lower end of the great vale of Berks, and is moulded into a number of low, undulating hills, composed of grey or chalk marle, and forming the sub-escarpment of the great crest of the chalk; this marle throws out the waters which have percolated through the chalk, and the junction between the two is marked by a line of springs, indicated by such names as Brightwell, Jutwell, Harwell, Mongewell, &c., and by a thick belt of population, attracted thither from a very early period by the fertility of the soil. The grey chalk, here full of fossils and pyrites, forms the embankment on which the Railway approaches Moulsford Bridge; the subsoil, however, is covered up with a thick deposit of gravel, in which elephants' and sharks' teeth, and various diluvial remains, have been discovered.” Moulsford village lies in Berkshire, and its “ford” crosses the Thames to South Stoke, through which village the Railway passes; it has an Early English and Early Decorated church. From this part of the line may be seen, on the south, some of those curious terraces called “Linchetts,” so common on the sides of chalk and oolite downs. Here, too, may be seen the spires of Wallingford, and the

THE CAPUCHIN.' wooded dells of the Chilterns; and “a spur from the Isley Downs, crowned by Unwell Wood, well known to Father CRISTOFORO of **** was a man nearer sixty the Oxford botanists for its varieties of the Orchis tribe ; than fifty years of age. His shaven head, circled with a as the Down is to sportsmen for the excellent coursing narrow line of hair, like a crown, according to the fashion matches of Mr. Stone, the venerable squire of Streatley.” of the Capuchin tonsure, was raised from time to time

We have now reached the Wallingford Station, upon with a movement that betrayed somewhat of disdain the Berkshire bank of the river, forty-seven and a half and disquietude, and then quickly sank again in thoughts miles from London, and about three from Wallingford. of lowliness and humility. His long grey beard, coverThe town is a "fine old place,” still enclosed by the ing his cheeks and chin, constrasted markedly with the Roman earthworks, though the ford is superseded by a prominent features of the upper part of his face, to stone bridge. A lofty agger, defended on the exterior which a long and habitual abstinence had rather given by a wet ditch, encloses the town, and forms three sides an air of gravity, than effaced the natural expression. of a parallelogram, of which the Thames is the fourth. His sunken eyes, usually bent on the ground, sometimes Wallingford was destroyed by the Danes in 1006, but brightened up with a momentary fire, like two spirited rose again into prosperity; and Swein, their king, was horses, under the hand of a driver whom they know by born here in 1013. The Conqueror found the Saxon experience they cannot overcome; yet occasionally they Wigod in possession of the “Vill," and married his indulge in a few gambols and prancings, for which they heiress to Robert D'Oyley, who founded castles here and are quickly repaid by a smart jerk of the bit. at Oxford. Wallingford castle was very strong, and Father Cristoforo had not always been thus: nor had its central position made it of great importance in the he always been Cristoforo: his baptismal name was Barons' wars. In this stormy period, however, its strength Ludovico. He was the son of a merchant of **** who, had begun to decay,; Leland, in the beginning of the in his latter years, being considerably wealthy, and sixteenth century, describes it as “sore yn ruine ;” Cam- having only one son, had given up trade, and retired as den, who wrote somewhat later, says that “its size and an independent gentleman. magnificence used to amaze me when I came hither, a In his new state of idleness he began to entertain a lad from Oxford.”. Still, up to the Civil Wars, it was great contempt for the time he had spent in making considered one of the most important fortresses in the money, and being useful in the world. Full of this king's possession : it was held by Charles until its sur- fancy, he used every endeavour to make others forget render to Fairfax, in 1646 ; and it was finally destroyed, that he had been a merchant; in fact, he wished to and the materials sold, by order of Cromwell, in 1652. forget it himself. But the warehouse, the bales, the The date of the fortress is, however, confirmed by its journal, the measure, were for ever intruding upon his lofty Norman mound, inside which is a well; and there mind, like the shade of Banquo to Macbeth, even amidst is a doorway of the same period. The castle inclosure the honours of the table and the smiles of flatterers. is kept in order by its proprietor, Mr. Blackstone. The It is impossible to describe the care of these poor mortals name of the town is ascribed either to an ancient British to avoid every word that might appear like an allusion word, guallen, or the Latin, vallum, each signifying to the former condition of their patron. One day, to a fort, or fortified position, and the ford over the river, mention a single instance, towards the end of dinner, thus making Guallen Ford or Vallum Ford. Its four in the moment of liveliest and most unrestrained teen churches, described by Leland, have dwindled to festivity, when it would be difficult to say which was threc, and the remains of a chapel in the castle. One merriest, the company who emptied the table, or the of the former, St. Peter's, was rebuilt by Sir William host who filled it, he was rallying with friendly Blackstone, who is buried there.

