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trace his steps to the hall. Before quitting the spot upon which he had been so long standing, he turnd his head a little towards the right, to take a last view of an object which called forth tender and painful feeling-it was the old sycamore which his sister's intercession had saved from the axe. There it stood, feeble and venerable object! its leafless silver-grey branches becoming dim and indistinct, yet contrasting touchingly with the verdant strength of those by its side. A neat strong fence had been placed around it; but how much longer would it receive such care and attention? Aubrey thought of the comparison which had been made by his sister, and sighed as he looked his last at the old tree, and then slowly walked on towards the hall. When about halfway down the avenue, he beheld two figures apparently approaching him, but undistinguishable in the gloom and the distance. As they neared him, he recognised Lord De la Zouch, and Mr. Delamere. Suspecting the object of their visit, which a little surprised him, since they had taken a final leave, and a very affecting one, the day before, he felt a little anxiety and embarrassment. Nor was he entirely mistaken. Lord De la Zouch, who advanced alone towards Aubrey,-Mr. Delamere turning back-most seriously pressed his son's suit for the hand of Miss Aubrey, as he had often done before; declaring, that though he wished a year or two first to elapse, during which his son might complete his studies at Oxford, there was no object dearer to the heart of Lady De la Zouch and himself, than to see Miss Aubrey become their daughter-in-law. Where," said Lord De la Zouch, with much energy, "is he to look elsewhere for such a union of beauty, of accomplishments, of amiability, of high-mindedness?" After a great deal of animated conversation on this subject, during which Mr. Aubrey assured Lord De la Zouch that he would say every thing which he honourably could to induce his sister to entertain, or at all events, not to discard the suit of Delamere; at the same time reminding him of the firmness of her character, and the hopelessness of attempting to change any determination to which she had been led by her sense of delicacy and honour,-Lord De la Zouch addressed himself in a very earnest manner to matters more imme. diately relating to the personal interests of Mr. Aubrey; entered with lively anxiety into all his future plans and purposes; and once more pressed upon him the acceptance of most munificent offers of pecuniary assistance, which, with many fervent expressions of gratitude, Aubrey again declined. But he pledged himself to communicate freely with Lord De La Zouch, in the event of an occasion arising for such assistance as his lordship had already so generously volunteered. By this time Mr. Delamere had joined them, regarding Mr. Aubrey with infinite earnestness and apprehension. All, however, he said, was-and in a hurried manner to his father" My mother has sent me to say that she is waiting for you in the carriage, and wishes that we should immediately return." Lord De la Zouch and his son again took leave of Mr. Aubrey. Remember, my dear Aubrey, remember the pledges you have repeated this evening," said the former. "I do, I will!" re. plied Mr. Aubrey, as they each wrung his hands; and then, having grasped those of Lady De la Zouch, who sate within the carriage powerfully affected, the door was shut; and they were quickly borne away from the presence and the residence of their afflicted friends. While Mr. Aubrey stood gazing after them, with folded arms, in an attitude of melancholy abstraction, at the hall door, he was accosted by Dr. Tatham, who had come to him from the library, where he had been, till a short time before, busily engaged reducing into writing various matters which had been the subject of conversation between himself and Mr. Aubrey daring the day,

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"I am afraid, my dear friend," said the doctor, "that there is a painful but interesting scene awaiting you. You will not, I am sure, forbear to gratify, by your momentary presence in the servant's hall, a body of your tenantry, who are there assembled, having come to pay you their parting respects."

"I would really rather be spared the painful scene," said Mr. Aubrey, with emotion, “I am unnerved as it is! Cannot you bid them adieu, in my name, and say, God bless them!"

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You must come, my dear friend! It will be but for a moment. If it be painful, it will be but for a moment; and the recollection of their hearty and humble expressions of affection and respect will be pleasant hereafter. Poor souls!" he added, with not a little emotion; "you should see how crowded is Mr. Griffith's room with the presents they have each brought you, and which would surely keep your whole establishment for months!— Cheeses, tongues, hams, bacon, and I know not what beside!"

