tinguished from the fabrications of ordinary impostors. | venison and turtle, while the modest drudge, whose -A singular forgery was not long ago practised on name never appeared to the world, broke in patience Captain Wilford by a learned Hindu, who, to ingra- his daily bread. tiate himself and his studies with the too zealous and The craft of authorship has many mysteries of its pious European, contrived to give the history of Noah own; many memorable, though uncommemorated anand his three sons, in his “Purana," under the desig ecdotes. The great patriarch and primeval dealer in nation of Satyavrata. Captain Wilford having read English literature is said to have been Robert Green, the passage, transcribed it for Sir William Jones, who one of the most facetious, profligate, and indefatigable translated it as a curious extract. But it afterwards of the Scribbleri family. He laid the foundation of a appeared, that the whole was an interpolation by the new dynasty of literary emperors. The first act by dexterous introduction of a forged sheet, discolored, which he proved his claim to the throne of Gruband prepared for the purpose of deception, and which, street has served as a model to his numerous succeshaving served his purpose for the moment, was after-sors-it was a cheating ambidextrous trick! Green wards withdrawn. Sir William Jones would not sold his "Orlando Furioso" to two different theatres, have been deceived, had he seen this MS., for he de- and is supposed to be the first author in English litetected a similar impudent fraud immediately on in-rary history, who wrote as a trader; or as crabbed spection. The forgery is preserved in Lord Teignmouth's memoirs of that elegant scholar.

Of authors who have sold their names to be prefixed to works they never read; or, on the contrary, who have prefixed the names of others to their own writings, for a certain remuneration, it is sufficient to mention the circumstances As an anecdote from the secret memoirs of literature, we may notice one of that encyclopedic genius, Sir John Hill; he owned to a friend once, when he fell sick, that he had over fatigued himself with writing seven works at once. One of which was on architecture, and another on cookery. This hero once contracted to translate Swammerdam's works on insects for fifty guineas. After the agreement with the bookseller, he perfectly recollected that he did not understand a single word of the Dutch language. Nor did there exist a French translation. The work, however, was not the less done for this small obstacle. Sir John bargained with another translator for twenty-five guineas. The second translalor was precisely in the same situation as the first; as ignorant, though not so well paid as the knight. He bargained with a third, who perfectly understood his original, for twelve guineas. So that the translators, who could not translate, feasted on

Anthony Wood phrases it, in the language of celibacy and cynicism," he wrote to maintain his wife, and that high loose course of living, which poets generally follow." With a drop still sweeter, old Anthony describes Gayton, another worthy," he came up to London to live in a shirking condition, and wrote trite things, merely to get bread to sustain him and his wife." The hermit Anthony seems to have had a mortal antipathy against the Eves of literary men. The anecdote of Green's ambidextrous manoeuvre is this:-He sold his play to the Queen's players for twenty nobles, but when the Queen's players were in the country, he resold it to the Lord Admiral's for as much more. It was after this, that in open defiance to the rival proprietors, he published his "Thieves falling out, True Men come by their Goods; or, the Bell Man wanted a Clapper."

But of all the impostures in the annals of literature, that of the Shakspeare papers by Ireland, is, perhaps, the most remarkable. That a boy so young and so inexperienced, should have imposed upon so many LEARNED (!) men, must be a matter of astonishment to the present generation. We may notice other impostures in a future number.

E. M. A.

In earlier days, in the west, effeminacy was not an accomplishment, as it appears to be now, but he who could wander the dense forest, without any compass but such as God gave him; he who could bear the winter winds and summer sun, and the many hardships which must be borne in an unhabitable wilder

EGOTISM is an unpardonable offence in an author, but, the writer of these sketches would remind the reader, in the beginning, that veracity is some apology for egotism, and he would beg of them to bear in mind the old axiom that "truth is mighty and willness, was then considered accomplished. Our maidens prevail." Fifty years ago, the state of Ohio contained sixty-four inhabitants; it now contains nearly one million and a half of souls. This rapid increase of population, was mostly occasioned by the uncommon fertility of the soil of the "Miami Valley," which is the most luxuriant part of the state. But other causes contributed to this increase of population; one of which is the mildness of the climate, and the healthiness of the state, particularly of that part termed the "Miami Valley." The many incidents which occurred in this part of the country, if brought to light, would fill a book quite as voluminous as a history of Greece or of Rome, and although not possessing the charm of being classical, would, at least, be prolific with the deeds of men, whose title to true courage and magna nimity, is as valid as an Alcibiades or as a Cæsar.