superiority one of his guests, the most prodigious eater Leaving the Moulsford Station, the Railway passes in the world. He, meaning to return the joke, with the under the Oxford road, and by a deep cutting of chalk frankness of a child, and without the least shade of malice, marle, enters Cholsey, famed for its Saxon monastery replied, “ Ah, I'm listening like a merchant."? The and Norman church, the latter one of the finest paro-poor offender was at once conscious of the unfortunate chial buildings in the country. “The village,” says word that had escaped his lips; he cast a diffident glance the History, “stands upon a knoll of gravel, in great towards his patron's clouded face, and each would gladly part surrounded by land liable to be flooded; hence its have resumed his former expression; but it was name of Cholsey," or Ceolsia,' the island of Cool,' who was, probably, its Saxon owner.”

(1) This very striking sketch is taken from an excellent transla(To be concluded in next Number.)

tion of Manzoni's “Betrothed,” lately published by Mr. Burris, of

(2) " lo faccio orecchie da mercante." A proverbial expression, meaning, "I pay no attention to you," which quite loses its point when translated into English.

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Portman-street.

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impossible. The other guests occupied themselves, each He was walking one day along the streets, in company in his own mind, in devising some plan of remedying with a former shopkeeper, whom his father had raised the mistake, and making a diversion; but the silence to the office of steward, and was followed by two bravoes. thus occasioned only made the error more apparent. The steward, whose name was Cristoforo, was about Each individual endeavoured to avoid meeting his com- fifty years old, devoted from childhood to his master, panion's eye; each felt that all were occupied in the whom he had known from his birth, and by whose wages thought they wished to conceal. Cheerfulness and and liberality he was himself supported, with his wife sociability had fled for that day, and the poor man, not and eight children. Ludovico perceived a gentleman so much imprudent as unfortunate, never again received at a distance, an arrogant and overbearing man, whom an invitation. In this manner, Ludovico's father passed he had never spoken to in his life, but his cordial enemy, his latter years, continually subject to annoyances, and to whom Ludovico heartily returned the hatred; for it perpetually in dread of being despised; never reflecting is a singular advantage of this world, that men may that it was no more contemptuous to sell than to buy, hate and be hated without knowing each other. The and that the business of which he was now so much Signor, followed by four bravoes, advanced haughtily, ashamed, had been carried on for many years before the with a proud step, his head raised, and his mouth public without regret. He gave his son an expensive expressive of insolence and contempt. · They both education, according to the judgment of the times, and walked next to the wall, which (be it observed) was on as far as he was permitted by the laws and customs of Ludovico's right hand ; and this, according to custom, the country; he procured him masters in the different gave him the right (how far people will go to pursue the branches of literature and in exercises of horsemanship, right of a case !) of not moving from the said wall to and at last died, leaving the youth heir to a large fortune. give place to any one, to which custom, at that time, Ludovico had acquired gentlemanly habits and feelings, great importance was attached. The Signor, on the and the flatterers by whom he had been surrounded had contrary, in virtue of another custom, held that this accustomed him to be treated with the greatest respect. right ought to be conceded to him in consideration of But, when he endeavoured to mix with the first men of his rank, and that it was Ludovico's part to give way. the city, he met with very different treatment to what so that in this, as it happens in many other cases, two he had been accustomed to, and he began to perceive opposing customs clashed, the question of which was to that, if he would be admitted into their society, as he have the preference remaining undecided, thus giving desired, he must learn, in a new school, to be patient and occasions of dispute, whenever one hard head chanced submissive, and every moment to be looked down upon to come in contact with another of the same nature. and despised.

