, when he began encensures on all classes. He once wrote so tirely to neglect his domestic affairs, Sopho- sharply against a tribune, that he could cles was accused by one of his children of not find a player who would dare to underdotage; but when this unnatural son was take the part, on which he acted it himself, about to deprive him of the management and was condemned to pay a weighty fine. of his estate, Sophocles shewed his judges He injured his reputation by writing a coa work he was then composing, which was || medy against Socrates. so exquisite, that the accuser was dismissed with a reprimand. Become decrepid with extreme age, he preserved his wit to the very last. A friend telling him that he was unhappy in no longer owning the dominion of love, Sophocles replied, “I esteem myself happy in being delivered from his tyranny; I always found him an insolent 1 and imperious master."

Euripides had every disadvantage attending low birth; but his merit bore him out: he was first only a successful prizefighter; but he composed a great number of tragedies, twelve of which were satirical. He was of a very serious disposition, and was never known to laugh: his conduct ||

and behaviour were of the most uniform

kind; several persons having requested him to alter one verse in a tragedy, he told them he wrote to teach the people, not to be taught by them. He wrote, though well, with slowness and difficulty. He had the misfortune to discover his wife's infidelity towards him, with a low comedian, on which he retired into Macedonia, where, though he became the favourite of King Archelaus, he died miserably, being torn in pieces by the dogs of that monarch as he was hunting.

Callimachus was a writer of elegies and epigrams: his poem on the Hair of Berenice, was sufficient to give him the reputation of an excellent poet.

Theocritus, was born in Syracuse, and was also a writer of elegies: happening to speak ill of Hiero, the tyrant of his country, he pardoned him the first time, but on a second imprudence of the kind, the unhappy poet was put to death.

Amongst the Roman poets, the first of greatest note is Plautus, of low parentage, a famous writer of comedies, which, when wrote, he used to sell; he then turned merchant, but failed, and poverty pressing very heavily upon him, he was obliged to work at very low trades, during which time he composed some of his best works. His comedies were witty, but not very delicate; but, nevertheless, they abounded in beautiful thoughts, and the satire they contained was very neatly couched.

Terence, so famous by his comedies, was an African, and brought up as a slave at Rome, by a senator, who had him educated with much care, and gave him his freedom, when he arrived at manhood. He was particularly esteemed by men of great eminence in Rome, and formed a friendship Menander has obtained immortal fame, with the illustrious Scipio. The writings by his refinement of comedies, and divest- of Terence were pure, noble, and delicate; ing them of that insolent and immodest sa- and his comedies were said to be better at tire, with which they were before replete the hundredth time of reading than at the his works were remarkable for the delicacy || first: only six of them have been transand purity of their style, while he preserv-mitted to posterity; and it is said that Teed a domestic description of the manners rence died with sorrow, as he went from of the age, taking care never to confound the tragic style with the comic. He composed an hundred and nine comedies: when, but in the flower of his age, he was drown- || ble satires.

Greece to Rome, having been shipwrecked, and losing thereby an hundred and eight of his comedies, and some incompara