were then unacquainted with the art of beautifying the complexion with rouge, but the sun colored their cheeks with a healthy glow, which would shame the unnatural hue of the city belles; if the western maiden blushed-if that undefinable sensation was allowed to steal upon them-it was caused by permitting the sun to rise before them. But luxury has made sad havoc among our children; it is a murderer, but it murders its victims with a slow but unerring aim, and whole nations fall before its powers. If we look to the source, to the founders of all nations, of Greece, of Rome-we shall see that the founders of those empires were men whose morals were incorruptible, but their descendants degenerated, till luxury enervated them, and its follower, voluptuousness, overthrew them. "Tis thus with the Hesperides in a small way. The first settlers of the state were men of uncommon strength and fortitude, whom no dangers could intimi. date, and no hardships tire; they went their way through the wilderness, and towns sprang up around them; wealth, and its satellite voluptuousness, began to pour into our states, and the descendants of the hardy pioneers daily became more enervated, both

The lives of the early settlers of the west were pregnant with perils; but, constant danger will embolden the spirit, and render one less fearful of the "grim monster." There is an excitement in dangers which increases the charm of a western life; this may appear improbable, yet many instances could be cited, where excitement made heroes of cowards. It is known to all soldiers, that the greatest fear is ex-physically and mentally. When I speak of degeneperienced just preceding a battle, but so soon as the rating mentally, I refer to the popular mode of teachdin and confusion of the engagement becomes univer. ing youth in these days. Instead of being instructed sal, fear is displaced by the excitement, and they rush in the various branches of an English education-of rashly and precipitately into dangers, which, in their being taught to speak fluently their vernacular tongue, cooler moments would intimidate them. It is said they are kept constantly poring over some Latin er that sergeant Jasper-whose daring deed, in tying the Greek author, for three or four years, when they fallen flag to its staff when bullets were flying around emerge from the walls of their colleges, and go into him, has immortalized him-observed, the day subse the world, inflated with the idea of their profound quently to the battle, that he could not be "forced or knowledge, they are then incapacitated for attending prevailed upon to do the same mad act again;" these to any business which will earn them a livelihood, words were spoken in his cooler moments, but excite simply because they do not understand the genius of ment would have prompted him again to the same their own language. I wish not to speak at all deroact. "Tis thus with us all; excitement and familiaritygatory to the intentions of our teachers, for I believe with dangers harden our spirits, and render our breasts less susceptible to the horrors of cowardice. This is the master creation within us, which gave a charm to the western life, and contributed to the daring adventures which intimidated and finally subdued the

savages.

them to be good, but I must confess that my opinion (it may be a solitary one,) is against their mode of teaching. Knowledge is the bulwark of our nation, and one thought upon it, it is hoped, will not be taken amiss, previously to the commencement of our history. It is my intention to tell, in a plain, unvarnished way,

the adventures of a few of my comrades, and of my. I will; but now I looked upon my own farm, and a self. If they prove of interest to my readers, I am feeling of gladness came over me which is not within satisfied. The actors of these scenes have all passed the power of man to describe; but our very joys are away from this great stage, but their deeds are mixed with misery-" even in the fairest fountain of monuments which should live in the memory of the delight, there is a secret and evil spring, eternally people, so long as this great valley of the Hesperides bubbling up, and scattering its bitter waters over the is peopled. very flowers which surround its margin."* I looked at my wife and playing child, at my commodious barn, and growing crops, and at my thrifty stock which stood about-a picture of contentment-upon which I gazed for the last time!

A TALE,

THE DEAN OF

BADAJOZ.

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF THE

ABBE BLANCHET.

The Abbe Blanchet took the idea of this tale from an old book much esteemed in Spain, called El Conde Lucanor.