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"Come, Doctor," said Mr. Aubrey, quickly, “I will see them, my humble and worthy friends, if it be for but a moment; but I would rather have been spared the scene." He followed Dr. Tatham into the large servants' hall, which he found nearly filled by some forty or fifty of his late tenantry, who, as he entered, rose in troubled silence to receive him. There were lights, by which a hurried glance sufficed to show him the deep sorrow visible in their countenances. Well, sir," commenced one of them after a moment's hesitation-he seemed to have been chosen the spokesman of those present"we've come to tak' our leave; and a sad time it be for all of us, and it may be, sir, for you." He paused-"I thought I could have said a word or two, sir, in the name of all of us, but I've clean forgotten all; and I wish we could all forget that we were come to part with you, sir ;-but we shant-no, never!—we shall never see your like again, sir! God help you, sir!" Again he paused, and struggled hard to conceal his emotions. Then he tried to say something farther, but his voice failed him.

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Squire, may be law; but it be not justice, we all do think, that hath taken Yatton from you, that was born to it," said one, who stood next to him that had first spoke. "Who ever heard o' a scratch in a bit of paper signifying the loss o' so much? It never were heard of afore, sir, an' cannot be right."

"Forgive me, Squire," said another, "but we shall never take to t' new one that's coming after you!"

"My worthy-my dear friends," commenced Mr. Aubrey, with melancholy composure, as he stood beside Dr. Tatham, "this is a sad scene-one which I had not expected. I am quite unprepared for it. I have had lately to go through many very painful scenes; few more so than the present. My dear friends, I can only say from my heart, God bless you all! I shall never forget you, whom I have always respected, and indeed been very proud of, as my tenantry, and whom I now look at as my friends only. We shall never forget you"

"Lord Almighty bless you, sir, and Madam, and Miss, and the little squire !" said a voice, in a vehement manner, from amidst the little throng, in tones that went to Mr. Aubrey's heart. His lips quivered, and he ceased speaking for some moments. At length he resumed.

"You see my feelings are a little shaken by the suffer ings I have gone through. I have only a word more to say to you. Providence has seen fit, my friends, to de. prive me of that which I had deemed to be my birth. right. God is good and wise; and I bow, as we must all bow, to His will, with reverence and resignation. And also, my dear friends, let us always submit cheerfully to the laws under which we live. We must not quarrel with their decision, merely because it happens to be ad.

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verse to our own wishes. I, from my heart-and so must you from yours-acknowledge a firm, unshaken allegiance to the laws; they are ordained by God, and He demands our obedience to them!" He paused. "I have to thank you," he presently added, in a subdued tone, my worthy friends, for many substantial tokens of your good will which you have brought with you this evening. I assure you sincerely, that I value them far more"-he paused, and it was soine moments before he could proceed-" than if they had been of the most costly kind."

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Aubrey in the family coach for many years, were to be turned to grass for the rest of their days at Lady Stratton's. Poor old Peggy was, in like manner, to have to herself a little field belonging to Dr. Tatham. Little Charles's pony, a beautiful animal, and most reluctantly parted with, was sent as a present, in his name, to Sir Harry Oldfield, one of his play-fellows. Hector, the magnificent Newfoundland dog, was, at the vehement instance of Pumpkin, the gardener, who almost went on his knees to beg for the animal, and declared that he loved the creature like a son-as I verily believe he did, for they were inseparable, and their attachment was mutual-given up to him, on his solemn promise to take great care of him. Then there was a poor animal that they hardly knew how to dispose of. It was a fine old favourite stag-hound, stone-blind, quite grey about the and out of its commodious kennel, and lie basking in the genial sunshine; wagging its tail when any one spoke to it, and affectionately licking the hand that patted it. Thus had it treated Mr. Aubrey that very morning as he stood by, and stooped down to caress it for the last time. It was, at his earnest request, assigned to Dr. Tatham, kennel and all; indeed the worthy little doctor would have filled his premises in a similar way, by way of having "keepsakes" and "memorials" of his friends. Miss Aubrey's beautiful little Marlborough spaniel, with its brilliant black eyes, and long glossy graceful ears, was to accompany her to London.

