merits they may possess, we are at least presented with a lively picture of the life of an Arabian Spaniard: we see him as he was in reality, like steel among weapons-among women like wax.

War itself contributed to blend the antagonistic glories of the two nations. In foreign invasions or similar emergencies, they frequently made common cause, and the great heroes of either people were to be found in the van of the other.

When Charlemagne lost the flower of his Paladins, Orlando and Oliver, at Roncevalles, Benardo del Carpio was fighting under the Moorish banners, and Alimayon, one of the greatest monarchs of Arabian Spain, was proud to ally himself with the just and wise Alfonzo.

Thus did the Goths take the impress of Arabian refinement on their own ruder state of society-thus did they inlay with the splendours of oriental imagery their own simple poetry, and blend the gorgeousness of the Saracenic with the majesty of the Gothic architecture; thus they taught love to be knightly instead of despotic, gave valour the mantle of courtesy; and at length, all but made the sonorous Arabic the language of Spain.

And Spain lost her most resplendent feature, when the morose sensuality and monstrous idolatry of Rome chased away the brilliant and impassioned superstition of Mecca; when Ferdinand and Isabella made sultanless the saloons of the Alhambra, and the nuptial diadems of Arragon and Castile unbind with their ominous pomp the tiara of Granada.

Ah Granada! Granada! city of the cleft pomegrante! whom the Dauro girdles with golden sandals, and the Xenil with virgin silver, happy he who hath roamed that adamantine barricade of thine the windy Alpuxarras; who, even in thy dismantled state hath seen the red walls of thy Alhambra; paused to see the western sun gleaming along the checque work of the Hermanas gallery, through the double moresco window, till its sedate and stripy yellow became living sparks in the chrysolite cistern under the breezy dome in its centre.

But happier he who can conjure up the kingly Abouabdoulah, begirt with his Abencerrage peers, or see him listening in credulous agony to the envious forgeries of the Zegri; or when, too late, bemoaning like a woman the loss of that glorious kingdom, which his victorious ancestors had won for him.

Yes, at that period, Spain lost her most romantic features, and from having been the arena of honourable antagonists and high souled rivals, fell into the hands of tyrants and bigots, till she became what she is now. - HORACE GUILFORD.

SERENADE. (For the Olho.)

Daylight o'er the hills is dying,
Bright the ev'ning star is beaming,
To his home the black-cap's flying,
And fire-flies in the air are gleaming.
All is joyful, bright, serene,
Nought but love is lorn and weeping,
Slumber sits on beauty's een-
Oh, beauty, wherefore art thou sleeping?

Murmur on thou dimpling rill,
Thy sobbing calms my bosom's anguish,
Though beauty's smile alone can still
The torments under which I languish;
On vale and hill the moonbeams shine,
And sweet perfumes around are breathing,
And every heart is gay but mine,
For beauty thou, alas! art sleeping.
T. F.

PERFORMANCE AT THE KING'S THEATRE IN BEHALF OF THE NEW MUSICAL FUND.

THE simple and melancholy fact, that the rapidly increasing number of claimants for the advantages of this Fund, established in 1786, has driven the Committee to the sad necessity of not only reducing the annuities of their old pensioners, but absolutely of selling some portion of their Fund, which has supported in comparative comfort upwards of two hundred individuals, and expended in general alleviation of distress the sum of £14,689 15s. 2d., needs only to be declared, to occasion a powerful and general exertion on the part of their kind benefactors and the public, which will enable them effectually to assist the numerous applicants still crowding on their notice, without leaving the infirm and aged, who have previously been succoured, to sink into the grave unpitied and unknown.' The Annual Concert, which was held at the King's Theatre, 24th of April, was well and fashionably frequented, particularly by the fair sex, who, at least to us, very far preponderated ours, if we except the orchestral numbers (and even the Lancashire Ladies' were pretty considerable, with many other more feminine choristers) and to whose patronage, whether in haut ton, or the beau monde, we owe many pleasures and all our love. F. Cramer having taken his stand with his violin, his elbow ready, and his heart all in motion; and, Sir George Smart presided at the piano, the overture to 'Acis and Galatea,' went off with a crash, and the oboes introduced the 'pleasures of the plains' to 'happy nymphs and happy swains '-as meanwhile the boxes were fast filling, and the plumes began to wave in the zenith of beauty, till eyes as well as jewels and the chandelier were all brilliants. Master Smith, a promis