The foes approached each other, both close to the wall, Such a mode of life accorded neither with the educa- like two walking figures in bas relief, and on finding tion of Ludovico, nor with his disposition; and he with themselves face to face, the Signor, eyeing Ludovico drew from it, highly piqued. Still he absented himself with a haughty air and imperious frown, said, in a corunwillingly; it appeared to him that these ought really responding tone of voice, “Go to the outside." to have been his companions, only he wanted them to “You go yourself,” replied Ludovico; " the path is be a little more tractable. With this mixture of dislike mine." and inclination, not being able to make them his familiar "With men of your rank the path is always mine." associates, yet wishing in some way to be connected with “ Yes, if the arrogance of men of your rank were a them, he endeavoured to rival them in show and mag. law for men of mine." nificence, thus purchasing for himself enmity, jealousy, The two trains of attendants stood still, each behind and ridicule. His disposition, open and at the same its leader, fiercely regarding each other, with their time violent, had occasionally engaged him in more hands on their daggers prepared for battle, while the serious contentions. He had a natural and sincere passers-by stopped on their way, and withdrew into the horror of fraud and oppression—a horror rendered still road, placing themselves at a distance to observe the more vivid by the rank of those whom he saw daily issue; the presence of these spectators continually anicommitting them-exactly the persons he hated. To mating the punctilio of the disputants. appease, or to excite all these passions at once, he readily “To the outside, vile mechanic ! or I'll quickly teach took the part of the weak and oppressed, assumed you the civility you owe a gentleman.” the office of arbitrator, and intermeddling in one dispute “ You lie: I am not vile.” drewhimself into others; so that by degrees he established “ You lie, if you say I lie.” This reply was pragma. his character as a protector of the oppressed, and a tical. 'And if you were a gentleman, as I am," added vindicator of injuries. The employment, however, was the Signor, “ I would prove with the sword that you are troublesome: and it need not be asked whether poor the liar.” Ludovico met with enemies, untoward accidents, and " That is a capital pretext for dispensing with the vexations of spirit

. Besides the external war he had to trouble of maintaining the insolence of your words by maintain, he was continually harassed by internal strifes; your deeds.” for, in order to carry out his undertakings, ( not to “ Throw this rascal in the mud," said the Signor, speak of such as never were carried out,) he was often turning to his followers. obliged to make use of subterfuges, and have recourse “ We shall see,” said Ludovico, immediately retiring to violence, which his conscience could not approve. a step, and laying his hand on his sword. He was compelled to keep around him a great number “ Rash man !” cried the other, drawing his own, of bravoes; and, as much for his own security as to “ I will break this when it is stained with your vile ensure vigorous assistance, he had to choose the most blood." daring, or, in other words, the most unprincipled, and At these words they flew upon one another, the thus to live with villains for the sake of justice. Yet, attendants of the two parties fighting in defence of on more than one occasion, either discouraged by ill their masters. The combat was unequal, both in numsuccess, or disquieted by imminent danger, wearied by ber, and because Ludovico aimed rather at parrying the a state of constant defence, disgusted with hisсompanions, blows of, and disarming, his enemy, than killing him, and in apprehension of dissipating his property, which while the Signor was resolved upon his foe's death at was daily drawn upon largely, either in a good cause, or any cost. Ludovico had already received a blow from in support of his bold enterprises,-more than once he the dagger of one of the bravoes in his left arm, and a had taken a fancy to tum friar; for in these times, this slight wound on his cheek, and his principal enemy was was the commonest way of escaping difficulties. This pressing on to make an end of him, when Cristoforo, idea would probably have been only a fancy all his life, seeing his master in extreme peril, went behind the had it not been changed to a resolution by a more Signor with his dagger, who, turning all his fury upon serious and terrible accident than he had yet met with. I bis new enemy, ran him through with his sword. At

this sight, Ludovico, as if beside himself, buried his As soon as Ludovico could collect his scattered own in the body of his provoker, and laid him at his thoughts, he asked for a father Contessor, and begged feet, almost at the same moment as the unfortunate that he would seek the widow of Cristoforo, ask forside Cristoforo. The followers of the Signor, seeing him on ness in his name for his having been the involuntary the ground, immediately betook themselves to flight : cause of her desolation, and at the same time assure her those of Ludovico, wounded and beaten, baving no that he would undertake to provide for her destitute longer any one to fight with, and not wishing to be family. In reflecting on his own condition, the wish to mingled in the rapidly increasing multitude, Hed the become a friar, which he had often before revolved in his other way, and Ludovico was left alone in the midst of mind, revived with double force and earnestness; it the crowd, with these two ill-fated companions lying at seemed as if God himself, by bringing him to a convent his feet.