Lord, only hearken to t' Squire!" called out a voice, as if on an impulse of eager affection, which its rough, honest speaker could not resist. This seemed entirely to deprive Mr. Aubrey of the power of utterance, and he turned suddenly towards Dr. Tatham with an overflowing eye and a convulsive quivering of the lips, that show-head, and so very feeble, that it could but just crawl in ed the powerful emotions with which he was contending. The next moment he stepped forwards and shook hands with those nearest. He was quickly surrounded, and every one present grasped his hands, scarcely any of them able to utter more than a brief, but ardent "God bless you, sir!"

"I am sure, my friends," said Dr. Tatham, almost as much affected as any of them, " that you cannot wish to prolong so affecting, so distressing a scene. Mr. Aubrey is much exhausted, and has a long journey to take early in the morning-and you had now better leave." "Farewell! farewell, my kind and dear friends, farewell! May God bless you all, and all your families!" said Mr. Aubrey, and, most powerfully affected, withdrew from a scene which he was not likely ever to forget. He retired, accompanied by, Dr. Tatham, to his library, where Mr. Griffiths, his steward, was in readiness to receive his signature to various documents. This done, the steward, after a few hurried expressions of af. fection and respect, withdrew; and Mr. Aubrey had completed all the arragements, and transacted all the business which had required his attention before quitting Yatton, which, at an early hour in the morning, he was going to leave, and go direct to London, instead of accepting any of the numerous offers which he had received from his friends in the neighbourhood to take up with them his abode for, at all events, some considerable period. That, however, would have been entirely inconsistent with the plans for his future life, which he had formed and matured. He left the whole estate in admirable order and condition. There was not a farm vacant, not a tenant dissatisfied with the terms under which he held. Every document, all the accounts connected with the estate, after having been carefully examined by Mr. Parkinson, and Mr. Aubrey, and Mr. Griffiths, was in readiness for the most scrupulous and searching investigation on the part of Mr. Aubrey's successor and his agents.

As for the servants-the house-keeper and the butler were going to marry, and quit service; as for the rest Mr. Parkinson had, at Mr. Aubrey's desire, written about them to Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap; and Mr. Gammon had sent word that such of the establishment as chose might continue at Yatton, at all events till the pleasure of Mr. Titmouse, upon the subject, should have been known. All the servants had received a quarter's wages that morning from Mr. Griffiths, in the presence of Mr. Aubrey, who spoke kindly to each, and earnestly recommended them to conduct themselves respectfully towards his successor. Scarce any of them could answer him, otherwise than by a humble bow or curtsey, accompanied by sobs and tears. One of them did contrive to speak, and passionately expressed a wish that the first morsel Mr. Titmouse eat in the house might choke him-a sally which received so very grave and stern a rebuke from Mr. Aubrey, as brought the hasty offender to her knees begging forgiveness, which, I need hardly say, she received, with a very kind admonition. Many of them most vehemently entreated to be allowed to accompany Mr. Aubrey and his family to London, and continue in their service, but in vain. Mr. Aubrey had made his selection, having taken only his own valet, and Mrs. Aubrey's maid, and one of the nur. sery-maids, and declaring that on no consideration would he think of being accompanied by any other of the servants.

