dead or alive. For this purpose, a serjeant and twelve grenadiers were sent, with bayonets fixed, to break open the cabin door; and, if he would not give up his arms, to run him through the body. The captain was prepared for every species of assault; and before the serjeant, who was at the head of the detachment, could execute his commission, the besieged shot him dead; and threatening the grenadiers with the same fate if they persisted, he had the satisfaction to see them take to flight. Their terror was so complete, that they refused to renew the engagement, though led on by several of our officers: and the officers themselves recoiled at the entrance of the passage, and alleged as their excuse, that as they could advance but one at a time into the room, the English captain (whom they called the Devil,) would kill them all, one after the other. The commodore, ashamed of this pusillanimity, was forced again to have recourse to persuasion. A deputation was sent to the closed door; and the captain ceasing to fire, condescended to hear their message. He returned a short answer. I shall

now submit to my destiny: but as brave men should surrender only to the brave, bring your commander to me, for he alone amongst you has steadily stood his ground; and to him only will I resign my sword.' The commodore was as surprised as delighted with the unexpected success of this embassy. Every thing being arranged, the door of the cabin was opened, and its dauntless defender appeared to us-in the person of a little, humpbacked, pale-faced man, altogether as deformed in body as he was perfect in mind. The Chevalier Langeron complimented him on his bravery; and added, that his present captivity was but the fortune of war; and that he should have no reason to regret being a prisoner.' 'I feel no regret, (replied the little captain,) my charge was the fleet of merchantmen; and my duty called me to defend them, though at the expence of my vessel. I prolonged the engagement, until I saw from my cabin window, that they were all safe within the mouth of the Thames; and to have held out longer would have been obstinacy, not courage. In what light my services may be

represented to my countrymen, I know not, neither do I care: I might, perhaps, have had more honour of them, by saving her Majesty's ship by flight; but this consolation remains, that though I have lost it, and my own liberty together, I have served England faithfully; and while I enrich the public, and rescue her wealth from the gripe of her enemies, I cannot consider myself unhappy. Your kind treatment of me may meet a return: my countrymen will pay my debt of gratitude; for the Power which now yields me to your hands, may one day put you into theirs.' The noble boldness with which he expressed himself, charmed the commodore: he returned his sword to him with these words: Take, Sir, a weapon which no man better deserves to wear! Forget that you are my prisoner; but ever remember that we are friends.'

HOPE was the ensign under which this gallant commander fought; like the ESPERANCE on the banners of Hotspur, it guided him to victory and fame. He proved the efficacy of Sidney's favourite maxim,-that "while there. is hope left, we ought not to let the fearful

ness of any adverse circumstance weaken the strength of our resolution." The same reasonable and steady confidence in hope, may cheer and conduct us happily, in the pursuits of a private station, as well as in the more noticed career of martial exploits. A well-ordered mind is always consistent.

ANXIETY.

1.

How painful a thing it is, to a divided mind, to make a well-joined answer!

Remark.

And yet how rigorously does self-love demand, even fixed attention, from that class of our friends who, evidently torn by distractions, ought to awaken a kinder expectation! Where is the justice, the humanity, of this

exaction? What does it prove? But that we value the devotedness of friendship, rather as an oblation to vanity, than as a free interchange of hearts; an endearing contract of sympathy, mutual forbearance, and respect !

2.

Hope itself is a pain, while it is overmatched by fear.

3.

It is a hell of dolours, when the mind still in doubt, for want of resolution can make no resistance.

Remark.

The uncertainty of suspense is the cause of its ever-increasing pangs. Its fears being enlarged by imagination, augment dread over dread, until every calamity seems pending; and the terrified wretch, self-betrayed, meets misery in advance, by giving himself up to phantoms of his own raising. In all cases it shews a very ill-judging kindness, to leave any one in anxiety, when it is in our power to de