just at this juncture, had put it in his way, and given him “What's the matter?—There's one.—There are two. a sign of His will; and his resolution was taken. He They have pierced his body.- Who has been murdered - therefore called the guardian, and told him of his inten. That tyrant.—Oh, Holy Mary, what a confusion !-Seek, tion. The superior replied, that he must beware of and you shall find.-One moment pays all.–So he is forming precipitate resolutions, but that if, on consigone !- What a blow !-It must be a serious affair.- deration, he persisted in his desire, he would not be And this other poor fellow !--Mercy ! what a sight !- refused. He then sent for a notary, and made an assignSave him, save him |-- It will go hard with him 100.- ment of the whole of his property (which was no insig. See how he is mangled ! he is covered with blood.-nificant amount) to the family of Cristoforo, a certain Escape, poor fellow, escape !--Take care you are not sum to the widow, as if it were an entailed dowry, and caught."

the remainder to the children. These words predominating over the confused tumult The resolution of Ludivoco came very à propos for of the crowd, expressed their prevailing opinion, while his hosts, who were in a sad dilemma on his account, assistance accompanied the advice. The scene had taken To send him away from the convent, and thus expose place near a Capuchin convent, an asylum in those days, him to justice, that is to say, to the vengeance of his as every one knows, impenetrable to bailifts, and all that enemies, was a course on which they would not for a complication of persons and things which went by the moment bestow a thought. It would have been to give name of justice. The wounded and almost senseless up their proper privileges, disgrace the convent in the murderer was conducted, or rather carried by the crowd, eyes of the people, draw upon themselves the animadand delivered to the monks with the recommendation, versions of all the Capuchins in the universe for sutier

He is a worthy man, who has made a proud tyrant cold; ing their common rights to be intringed upon, and he was provoked to it, and did it in his own defence.” arouse all the ecclesiastical authorities, who at that time

Ludovico had never before shed blood, and although considered themselves the lawful guardians of these homicide was in those times so common that every one rights. On the other hand, the kindred of the slain, was accustomed to hear of and witness it, yet the im- powerful theniselves, and strong in adherents, were prepression made on his mind by the sight of one man pared to take vengeance, and denounced as their enemy murdered for him, and another by him, was new and any one who should put an obstacle in their way. The indescribable;-a disclosure of sentiments before un history does not tell us that much grief was feli for the known. The fall of his enemy, the sudden alteration of loss of the deceased, nor even that a single tear was shed the features, passing in a moment from a threatening over himn by any of his relations: it merely says that and furious expression to the calm and solemn stillness they were all on fire to have the murderer, dead or of death, was a sight that instantly changed the feelings living, in their power. But Ludovico's assuming the of the murderer. He was dragged to the convent habit of a Capuchin settled all these difficulties; he almost without knowing where he was, or what they were made atonement in a manner, imposed a penance on doing to hinı; and, when his memory returned, he found himself, tacitly confessed himself in fault, and withdrew himself on a bed in the infirmary, attended by a surgeon from the contest; he was, in fact, an enen y laying down friar, (for the Capuchins generally had one in each his arms. The relatives of the dead could also, if they convent,) who was applying fint and bandages to the two pleased, believe and make it their boast that he had wounds he had received in the contest. A father, whose turned friar in despair, and through dread of their special office it was to attend upon the dying, and who vengeance. But, in any case, to oblige a man to relinhad frequently been called upon to exercise his duties quish his property, shave his head, and walk barefoot, in the street, was quickly summoned to the place o to sleep on straw, and to live upon alıns, was surely combat. He returned a few minutes afterwards, and, a punishment fully equivalent to the most heinous entering the infirmary, approached the bed where offence. Ludovico lay. Comfort yourself,” said he,“ he has at The Superior presented himself with an easy humility least died calmly, and has charged me to ask your pardon, to the brother of the deceased, and, after a thousand and to convey his to you." These words aroused poor protestations of respect for his most illustrious house, and Ludovico, and awakened more vividly and distinctly the of desire to comply with his wishes as far as was possible, feelings which confusedly crowded upon his mind; sorrow he spoke of Ludovico's penitence, and the determination for his friend, consternation and remorse for the blow he had made, politely making it appear that bis family that bad escaped his hand, and, at the same time, a ought to be therewith satistied, and insinuating, yet bitterly paiuiul compassion for the man he had slain. more courteously, and with still greater dexterity, that " And the other” anxiously demanded he of the whether he were pleased or not, so it would be. The friar.