Mr. Aubrey's library was already carefully packed up, and was to follow him, on the ensuing day, to London, by water; as also were several portions of the furniture There were some twenty or thirty poor old infirm cot-the residue of which was to be sold off within a day tagers, men and women, who had been for years weekly or two's time. How difficult-how very difficult had it pensioners on the bounty of Yatton, and respecting whom been for them to choose which articles they would part Mr. Aubrey felt a painful anxiety. What could he do? with, and which retain! The favourite old high-backed He gave the sum of £100 to Dr. Tatham for their use; easy chair, which had been worked by Miss Aubrey her- and requested him to press their claims earnestly upon self; the beautiful ebony cabinet, which had been given the new proprietor of Yatton. He also wrote almost as by her father to her mother, who had given it to Kate; many letters as there were of these poor people, on their the little chairs of Charles and Agnes-and in which behalf, to his friends and neighbours. Oh, it was a Mr. Aubrey and Kate, and all their brothers and sisters, moving scene that occurred at each of their little cothad sate when children; Mrs. Aubrey's piano; these, tages, when their benefactors, Mr. Aubrey, his wife, and and a few other articles, had been successfully pleaded sister, severally called to bid them farewell, and receive for by Mrs. Aubrey and Kate, and were to accompany, their humble and tearful blessings! But it was the partor rather follow, them to London, instead of passing, bying with her school, which neither she nor her brother the auctioneer's hammer, into the hands of strangers. saw any probability of being kept up longer than for a The two old carriage horses, which had drawn old Mrs. | month or two after their departure, that occasioned Kate

the greatest distress. There were several reasons why no application should be made about the matter from her, or on her account, to Mr. Titmouse, even if she had not had reason to anticipate, from what she had heard of his character, that he was not a person to feel any interest in such an institution. Nor had she liked to trouble or burden the friends she left behind her, with the responsi. bility of supporting and superintending her little establishment. She had nothing for it, therefore, but to prepare the mistress and her scholars for the breaking up of the school, within a month of her departure from Yatton. She gave the worthy woman, the mistress, a present of a five-pound note, and five shillings a-piece to each of the children. She felt quite unequal to the task of personally taking leave of them, as she had intended, and several times attempted. She therefore, with many tears, wrote the following lines, and gave them to Doctor Tatham, to read aloud in the school, when their good and beautiful writer should be far on her way towards London. The little doctor paused a good many times while he read it, and complained of his glasses.

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Kate, in traveling trim, before the antique silver urn, attempting to perform, with tremulous band, her accustomed office; but neither she nor Mrs. Aubrey were equal to the task; which, summoning the house-keeper into the room, they devolved upon her, and which she performed in perturbed silence. Mr. Aubrey and Dr. Tatham were standing there; but neither of then spoke. A short time before, Mr. Aubrey had requested the servants to be summoned, as usual, to morning prayer, in the accustomed room, and requested Dr. Tatham to officiate. As soon, however, as the sorrowful little assemblage was collected before him, he whispered to Mr. Aubrey that he felt unequal to go through the duty with the composure it required; and after a pause, he said, "Let us kneel down;" and in a low voice, often interrupted by his own emotions, and the sobs of those around him, he read, with touching simplicity, the ninety-first Psalm; adding the Lord's Prayer, and a benediction.

The bitter preparations for starting at an early hour, seven o'clock, were soon afterwards completed. Half sinothered with the kisses and caresses of the affectionate

servants, little Charles and Agnes were already seated in the carriage, on the laps of their two attendants, exclaiming, "Come, papa! come, mamma! the horses are ready to start!" Just then, poor Pumpkin the gardener, scarce able to speak, made his appearance, his arms full of nosegays, which he had been culling for the last two hours-having one a-piece for every one of the travellers, servants, and children, and all. The loud angry bark of Hector was heard from time to time, little Charles calling loudly for him; but Pumpkin had fastened him up, for fear of his starting off after the carriage. At length, scarce having tasted breakfast, the travellers made their appearance at the hall door. Kate and Mrs. Aubrey were utterly overcome at the sight of the carriage, and wept bitterly. They threw their arts passionately around, and kissed their amiable friend and pastor, Dr.