The

THE dean of the cathedral of Badajoz possessed | to interrupt him. He got rid of the courier by ordermore learning than all the doctors of Salamanca, Aling him to return directly to Badajoz, and telling him cala, and Coimbra united. He was master of every he would be there as soon as himself, and then relanguage living or dead. He knew all sciences, di turned to his lesson as if neither uncle nor apoplexy vine as well as human; but unfortunately he was had existed. ignorant of magic. He was told of a most famous Some days afterwards more news came from Badamagician, who resided in the suburbs of Toledo, call-joz, but this was scarce worth attending to. ed Don Torribio; he ordered his mule to be saddled high chanter, and two of the oldest canons came, and set out for Toledo, and alighted at the door of a misera notified to the dean that his uncle, the most reverend ble house, where this great man lodged. Sir magi- bishop, was gone to receive the recompense of his cian, said he, as he came up to him, I am dean of virtue in heaven. and that the chapter, legally assemBadajoz. The learned of Spain do me the honor to bled, had elected him to fill the vacant seat; and they call me their master, I come to you to request a more begged of him to come and console the church of glorious title, that of becoming your disciple: Be kind Badajoz his new spouse Don Torribio was present enough to initiate me in the mysteries of your art at the harangue of the deputies, and took advantage and reckon that my gratitude will be deserving such of it like a clever fellow: He called the new bishop kindness. aside, and after a proper compliment on the occasion, told him he had a sun, named Don Benjamin, who, with much wit and good inclinations, had not the smallest taste or talent for the occult s«iences, that he meant him for the church, and, thanks to heaven, he had succeeded in the pious design; for he had the satisfaction of hearing that his son acted as one of the most deserving of the clergy of Toledo; therefore he most humbly entreated his highness, that he would resign to Don Benjamin his deanery of Badajoz, which he could not hold with the bishopric. Alas!" replied the prelate, with some confusion, “I shall ever be most happy when I can do any thing you request; but I must inform you I have a very old relation, whose heir I am, and who is fit only to be a dean: Now if I do not give it him, I shall have a quarrel with my whole family, of which I am fond even to a degree of weakness; but," added he, "don't you intend to come to Badajoz? You will not bave the cruelty to leave me when I am beginning to he of service to you? Believe me, my dear master, let us set out together, and only think of instructing your pupil; for I will take upon the establishment of Don Benjamin, and will do more for him than his father now requires. A paltry deanery in Estramadura is not a proper benefice for the son of a man like you.”— Don Torribio followed his disciple to Bad joz. Under the conduct of so able a master, the bishop made very rapid improvements in the hidden sciences; he gave himself up to it at first, with an intemperate ardor, but by degrees he moderated his passion, so that it did not interfere with the duties of his see. The learned prelate filled all Christendom with the fame of his merit; and when he expected it least, he saw himself nominated to the archbishopric of Compostella.

Don Torribio was not very polite, though he piqued himself on living with the best company in hell. He told the dean he might seek another master of magic; that for him he was quite tired of a trade where he gained only compliments and promises, and that he would no longer disgrace the occult sciences by prostituting them upon ingratitude. "How," cried the dean," can it be possible, signior Don Torribio, that yon have met with ungrateful persons? I hope you will do me more justice than to confound me with such monsters." He then detailed a long string of maxims and apothegms on gratitude; he harangued with the kindest voice, and with all the appearance of truth, every thing his memory could supply him with; in short he spoke so well, that the sorcerer. after a moment's pause, owned he could refuse no. thing to one who knew so many fine quotations "Jacintha," says he to his housekeeper, "put two partridges to the fire; I hope the dean will do me the honor to sup here to night." He then led him into his study, where, after having touched his forehead. he repeated these mystical words, which the reader is entreated not to forget, ortobolan, pitstafier, onagrion; | then, without, farther preparation, he began to explain to him the prologomenas of magic.

The new disciple was listening with an attention that scarce permitted him to breathe, when Jacintha entered hastily, followed by a little man, booted to his middle, and dirty to his shoulders, who wished to speak to the dean on a matter of the greatest import

ance

He was a courier that his uncle, the bishop of Badajoz, had sent after him, to inform him that a few hours after his departure his lordship had been seized with an apoplectic fit, that he was very ill, and that the most alarming consequences were to be apprehended. The dean cursed heartily to himself, and without scandal, the apoplexy, the bishop, and the all three had so badly ch osen the time

The people and clergy of Badajoz, as may be easily imagined, lamented such an event, as it deprived them of their worthy pastor; and the canons of the

cessor.