brother fell into a rage, which the Capuchin patiently The other had expired when I arrived."

allowed to evaporate, occasionally remarking that he In the meanwhile, the gates and precincts of the con- had too just cause of sorrow. The Signor also gave vent swarmed with idle and inquisitive people; but, on him to understand, that in any case his family bad it in the arrival of a body of constables, they dispersed the their power to enforce satisiaction, to which the Capucrowd, and placed themselves in ambush at a short dis- chin, whatever he might think, did not say no; and tance from the doors, so that none might go out unob- finally he asked, or rather required as a condition, that served. A brother of the deceased, however, accompanied the murderer of his brother should immediately quit by two of his cousins and an aged uncle, came, armed the city. The Capuchin, who had already determined cop-à-pié, with a powerful retinue of bravoes, and began upon such a course, replied that it should be as he to make the circuit of the convent, watching with looks wished, leaving the nobleman tv believe, if he chose, and gestures of threatening contempt the idle by-standers, that his compliance was an act of obedience; and thus who did not dare say, “ He is out of your reach," though the matter concluded to the satisfaction of all parties. they had it written on their faces.

The family were released from their obligation; the

remorse.

friars had rescued a fellow-creature, and secured their | there will be but one judgment and opinion of him. So own privileges, without making themselves enemies; was it with Friar Cristoforo; his face and behaviour the dilettanti in chivalry gladly saw the affair termi- plainly expressed to the by-standers that he had not nated in so laudable a manner ; the populace rejoiced at become a friar, nor submitted to that humiliation, from a worthy man's escaping from danger, and at the same the fear of man; and the discovery immediately concitime marvelled at his conversion; finally, and above all, liated all hearts. On perceiving the offended Signor, he in the midst of his sorrow, it was a consolation to poor quickened his steps, fell on his knees at his feet, crossed Ludovico himself, to enter upon a life of expiation, and lis hands on his breast, and bending his shaved head, devote himself to services, which, though they could not said, “I am the murderer of your brother. God knows remedy, might at least make some atonement for his how gladly I would restore him to you at the price of unhappy deed, and alleviate the intolerable pangs of my own blood, but it cannot be : I can only make in

The idea that his resolution might be attri- eflicacious and tardy excuses, and implore you to accept buted to fear pained him for a moment, but he quickly them for God's sake." All eyes were immoveably fixed consoled himself by the remembrance that even this upon the novice and the illustrious personage he was unjust imputation would be a punishment for him, and addressing; all ears were attentively listening; and, a means of expiation. Thus, at the age of thirty, Ludo when Friar Cristoforo ceased, there was a murmur of vico took the monastic habit, and being required, accord compassion and respect throughout the room. The ing to custom, to change his name, he chose one that gentleman, who stood in an attitude of forced condewould continually remind him of the fault he had to scension and restained anger, was much moved at atone for-the name of Friar Cristoforo.

these words, and, bending towards the supplicant, Scarcely was the ceremony of taking the religious “Rise," said he, in an altered tone. "The offence--the habit completed, when the guardian told him that he act certainly—but the habit you bear--not only so, but must keep his noviciate at ***, sixty miles distant, also yourself—Rise, Father—My brother--I cannot and that he must leave the next day. The novice bowed deny it, was a cavalier-was rather a--precipitate man respectfully, and requested a favour of him. “Allow -rather hasty. But all happens by God's appointme, Father," said he, “ before I quit the city where I ment. Speak of it no more ..... But, Father, you have shed the blood of a fellow-creature, and leave a inust not remain in this posture." And taking him by family justly offended with me, to make what satisfac- the arm, he compelled him to rise. The friar, standing tion I can, by at least confessing my sorrow, begging with his head bowed, and his eyes fixed on the ground, forgiveness of the brother of the deceased, and so re- replied, “I may hope that I have your forgiveness ? moving, please God, the enmity he feels towards me." And if I obtain it from you, from whom may I not hope The guardian, thinking that such an act, besides being it? Oh! if I might hear from your lips that one word good in itself, would also serve still more to reconcile -pardon !" the family to the convent, instantly repaired to the Pardon !" said the gentleman. “ You no longer offended Signor's house, and communicated to him Friar need it. But since you desire it, certainly ... certainly, Cristoforo's request. The Signor, greatly surprised at I pardon you with my whole heart, and all so unexpected a proposal, felt a rising of anger, mingled ‘All! all !"exclaimed the by-standers, with one voice. perhaps with complacency, and, after thinking a The countenance of the friar expanded with grateful joy, moment, “Let him come to-morrow," said he, men- under which, however, might be traced an humble and tioning the hour; and the Superior returned to the deep compunction for the evil which the forgiveness of monastery to acquaint the novice with the desired per- men could not repair. The gentleman, overcome by inission.