My dear little girls-You know that I have already bid each of you good-by; and though I tried to say something to all of you at once, I was not able, because I was so sorry to part with you, and tell you that my little school must be given up. So I have written these few lines, to tell you that I love you all, and have tried to be a good friend to you. Be sure not to forget your spelling and reading, and your needle. Your mothers have promised to hear you say your catechisms; you must also he sure to say your prayers, and to read your Bibles, and to behave very seriously at church, and to be always dutiful to your parents. Then God will bless you all. I hope you will not forget us, for we shall often think of you when we are a great way off; and Dr. Tatham will now and then write and tell us how you are going on. Farewell, my dear little girls; and may God bless and preserve you all! This is the prayer of both of us-Tatham, who was but little less agitated than themselves. Mrs. Aubrey and

Yatton, 15th May, 18-.

CATHARINE AUBREY."

The above was not written in the uniform and beautiful hand usual with Miss Aubrey; it was, on the contrary, rather irregular, and evidently written hastily; but Dr. Tatham preserved it to the day of his death, and always thought it beautiful.

On the ensuing morning, at a very early hour, Dr. Tatham left the vicarage, to pay his last visit to friends whom it almost broke his heart to part with, in all human probability, for ever. He started, but on a moment's reflection ceased to be surprised, at the sight of Mr. Aubrey approaching him, from the direction of the little churchyard. He was calm, but his countenance bore the traces of very recent emotion. They greeted each other in silence, and so walked on for some time, arm in arm, slowly towards the hall. It was a dull heavy morning, almost threatening rain. The air seemed full of oppres sion. The only sounds audible were the hoarse clamorous sounds issuing from the old rookery, at some distance on their left. They interchanged but few words as they walked along the winding pathway to the hall. The first thing that attracted their eyes on passing under the gateway, was the large old family carriage standing opposite the hall door, where stood some luggage, sufficient for the journey, ready to be placed upon it; the remainder having been sent on the day before to London. They were all up and dressed. The children were taking their last breakfast in the nursery; Charles making many inquiries of the weeping servants, which they could answer only by tears and kisses. In vain was the breakfast table spread for the senior travellers. There sate poor

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Then they tore themselves from him, and hastily got into the carriage. As he stood alone, bareheaded, on their quitting him, he lifted his hands, but could scarce utter a parting benediction. Mr. Aubrey, with a flushed cheek and quivering lip, then grasped his hand, whisper. ing, Farewell, my dear and venerable friend! Farcwell!" "The Lord God of thy fathers bless thee!" murmured Dr. Tatham, clasping Mr. Aubrey's hand in both of his own, and looking solemnly upward. Mr. Aubrey, taking off his hat, turned towards him an unutterable look, then waving his hand to the group of agitated servants that stood within and without the door, he stepped into the carriage; the door was shut; and they rolled slowly away. Outside the park gates were collected more than a hundred people, to bid them farewell-all the men, when the carriage came in sight, taking off their hats. The carriage stopped for a moment. "God bless you all! God bless you!" exclaimed Mr. Aubrey, waving his hand, whilst from each window was extended the white hand of Kate and Mrs. Aubrey, which was fervently kissed and shaken by those who were nearest. Again the carriage moved on; and, quickening their speed, the horses soon bore them out of the village. Within less than half an hour after. wards, the tearful eyes of the travellers, as they passed a familiar turning of the road, had looked their last on Yatton!

STANZAS FOR EASTER-DAY.

'Twas in the middle watch of night, when darkness hung profound

They stop-the stone is rolled away-they look, and quake at heart

There are the grave-clothes scattered round; the napkin wrapped apart :

The tenant's fled--but in its stead One of seraphic mien

About the city of the Lord, and Judah's heights around,
That at the portal of a tomb a Roman guard patrolled-Sits smiling where the mangled corse of him they sought
A new-made grave, against whose mouth a mighty stone
was rolled.

Slow tramped the guard, and hollowly the armour's clank was heard,

For all was still upon the hill, and not a vine-leaf stirred;

The neighbouring city silent heaved, in hushed and heavy dream,

And sleep outspread with wings of lead hung o'er Jerusalem.