,

ing pupil of J. T. Harris, sang the soloFor us the zephyr blows,' in an artless manner, which was followed by a piece by Mr. E. Taylor, entitled O Peace! of smiling lip and look serene.' The effect of this prepared us for the Aria, by Mademoiselle Blasis-Se d'amor fra le ritorte:'-this 'sospetto I palpiti d'amor gave a zest to the preceding, and the dark-hued and dark-eyed' Blasis, making an irresistible curtsey, and her soul of fire in her countenance, withdrew, with many plaudits. The grand military concerto, by Mr. T. Wright, seemed to astonish the ears of those not accustomed to the rapidity of fingering and striking chords; and, by the spirited accompaniments put the saddest into tune. Agentle stir of smiles and hands, intimated the approach of the admired Camporese and the chumpy Pisaroni, who executed a duet by Rossini from Serimamide. The contrast of the vocal powers these females exhibited told well, and led on the evening cheerily. Mr. Phillips next sung a simple ballad, 'Though lowly my Cot,' which coming more naturally into John Bull's feelings, was the only encore of the occasion. Pisaroni's 'Recit and Aria' called her individual peculiarities into action, and convinced us, that she is 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' The Recit and Duetto, sung by Donzelli (Don Jelly) and Zuchelli (Joe Kelly,) commencing with 'Claudio!' and ending with 'Pui barbaro dolor, were greatly relished for the height and depth of volume each Signor evinced. Malibran Garcia, with her Madona face and large sleeves, much pleased the audience in her quiet style of execution in the Recit and Aria Numi che' and 'Se m' abbandoni.' 'Arnot, the page to the King of France, played a concerto in warm promise of future excellence. A scene from the 'Creation, opened by Braham, 'And God said,' and succeeded by 'In splendour bright,' with 'The Heavens are telling,' and 'Trio, closed the first part.

The second part, after a short interval, opened with Weber's overture to Euryanthe, followed by Camporese, in 'Fortuna Glicera,' and the Aria 'Cara, adorata imagine. A treat also was anticipated and realised in Braham's Cantata, 'See from the silent grove,' accompanied in Lindley's most happy manner, interspersed by Apollo heard,' and Sounds though charming.' Miss Graddon, then, by her unassuming and exquisite taste, sang 'How gentle!' from Freischutz, ending with Ah! now each pulse, et cet. The 'La ci darem' of Mozart was the next novelty, by Schmidt on the trombone, which, in his hands,

from minor to major, was a mere plaything. Bellamy's 'Timotheus,' a 'Duet' by Miss Farrar and Miss H. Cawse, with Fiebig's 'Fantasia' on the Kallifthongon like a cottage piano, played by keys, but intended to represent a violoncello, violin, doublebass and tenor. It is more curious, we think, than pleasing, too mechanical for feeling-neither harp, piano, organ, nor wholly of the catgut genera. The Coronation' Anthem (The King shall rejoice') which is never apposed in any kingdom, closed the scene at midnight; and the discords outside, for, My Lord's' and my 'Lady's' carriages, were loud and long, prevailed in place of the harmony which slumbered into peace and joy within.

THE GRINDER, (A STREET CIRCULAR.) For the Olio.

"Tally, heigh ho! the Grinder!"

Of all the wheels within their wheels,
The Grinders run their tread,
For round and round they turn, to gain

Their master's honest bread;

He sits inframed, and drives his lathe,
And whistling plies his skill;-
His outstretch'd dog beneath him sleeps,

Or shews bis grinders' will.

