Muslin robes still continue in The only novelty that has apvery great estimation in morning peared in full dress since our last dress; but close round dresses begin number is a pretty brace, which also to be a good deal worn. The forms a very genteel and becoming bodies of these dresses are made in corsage. This brace is composed a style very similar to the robes. of white or coloured satin, and is The skirts are generally trimmed attached to a very full sleeve of net high, either with flounces of worked or blond, mixed with satin; these muslin, or rouleaus of clear muslin sleeves are put on over a gown, and placed between rows of embroidery: the brace, which is long, something some ladies, however, give a pre- less than half a quarter in breadth, ference to ruches of soft muslin, and rounded at the ends, is folded placed at a considerable distance across the bosom, where it forms' from each other; there are three or the shape in a very becoming manfour of these ruches, and they are always very full. Waists continue as short as usual, and long sleeves are worn fuller than last month. ལ ; ner brought round the waist, and fastened in a full bow in the middle of the back. These braces are generally edged with a narrow Muslins, satins, and figured silks blond, but we have seen one or two are the fashionable materials for finished round the edge with an dinner dress, the forms of which has embroidery of rose-buds, the effect undergone a slight revolution since of which was exquisitely beautiful. our last number, as the bodies of Plain and sprigged muslin cordresses are cut something higher, nettes are much worn in undress the short sleeve is not looped quite they are made with low cauls, the so high, and the backs of dresses borders eased with ribbon at the are made narrower, and conse- edge, and the fullness of the back quently more becoming to the part of the caul confined with easshape. Frocks are more in favour ings: the ears of these caps, which than gowns, and trimmings afford are very narrow, fastened under the a good deal of variety in form, chin with a bow of ribbon, and a though very little in material, as full bow or broader ribbon is placed they are mostly composed of satin, nearly in the centre of the headgauze, or net; the former of which piece. is generally mixed with chenille. In full dress, toques, turbans, caps, Satin trimmings are in the form and small hats, are all considered of shells or points, with a heading fashionable; even the most youthof chenille. Gauze trimmings are full belle covers at least partially disposed in waves, in scollops, and her beautiful tresses with one or sometimes in flounces; there is al- other of them. Our limits will not ways a mixture of satin or chenille permit us to enter into a particular with gauze, but in general we think description of their various forms; satin predominates. Blond and we shall, therefore, only observe, British net are worn in dress floun- that the crowns of hats and the cauls ces, which are headed either with of caps are always of a moderate puffings of narrow full ruches of the height: the former are composed of same material, or else with wreaths white satin, or satin to correspond of stamped satin leaves or narrow with the dress; the latter of lace, or rouleaus of twisted satin. Trim- else of a mixture of satin and lace. mings composed of ribbon are still considered genteel, but they begin to decline in favour. Some also are of net, the fulness of the caul divided by rouleaus of white satin; these have a light and tasteful appearance; but perhaps white cornelian is also partially the most strictly appropriate to worn. full dress are those composed of Pearls are universally adopted in blond, with a mixture of satin. full-dress jewellery. Caps are always ornamented with By next month we shall proba. flowers. Toques and turbans have bly be able to make some observasometimes flowers, but oftener fea- tions on the manner in which th thers or silver ornaments; they are hair is worn in full dress, but th also frequently trimmed with the passion for covering it has preventmaterial of which they are made. ed any novelty from being observaHats, the brims of which we must ble lately. observe are always small, are invariably decorated with feathers. are the same as last, with the addiPlain gold ornaments are most tion of wild-rose colour and pale fashionable in half-dress jewellery; blue. Fashionable colours for this month VARIETIES. From La Belle Assemblee, for April, 1818. THE TROUBADOURS. terials to work upon than the works of these ancient bards. I T was in the ninth century that The history of the Troubadours those poets and songsters, known contains several natural and affectby the name of Trubadours, were ing sentiments; particularly that multiplied; they were originally of Blondel with Richard Coeur de from Provence, in France, and their Lion; Blondel being a minstrel, or profession was honoured by the Troubadour. Gaucelm was also a patronage of the Count de Poitou, Troubadour, who was much esteemand many great Princes and Barons, and patronized by Richard, when all cultivators of poetry and musick. he was count of Poitou, and resided They were received at all courts, at Provence during the lifetime of where they were protected with con- his father, Henry II. He accomsideration and respect. The ladies, panied him to Palestine in the holy whose beauty they celebrated, al- war; he was a composer of wittiways gave them the most flattering cisms as well as some good tunes. reception; listened attentively to He seduced a beautiful nun from a their tales of tenderness, and the convent at Aix, and married her; description of the havock their irre- and she accompanied him in his sistible charms had made in these travels from one country to another, singers' hearts. These musical for many years. Besides the perarchitects built their poems on plans sonal charms and accomplishments, of their own invention; and the this lady had a very fine voice, and Troubadours, by singing and writing was much admired for the style in after a new method, occasioned a which she sang the songs composed revolution not only in the art of by her husband. writing, but in the human mind. The Troubadours, at length, deJongleurs, or musicians, were em- graded themselves to such a degree ployed very early to sing the works by the licentiousness of their conof the Troubadours, some of whom, duct, that they were totally supfrom