The listless soldier's heart was back to his far distant home,

Where red the Tiber rolled along by old familiar Rome;

A spell was cast across the past, and shapes of things gone by

Came back distinct upon his soul, and passed portentously.

Then thoughts arose of where he was, the story of the land,

The mystic spirit here adored, the marvels of his hand, The rumour of divinity beneath that tombstone there, And closer to his band he drew, and his lips moved in prayer.

Whispered the palm-trees, stirred the grass, on Kedron's banks below;

The rushes shivered; was't a breeze that shook the mountain so?

It gathers-strengthens; from above a burst of thunder

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Nor witnessed this by mortal eye, for struck with sore dismay,

The steel-clad heathens fell to earth, and like the lifeless lay;

And when the vision disappeared, they rallied not again,

But rose and hasted from the spot, like conscience'stricken men.

'Tis past-and all hath long been hushed,-the fading stars are set,

And now the early lines of light gleam o'er Mount Olivet,

When two worn, weeping women come-rebuke them not this morn;

The grateful heart will hover near, though all should laugh to scoin.

had been.

Why, daughters of Jerusalem, why bow ye thus the knee?

Seek ye the man whose life-blood ran from yon accursed tree?

Go-be of comfort; he hath left this dark and cheerless prison-

The work is done, and Mary's son-the Lord of Lords -is risen !

When man would bend in pain of heart o'er some beloved tomb,

Oh, may a voice as sweet as this make answer from the gloom

That when the bitterness of death to dust directs the eyes,

An angel may be waiting there, to turn them to the skies!

SONNET.

On a Portrait of Wordsworth, painted by Miss M. Gillies.

We die and pass away:-our very name Goes into silence, as the eloquent air Scatters our voices; and the wearied frame, Shrouded in darkness, pays the grave's stern claim, While the blank eyes are fix'd in death's blind stare! Ob, these were thoughts to plunge us in despair,But that the Poet and the Painter came. Then living music flows from buried lips, And the dead form bursts through the grave's eclipse! O, blest magician, that can fix for aye The fleeting image!-here I seem to gaze On Wordsworth's honour'd face; for in the cells Of those deep eyes Thought like a wizard dwells, And round those drooping lips Song like a murmur strays! THOMAS POWELL.

TO AN OLD CASTLE.

The din of war and revelry, and the voice
Of power was here, and soft submission. Here
Words of long-buried wisdom smote the ear
Of stubborn folly ;-here did Love rejoice
Or languish-for Love here had varied choice
Of loveliness-and now its matted hair
The rank grass waves, where once the braided fair
Footed it lightly, lightly. Fancy now enjoys
Her lonely musing, where erst bodied truth

Reigned, and reality! So 'tis with the heart
Of each one-for, while the hour-seizing youth
Grasps at all things, as they might ne'er depart,
Sad years still weave-enough-unto the day
Suffice its evil-joy ye while you may!

From Fraser's Magazine. "This period of the revived temporal power of the RANKE'S HISTORY OF THE POPES OF church, her renovation and internal reform, her proTHE SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH least in outline; an undertaking which I should not gress and her decline, it is my purpose to exhibit, at

CENTURIES.*

have ventured even to attempt, had not opportunity presented to me some materials and aids towards its accomplishment (however defective that may be) hitherto unknown.

"It is my first duty to indicate the general character of these materials, and the sources whence they are derived.

"I had already, in a former work, given to the public whatever our Berlin MSS. contain. But Vienna is incalculably richer than Berlin in treasures of this kind.