this deportment, and urged forward by the general feelThegentleman soon remembered that the more solemning, threw his arms round Cristoforo's neck, and gave and notorious the submission was, the more his influence and received the kiss of peace. and importance would be increased among his friends “ Bravo ! well done !” burst forth from all parts of the and the public; and it would also, (to use a fashionable room : there was a general movement, and all gathered modern expression,) make a fine page in the history of round the friar. Servants inmediately entered, bring. the family. He therefore hastily sent to inform all his ing abundance of refreshment. The Signor, again adrelatives, that the next day at noon they must hold dressing Cristoforo, who was preparing to retire, said, themselves engaged to come to him, for the purpose of * Father, let me give you some of these trifles; afford receiving a common satisfaction. At midday the palace me this proof of your friendship;" and was on the point swarmed with the nobility of both sexes and of every of helping him before any of the others; but he, drawage; occasioning a confused intermingling of large ing back with a kind of friendly resistance, “ These cloaks, lofty plumes, and pendant jewels; a vibrating things," said he, “are no longer for me; but God forbid movement of stiffened and curled ribbons, an impeded that I should refuse your gifts. I am about to start on trailing of embroidered trains. The ante-rooms, court-my journey; allow me to take a loaf of bread, that I yards, and roads overflowed with servants, pages, bravoes, may be able to say I have shared your charity eaten of and inquisitive gazers. On seeing all this preparation, your bread, and received a token of your forgiveness.” Friar Cristoforo guessed the motive, and felt a momen- The nobleman, much affected, ordered it to be brought, tary perturbation; but he soon recovered himself, and and shortly a waiter entered in full dress, bearing the said :-“Be it so; I committed the murder publicly, loaf on a silver dish, and presented it to the father, who in the presence of many of his enemies; that was an took it with many thanks, and put it in his basket. Then, injury; this is reparation.”—So, with the Father, his obtaining permission to depart, he bade farewell to the companion, at his side, and his eyes bent on the ground, master of the house and those who stood nearest to him, he passed the threshold, traversed the court-yard among and with difficulty made his escape as they endeavoured a crowd who eyed him with very unceremonious curio- for a moment to impede his progress; while, in the sity, ascended the stairs, and, in the midst of another ante-rooms, he had to struggle to free himself from the crowd of nobles, who gave way at his approach, was servants, and even from the bravoes, who kissed the ushered, with a thousand eyes upon him, into the pre- hem of his garment, his rope and his hood. At last he sence of the master of the mansion, who, surrounded by reached the street, borne along as in triumph, and his nearest relatives, stood in the centre of the room accompanied by a crowd of people as far as the gate of with a downcast look, grasping in his left hand the hilt the city, from whence he commenced his pedestrian of his sword, while with the right be folded the collar journey towards the place of his novitiate. of his cloak over his breast.

The brother and other relatives of the deceased, who There is sometimes in the face and behaviour of a had been prepared in the morning to enjoy the sad person so direct an expression, such an effusion, so to triumph of pride, were left instead full of the serene joy speak, of the internal soul, that in a crowd of spectators of a forgiving and benevolent disposition. The com

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pany entertained themselves some time longer, with feel- He afterwards became the disciple of Peter Lastings of unusual kindness and cordiality, in discussions man, with whom he remained but six months, and of a very different character to what they had anticipated | then studied for the same space of time under on assembling. Instead of satisfaction enforced, insults Jacob Pinas. Whilst Rembrandt was with this avenged, and obligations discharged,--praises of the master, he is said to have acquired that taste for novice, reconciliation, and meekness, were the topics of

strong contrasts of light and shadow, which conversation. Father Cristoforo pursued his way with a peace of

he subsequently cultivated with such admirable mind such as he had never experienced since that terri

talent. He formed his own manner entirely by ble event, to make atonement for which his whole life imitating nature, and although he did not often was henceforth to be consecrated. He maintained the select what was most beautiful or graceful, yet he silence usually imposed upon novices without difficulty, represented every object with wonderful truth and being entirely absorbed in the thought of the labours, force. privations, and humiliations he would have to undergo After quitting Jacob Pinas, he returned to his for the expiation of his fault. At the usual hour of re- father's house, and for a long time he made the freshment, he stopped at the house of a patron, and mill his studio. The space which he reserved for partook almost voraciously of the bread of forgiveness, himself was inclosed on all sides, with the excepreserving, however, a small piece, which he kept in his tion of a single aperture, from above, which adbasket as a perpetual remembrancer.