want of voice or knowledge in pressed, and their order banished musick, being unable to do it them- with ignominy. It was soon disselves. Modern history, during covered that their talents were imthis dark period, has no other ma- aginary, and only owed their repu tation to impudent effrontery with a and remote island of St. Kilda, have ation of manner; they were IECDOTE OF BERNADOTTE. considerable talent for poetical composition; but may not have seen any specimens of the productions of that talent. The effusions of natural but uncultivated genius, are not to be expected to satisfy the fastidious mind ONG the wounded prisoners at of the critick; but there are many, I oure, in the memorable war trust, to whom the specimens which Tippoo Saib, was a young I subjoin will afford some gratificah serjeant, who so particular- tion. With regard to their authentiracted the notice of Colonel city, I can only say, that I brought genheim, commandant of the them from the island in the year Hanoverian troops in the English 1800, with others of various merit. services, by his interesting appear: They were put into the hands of an ance and manners, that he ordered excellent Gaelic scholar, the late the young man to be conveyed to Rev. Mr. Campbell of Portree, in his own tent, where he was treat- Skye, who sent me these two transed with attention and kindness until lations; but I have not recovered his recovery and release. Many the remainder, nor the original MS. years afterwards, when the French of these. Accident brought them to army, under Bernadotte, entered my hand a few days ago, and your Hanover, General Wangenheim, miscellany occurred to me as a proamong others, attended the levee per repository for their preservation. of the conquerour." You have I am uncertain of the time when the served a great deal," said Berna- first was composed, but it was not dotte on his being presented, "and, many years before I visited St. Kilda. as I understand, in India."-"I was The second was produced only a few there.". "Have you any recollec- months before, in consequence of the tion of a wounded serjeant whom visit of a party in 1799. The indiyou took under your protection in vidual to whom it alludes is now no the course of that service ?"The more; but his fellow travellers are circumstance was not immediately all alive, and, should this meet the present to the General's mind; but, eye of any of them, it will bring some on recollection, he resumed:-"I curious adventures to their recollecdo remember the circumstance, and tion. I am, Mr. Editor, yours, a very fine young man he was; I have entirely lost sight of him ever since, but it would give me pleasure to hear of his welfare.""That young serjeant," said Bernadotte, was the person who has now the honour to address you; who is happy in this publick opportunity of acknowledging the obligation, and will omit no means within his power of testifying his gratitude to General Wangenheim." ST. KILDA POETRY. YOUR readers may probably know, that the people inhabiting the small February, 1818. VIATOR. Translation of a Lament, composed by a disconsolate Father, from under whose foot, while catching Solan Geese, along with his two sons, a piece of rock gave way, and killed one of them. John of the light yellow hair, well couldst thou climb the rocks; firm were thy steps on the lofty cliffs of St. Kilda. Thy death bereft me of comfort; my support is lost; my strength hath mournfully failed. Thou art silent, my son! Though thy wounds were deep, I heard not thy moan. Woe to me; thou was left to bewail their fate in ancouldst not complain. I laid my guish. hand on thy bruised body; alas, it was lifeless and cold. John! thick grew the fair locks on thy head! The sight of thy father Thou stood'st on the tottering rejoiced thee,-strong was thy arm crag behind me. I shook with terror to support him,-thou wouldst never lest thy feet might fail,-often did I leave him, his absence gave pain to turn, and beheld thy steps with fear; thy heart. Thy brows were never -the slippery rock was unsteady, seen to lower, nor did anger ever and my pain was increased. He frown on thy face. Thou wert faithwas skilful in every useful work,- ful to me, my son! Dreadful was mighty was his strength, and his the fatal hour which ended the hands well formed for labour. Great course of thy life,-never can I cease cause have I to be sad; I grieve be- to lament! Dreadful was the force cause he can never arise. As I look of the stone that fell,-.it rushed ed around, the cliffs had a threaten- down with a tremendous noise. Uning aspect, dark rolled the waves happy that I am, my foot moved it below, and gloomy was the face of from its place! It struck at once the sea. Sorrow clouded my sight, my beloved son,-it overwhelmed -grief sorely stung my soul,--with the strength of the brave. But thou the throbbing of fear I started ;-I art in peace,-I am sad, and alone.. dreaded my all was gone; and that I POETRY. From La Belle Assembleé, for June, 1818. THE AGE OF HAPPINESS. LGolden age of infancy! Sweet early years of innocence, Ah, lovely age! how pure, how bright Thou think'st all innocent as thou- Ill judging mortals, vainly wise, THE HAPPINESS OF DOMESTIC LOVE. "O'ER us domestic bliss shall shed Its purest beams, its holiest light, And as life's downward path we tread, The torch of love will grow more bright; Years cannot make affection range, Time will not see our love the less; I'll pillow thy reclining head, And kiss the starting tear away, it THE DYING BARD'S ADDRESS TO HIS MISTRESS. Oh, is it not sweeter thus early to fly Where the storms of the world can pur sue us no more, Sweet as thou art, thy beauties must resign To her who pluck'd thee from thy mossy bed: Thine are but transient-hers will ever shine, When thou art wither'd, and thy charms are fled. From the Ladies Monthly Museum, for June, 1818. LADY! if e'er the gloomy lot To die in youth's bright morn be mine, Oh! may thine eye ne'er view the spot Whilst my dull life and breath decline; Than to linger on earth, till the once lov. Or strive to stay my fleeting breath ing eye Looks cold on the heart that is gladden'd before? (For how few do we find in the valley of For though it well might soothe the power Which mark'd me in my early birth, The last which I should see on earth- I would not that thy tender heart Should, drooping, feel affliction's smart And heed not thou my early grave, As though in life I ne'er had been; |