FAME, probably, which often renders to a man even more than his due, may have already informed our readers that this book is no common production. Its chief merit lies in that which mainly distinguishes it from the general mass of modern writings, namely, that it is really a new book-an addition to the existing stock of standard productions. In the present day, remarkable, above all other things, for railroads, abridgements, and short-cuts to every object-until, in fact, little remains to be achieved for the further saving of time; except, perhaps, the compressing a "Besides the German, which is its chief and funnight's sleep into an half-hour's nap, and administer-damental ingredient, Vienna possesses another Euing a hearty dinner in a bolus-it is quite natural that ropean element: manners and languages the most the chief literature of the hour (apart from the circu- various meet in every class, from the highest to the lating-library novels, controversial tracts, and scan- lowest; and Italy, especially, has her living and full dalous histories) should consist of a multitude of en- representation. The various collections, too, have a deavours to hash up the solid and bulky works of comprehensive character, which may be ascribed to former centuries into little "useful-knowledge" vo- the policy of the state; to its position with regard to lumes, teaching the reader an entire history or science within the space of a steam-boat trip to Ramsgate or Broadstairs. Both fashion and interest have led our authors into this path. Not only were they following the Scotts and Mackintoshes and Southeys of the day, but great and learned associations were formed especially to purchase and procure such publications. Just, therefore, as our artists have abandoned "historical painting," because only by portraits and cabinet pictures could they pay their tailors' bills; our authors, in like manner, and for the self-same reason, have forsaken the thankless and ill-remunerated labours of research and investigation, for the easier and better-rewarded employments of literary cookery. Hashed and stewed down, and garnished with herbs and flowers, the works on which our forefathers fed, and which lasted their whole lives, are now re-dished up, disguised and shrivelled away; and we rise after a rapid meal, with appetites palled, but not satisfied. Germany, however, may be expected to be the last portion of the civilised world into which this modern fashion shall be able to penetrate. The Berlin professor, unconscious or forgetful of these modern improvements in the art of book-making, sets himself about his purposed task quite in the old-fashioned manner. The following is the opening of his preface; which we copy, both because it well describes the nature of his work, and because it exhibits also the mode of his proceeding :

other countries; to its ancient alliance with Spain, Belgium, and Lombardy; and its intimate connection, both from proximity and from faith, with Rome. From the earliest times, the taste for acquiring and possessing such records has prevailed at Vienna. Hence even the original and purely national collections of the imperial library are of great value. In later times some foreign collections have been added. From Modena a number of volumes, similar to the Berlin "Informazioni," have been purchased of the house of Rangone; from Venice, the inestimable manuscripts of the Doge Marco Foscarini, and among them his own labours preparatory to the continuation of his Italian Chronicles, of which not a trace is anywhere else to be found. Prince Eugene left a rich collection of historical and political MSS., formed with the enlarged views which might be expected from that accomplished statesman. It is impossible to read through the catalogues without emotions of pleasure and hope. So many unexplored sources whence the deficiencies of most printed works on modern history may be corrected and repaired!-a whole futurity of study! And yet, at the distance of but a few steps, Vienna offers still more valuable materials. The imperial archives contain, as we might anticipate, the most important and authentic documents illustrative of German and of general history, and peculiarly so of that of Italy. It is true that by far the greater part of the Venetian "The power of Rome in the early and middle archives are restored, after long wanderings, to Veages of the Christian church is known to the world, nice; but a considerable mass of papers belonging and modern times have beheld her resume her sway to the republic are still to be found in Vienna; deswith somewhat like the vigour of renovated youth. patches, original or copied; extracts from them, After the decline of her influence in the former half made for the use of government, called rubricaries; of the sixteenth century, she once more rose to be the reports, often the only copies in existence, and of centre of the faith and the opinions of the nations of southern Europe, and made bold, and not unfrequently successful, attempts to bring those of the north again under her dominion.

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great value; official registers of the government functionaries; chronicles and journals. The details which will be found in this work concerning Gregory XIII. and Sixtus V. are for the most part drawn from the archives of Vienna. I cannot adequately express my sense of the boundless liberality with which access to these treasures was granted to me.

"After Vienna, my attention was chiefly directed to Venice and to Rome.

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