cathedral, as the last mark of their respect and attach- | ship most assiduously edified himself during his stay ment, unanimously desired of him to name his suc at Compostella? However it may be, Don Torribio Don Torribio did not miss so good an oppor followed his new highness to Rome. Scarcely were tunity to advance his son: He asked the bishopric of they arrived there when the pope died. The conclave the new archbishop, and it was with all the grace is opened, the whole sacred college unite in favor of imaginable, that the archbishop refused it him. "He the Spanish cardinal;—he is now pope! After the had so much veneration for his dear master!—he was ceremonies of the exaltation, Don Torribio, admitted Bo grieved!—so very much ashamed to refuse what to a private audience, wept with joy as he kissed the appeared scarcely a request!-But how could he act feet of his pupil, whom he saw fill the pontifical throne otherwise? Don Ferdinand de Lara, constable of with so much dignity. He modestly represented his Castile, had asked the bishopric for his natural son; | long and faithful services; he reminded his holiness and though he had never seen the constable, he was of his promises, inviolable promises, and which had under such strong, secret, and old obligations to him, been renewed before he entered the conclave; he that he felt it as his indispensible duty to prefer the hinted a few words about the hat, which he had just old benefactor to the new one: But if he would conquitted in receiving the tiara; but, instead of asking sider, it would not appear so very harsh; for he would see what he might with certainty depend upon when his turn came, and come it soon must." The magician had the politeness to believe all this, and made him self as happy as he could with its being given up to Don Ferdinand.

the hat for Don Benjamin, he ended by a trait of moderation, scarce to be credited. He protested he renounced all ambitious expectations; his son and himself would be too happy if his holiness, with his benediction, would have the goodness to give them a small civil em, loyment; or an annuity for their lives, that would be sufficient for the moderate wants of an ecclesiastic and a philosopher.

are observed at them? Every reflection made his holiness judge that Don Torribio would not only be useless, but even troublesome to him; and this point being decided, he was in no difficulty what answer to make. This is literally his answer:

"We have learnt with grief, that under pretext of the occult sciences, you hold a correspondence with the prince of darkness and of liars, which we not only exhort you to expiate by a penitence proportionate to the enormity of such a crime, but also order you to quit the territories of the church within three days, under pain of being given up to the secular arms, and the rigor of the flames."

Nothing was thought of now, but the preparations for setting out to take possession of Compostella though it was scarce worth while, considering the During this little harangue, the sovereign pontiff short time they were to remain there. A chamber. was asking himself what he should do with his prelain from the pope, brought, a few months afterwards, ceptor. Could not he do without him? And did not the cardinal's hat, with a complimentary brief from he know as much of magic as became a pope? Would his holiness, who invited him to come and assist him it be proper for him to appear at their nocturnal meetwith his counsels, in governing the christian world;ings, and submit to the indecent ceremonials which he permitted the archbishop to dispose of his mitre in favor of whom he pleased. Don Torribio was not at Compostella when the pope's messenger came there; he was on a visit to his dear son, who still remained a poor curate to a small parish in Toledo;-he soon returned; but for this time he had not the trouble to request the vacant archbishopric. The prelate ran out to meet him with open arms: My dear master, I am happy to tell you two pieces of good news instead of one; your disciple is a cardinal, and your son will shortly be one, or I have no interest at Rome. I wished in the mean time to have made him archbishop of Compostella; but only think how unfortunate he is, or rather I am; my mother, whom we left at Badajoz, has written to me, during your absence, a cruel letter, which has totally disconcerted all my measures. She insists upon my nominating, as my successor, the archdeacon of my former church, the licenciate Don Pablos de Salazar, her confessor, and intimate friend; she threatens me with her death, if she does not obtain what she wishes for her dear ghostly father, and I have not a doubt but she will keep her word. My dear master, put yourself in my place, shall I kill my mother?" Don Torribio was not a man to recommend a parricide; he applauded the nomination of Don Pablos, and did not show the smallest resentment against the mother of the prelate.

Don Torribio, without being disconcerted, repeated backwards the three mysterious words, which the reader ought to have remembered; and opening a window, he bawled out as loud as he could, "Jacin tha! put only one partridge to the fire, for the dean will not sup here to-night."

This was a thunder clap to the pretended pope, he recovered suddenly from a kind of extacy, which the three magical sounds had first thrown him into; he saw that instead of being in the Vatican, he was still at Toledo in the study of Don Torribio; by looking at the clock, he found he had scarce been an hour in this fatal study where the dreams were so delightful. In less than an hour he had fancied himself magician, This mother, if it must be known, was a good sort bishop, archbishop, cardinal, pope, and found himself of an old woman, almost childish, who lived with her at last really a dupe and a knave. Every thing had cat and housekeeper, and scarce knew the name of been illusion except his own deceit, and the proofs he her confessor. Was it likely that it was she who gave had given of his treachery and badness of heart. He the archbishopric to Don Pablos ? was it not rather a left the room in silence, found his mule where he had very devout and very pretty Galician widow, a near left him, and returned again to Badajoz, without hav relation of the archdeacon's, at whose home his lord-ing learnt to cast a nativity.

J. K.