mitted but a partial light. It is not our intention to write the history of his cloistral life : it will suffice to say, that, while he willingly brandt and Caravaggio belonged to very different

It is worthy of remark that, although Remand carefully fulfilled the duties customarily assigned to him, to preach and to attend upon the dying, he never schools, they resembled each other in three resuffered an opportunity to pass of executing two other spects; namely, in their strong contrasts of light offices which he had imposed upon himself-the com- and shadow; their deficiency in taste with regard posing of differences, and the protection of the oppressed. to the selection of their models, although they Without being aware of it, he entered upon these under copied those models with great fidelity; and their takings with some portion of his former zeal, and a habit of painting in a chamber where the light slight remnant of that courageous spirit which humilia- descended from above. tion and mortifications had not been able entirely to subdue. His manner of speaking was habitually meek and peaceful obscurity in his father's mill, if one of his

Rembrandt might probably have remained in humble; but, when truth and justice were at stake, he was friends and brother artists had not prevailed upon immediately animated with his former warmth, which, him to take a picture which he had just finished to mingled with and modified by a solemn emphasis Amsterdam, and offer it to a connoisseur. That acquired in preaching, imparted to his language a very marked character. His whole countenance and deport- gentleman received him with great kindness and ment indicated a long-continued struggle between a respect, and gave him a hundred florins for this naturally hasty, passionate temper, and an opposing and painting. habitually victorious will, ever on the watch, and This circumstance was the commencement of directed by the highest principles and motives. One of Rembrandt's future prosperity. it made him the brotherhood, his friend, who knew him well, likened known, and his works were sought after by many him, on one occasion, to those too-expressive words persons of distinction. He therefore resolved on settoo-expressive, that is, in their natural state, which some tling at Amsterdam, whither he removed in 1630. persons, well-behaved enough on ordinary occasions,

The demand for his paintings soon became so pronounce, when overcome by anger, in a half-and-half sort of way, with a slight change

of letters-words which general that he had scarcely time to execute the even thus transformed bear about them much of their orders he received; and his pecuniary resources primitive energy.

were also considerably augmented by his numerous pupils, most of whom were the sons of persons of rank or fortune.

His success now appeared certain, and he marBiographical Sketches of Eminent Painters.

ried a young girl of the village of Ramdorp, whose portrait he often painted.

At this time he finished his pictures highly, and

their spirit, and strength of colouring, were REMBRANDT VAN RYN.

worthy of his great genius; he afterwards adopted REMBRANDT, one of the most original painters a bolder style, which produces a wonderful effect of the Dutch, or Flemish school, was born on the in his works. 15th of June, 1606, in a village near the city of His love of gain increased with his fame, and Leyden in Holland. His family name was Ger- the debasing vice of avarice induced him to commit retsz, but the surname of Van Ryn-or of the the most unworthy actions. Innumerable anecRhine-was given to him, because the place where dotes are related of the manœuvres which he he passed his youth, and where his father rented a practised to increase his store of wealth. His mill, was situated on the bank of the Rhine. wife encouraged him in these dishonourable pro

The miller had the sagacity to perceive that his ceedings; and she one day persuaded him to son possessed superior abilities, and he was conceal himself, and to suffer the report to be anxious to afford him the opportunity of studying spread that he was dead, in order to insure a literature; but it was with difficuliy that Rem- greater price for his pictures. The experiment brandt could even be taught to read. The study of succeeded, and Rembrandt laughed at those whom design alone seemed to occupy his thoughts, so he had thus grossly deceived. that his indulgent parent, who carefully watched The Burgomaster Six was a sincere friend and all his tendencies, placed him under the care of patron of Rembrandt, and he often endeavoured Jacques Van Zwanenburg, a painter established at

to induce him to frequent the society of persons in Amsterdam, in whose school he remained three a superior station, but in vain. Rembrandt preyears.

ferred living among people of an inferior class;