To the " blear'd hatchet-face," he gives
A sharp, ironic look;
And the "pug-nosed" and "rusty blade"

Re-fashions to a hook:
A bill, dishonoured by the post,
Within his leg-al range,
Though noted, 'tis more current, drawn,
And suited for Exchange.

regarding the sun, and betray him. J. Partridge. This is a work of vast excellence; a work which stamps the artist to be one of those whose powers, were they properly trained by patronage and public encouragement, would be an or nament to the arts, and an honor to the country. The attitude of Satan is fine, his figure correctly and vigorously drawn, the lines of the flesh uniting well with the back ground,-one of the greatest excelencies in Sir Joshua Reynolds. The tone of colour partakes strongly of the Italian school of Titian, and Paul Vero. nese. We sincerely hope the Directors of this Institution will mark their sense of Mr. Partridge's talents by a liberal bounty, as a strong stimulus to his future efforts.

435. The Trial of King Charles I. in Westminster Hall.-J. Ramsay. In our exhibitions, the number of portraits, landscapes, and flimsy daubs, is so numerous and overwhelming, that anything in the shape of an historical picture is doubly welcome. The point of time chosen by Mr. Ramsay in the trial of this unfortunate prince is When Cooke, the

Solicitor-General, opened the pleadings, the King gently tapped him on the shoulder with his cane, crying, Hold, hold!" At the same moment, the silver head of the cane fell off, and rolled on the floor." The costume in this picture has been well attended to; the colouring of the different and numerous body of Roundheads' is executed with freedom, and truth to nature. Not having been personally acquainted with any of the host of worthies here represented, we cannot decide as to the correctness of their different phizes; but, to judge by the pictures which are acknowledged to be likenesses of Charles

and Cromwell, Mr. Ramsay has been happy in keeping up the resemblance. The only thing which offends the eye in this picture, and which Mr. R. would do well to remove, is the unpleasant effect produced by the green baize which covers the floor of the court. It throws a coldness very detrimental to the harmony of the whole, and it is also much too woolly in appearance. We kindly recommend him to change it to a dark crimson, which would, in our humble opinion, produce a warmth and richness greatly to its ad

powers of imagination, and in many instances Danby approaches him, yet he is of a more fiery nature than Danby, who excels in those things of a romantic class. The effect of his works is always to soothe not inflame our imaginations. Such is the character and tendency of the two works under notice. Out of the simplest materials he has produced two of the sweetest pictures ever hung on the walls of this gallery, excepting only his Enchanted Island. We do not know which to admire most, the moon, or the sunset, both are beautiful.

356. Scene near the Falls of the Conway. By the same. A romantic spot, painted with a force and depth of colouring approaching to a Gaspar Pous

sin.

(To be continued.)

The Note Book.

THE ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE WAVERLY

NOVELS.

THE Literary Gazette's early notes on those by Sir Walter Scott to the forthcoming new and improved edition of his universally admired novels, enables us to transplant a few interesting particulars to our columns; which we very gladly do, well knowing that they will prove acceptable to the readers of the Olio. Our selections are a few of the great mon's illustrations to the text of Waverley.

"Mac-Farlane's Lantern.-The clan of Mac-Farlane, occupying the fastnesses of the western side of Loch Lomond, were great depredators on the Low Country; and, as their excursions were made usually by night, the moon was proverbially called

their lantern. Their celebrated pibroch of Hoggil nam Bo, which is the name of their gathering tune, intimated similar practices-the sense being

We are bound to drive the bullocks,
All by hollows, hirsts, and hillocks,

Through the sleet and through the rain,
When the moon is beaming low,
On frozen lake and hills of snow,
Bold and heartily we go,

And all for little gain.

"The Castle of Doune. This noble ruin is dear to my recollections from associations which have been long and painfully broken. It holds a commanding station on the banks of the river Teith, and has been one of the largest castles in Scotland. Murdoch, Duke of Albany, the founder of this stately pile, was beheaded on the Castle-hill of Stirling, from whence he might see the towers of Doune, the monument of his fallen greatness.

In

1745-6, as stated in the text, a garrison on the part of the Chevalier was put into the castle, then less ruinous than at present. It was commanded by Mr. Stewart of Balloch, as governor for Prince Charles; he was a man of property near Callander. This castle became at that time the actual scene of a romantic escape made by John Home, the author of Douglas, and some other prisoners, who having been taken at the battle of Falkirk, were confined there by the insurgents. The poet, who had in his own mind a large stock of that enthusiastic spirit of adventure which he has described as animating the youthful hero of his drama, devised and undertook the perilous enterprise of escaping from his prison. He inspired his companions with his sentiments, and when every attempt at open force was deemed useless, they resolved to twist their bed-clothes into ropes, and thus to descend. Four persons, with Home himself, reached the ground in safety, but the rope broke with the fifth, who was a tall, lusty man. The sixth was Thomas Barrow, a brave young Englishman, a particular friend of Home's. Determined to take the risk, even in such unfavourable circumstances, Barrow committed himself to the broken rope, slid down on it as far as it could assist him, and then let himself drop. His friends beneath succeeded in breaking his fall; nevertheless, he dislocated his ancle, and had several of his ribs broken. Hiscompanions, however, were able to bear him off in safety. The Highlanders next morning sought for their prisoners with great activity. An old gentleman told the author he remembered seeing the commander Stuart,

Bloody with spurring, fiery red with haste,

riding furiously through the country, in quest of the fugitives.

Rob Roy. The following illustrates the scene in Donald Bean Lean's cave, when Waverley made his first visit to the Highlands. An adventure very similar to what is here stated, actually befell the late Mr. Abercrombie, of Tullibody, grandfather of the present Lord Abercrombie, and father of the celebrated Sir Ralph. When this gentleman, who lived to a very advanced period of life, first settled in Stirlingshire, his cattle were repeatedly driven off by the celebrated Rob Roy, or some of his gang; and at length he was obliged, after obtaining a proper self-conduct, to make the cateran such a visit as that of Waverley to Bean Lean in the text. Rob received him with much courtesy, and made many apologies for the accident, which must have happened, he said, through some mistake. Mr. Abercrombie was regaled with collops from two

of his own cattle, which were hung up by the heels in the cavern, and was dis missed in perfect safety, after having agreed to pay in future a small sum of black mail; in consideration of which, Rob Roy not only undertook to forbear taking his herds in future, but to replace any that should be stolen from him by other freebooters. Mr. Abercrombie said Rob Roy affected to consider him as a friend to the Jacobite interest, and a sincere enemy to the Union. Neither of these circumstances were true; but the laird thought it quite unnecessary to undeceive his Highland host, at the risk of bringing on a political dispute in such a situation. This anecdote I received many years since, (about 1792,) from the mouth of the venerable gentleman who was concerned in it."

ORIGIN OF THE MAY-POLE.

The leisure days after seed time had been chosen by our Saxon ancestors for folk-motes, or conventions of the people. Not till after the Norman conquest, the pagan festival of Whitsuntide fully melted into the christian holiday of Pentecost. Its original name is Wittentide, the time of choosing the Wits or Wise Men to the Wittenagemotte. It was consecrated to Hertha, the goddess of peace and fertility; and no quarrels might be maintained, no blood shed, during this truce of the goddess. Each village, in the absence of the baron, at the assembly of the nation, enjoyed a kind of Saturnalia. The vassals met upon the common green round the May-pole, where they elected a village lord, or king, as he was called, who chose his queen. He wore an oaken, and she a hawthorn wreath, and together they gave laws to the rustic sports during these sweet days of freedom. The Maypole, then, is the English Tree of Liberty! Are there many yet standing ?

THE VULTURE.

We are told by travellers in South America and South Africa, that the vultures may be seen, in a very few minutes after an animal has been slain, hovering high in the air, appearing at first in little specks, like so many minute insects, but growing larger by degrees as they descend in spiral gyrations, till they reach the earth, and pounce upon their prey. It was this almost supernatural quickness of the raven in ascertaining the actual or approaching dissolution of animals, which led to the popular fancy of its " smelling death," and caused its presence to be considered as

The hateful messenger of heavy things,
Of death and dolour telling.

This superstition is not yet worn out.

Quar. Rev.

THE CUCкоо.

The cuckoo begins early in the season with the interval of a minor third; the bird then proceeds to a major third, next to a fourth, then a fifth; after which his voice breaks, without attaining a minor sixth. This defalcation of voice is alluded to in an epigram of John Heywood, as far back as 1587.

In April, the koo-koo can sing her song by
rote,
In June, of tune she cannot sing a note;
At first, koo-koo, koo-koo, sing still can she

do;

At last, kooke, kooke, kpoke: six kookes to one koo.

Some authors have supposed that no other bird loses or changes its note; but this is an erroneous idea, for the voice of the nightingale undergoes a woeful change, resembling in the autumn the hoarse croaking of the frog, a reptile which has been called facetiously, and not quite inaptly, it would seem-the Dutch nighttingale.

THE USE OF TEA.

Ib.

The following rules in the use of tea, will be found useful. Ist, Carefully avoid the high-priced and high-flavoured teas, more especially of green, which generally owe their flavour to pernicious ingredients, and abound most with those active principles whence the noxious effects arise; 2nd, Take with it at all times a good proportion of milk, and some sugar, as correctives to any possible noxious qualities present; 3rd, Let the quantity of tea used at each infusion be very moderate; 4th, Make the infusion properly, with water soft and otherwise of a good quality, and in a boiling state; 5th, Take less tea in the morning than in the evening. The first meal we take in the morning, to recruit the body, after the loss it has sustained during a long fast through the night, and to prepare it for the labours of the succeeding day, should be in some measure substantial, consisting of a large proportion of solid aliment; indeed, except when drank soon after a hearty dinner, solid nourishment should always be taken with tea.-Sure Methods of Improving Health.

PROPORTION OF SPIRIT IN WINE.

person who drinks a bottle of port daily, will consume considerably more than a quarter of a wine pint of spirit every day, and in the course of a week, he must swallow a quart of spirit." Ib.

sum.

SEDAN CHAIRS AND COACHES.

Sir Saunders Duncombe, predecessor to Duncombe, Lord Feversham, and Gentleman Pensioner to King James and Charles I. was the person who introduced Sedan Chairs into this country, in 1634, when he procured a patent, which vested in him and his heirs the sole right of carrying persons up and down in them for a certain Sir Saunders was a great traveller, and had first seen these chairs at Sedan, where they were invented. It is remarkable that Capt. Bailey introduced the use of Hackney Coaches the same year. A tolerable long ride might then be had in either vehicle for four-pence. But, alas!" says a writer of that time, "the introduction of these machines spoiled the constitutions of our women; they became nervous and lazy, and no longer brought forth robust children." C. H.

THE REV. ROWLAND HILL, V. CALF-SKIN WAISTCOAT.

(For the Olio.)

THE venerable Rowland Hill, in his

younger days, preaching at a village House, never failed to adapt his language and similies to the capacities of his hearers. In those days 'calf-skin waistcoats' were considered the most fashionable wear by country beaux, and they produced a gay effect when set off with silver buttons, an extravagance that would be satirised in this flippant and superficial age. Daniel Bath, though only a chap-man and dealer, wore a calfskin waistcoat on Sundays, and displayed it in the capacity of clerk, in an old fashioned chair under the pulpit, in which the Rev. Rowland was preaching. "Talk of the Westleyans being saved by their new fangled works," said the Minister in an audible voice, "ye might just as well tell me our friend Daniel, sitting under the pulpit, has not a calf-skin waistcoat on." After the service, Daniel declared, he would rather have been in the den with the lions, than so smartly illustrated; for his modesty was never before so strongly put to the proof. P.

THE REV. DIVINE AND THE COLLOTS.

On another occasion, Rowland Hill arrived at the Meeting House rather opportunely to see his old friends Daniel and Sarah. She was just going to dine,

For a sketch of this happy pair, see page

1