lence, during which thirteen men of war drove from their anchorage in the Downs, ran upon the fatal Goodwins, and were totally lost, with nearly all their crews, only 71 being saved. Concerning the origin of these sands there are various opinions, but the common received story of their having once been the estate of Godwyne, Earl of Kent, the father of Harold, who fell at Hastings, is now exploded, as well as their having once been an island called Lomea, and to have been destroyed by the sea in the year 1097, the most probable opinion of our best antiquaries being, that instead of these sands being occasioned by an inundation of the sea, they were caused by the sea's leaving them at the time of that terrible inundation in the reign of King William Rufus, or Henry the First's reign, which drowned so large a part of Flanders and the Low Countries. This desertion of the sea in these parts might have been further increased by following inundations in other places, especially upon the parts of Zealand which anciently consisted of fifteen islands, eight of which were swallowed up in Henry the Second's time. Such are the Goodwins, which no vessel ought to pass without a pilot: and had the Ogle Castle taken the Dover one who offered his services off Hythe the previous night, perhaps the catastrophe might never have happened, the vessel might have been in the Thames, and the unfortunate crew in health and spirits, among those friends who have so long been expecting their return.-Kent Herald. POSTSCRIPT. MONDAY, Nov. 14. interest of the old ones; for it is pretty well ascertained that no one of the new Governments is in a situation to do without borrowing, or likely to be so for a number of years. So far we have to thank the Clergy and Absolutists in Spain; but as to France, she has now to consider whether she can safely acknowledge the independence of South America before her army withdraws from Spain, as no negociations can tear from Ferdinand's crown a single diamond with which it has hitherto been adorned. All the journeymen shoemakers in Limerick, to the number of 354, are on the turn out for an advance of 5d. per pair of shoes. The mail coaches on the great North Road are now timed at about ten miles an hour as their rate of travelling. The music of the Iron Chest, composed by Storace, was the cause of his premature and lamented death. On the first rehearsal, although labouring under a severe attack of gout and fever, after having been confined to his bed for many days, he insisted upon being wrapped up in blankets, and carried in a sedan-chair to the cold stage of the playhouse. The entreaties and prayers of his family were of no avail, he went, and remained there to the end of the rehearsal, He was carried back to his bed, whence he never rose again. Mozart was a remarkably small man, very thin and pale, with a profusion of fine fair hair, of which he was rather vair. He was remarkably fond of punch, of which beverage he took copious draughts. He was also fond of billiards, and had an excellent billiard table in his house. He was kind-hearted, and always ready to oblige, but so very particular, when he played, that if the slightest noise were made he instantly left off.-Kelly's Reminiscences. A single woman, about 23 years of age, is now in custody on suspicion of having made away with her infant (a female child of nine months old), whom she herself states to have put into the river near the Foundry Bridge, on Sunday evening, the 30th ult. Every means have been used by searching the river to discover the body, but hitherto without effect. Norwich Mercury. 3 per Cent. Consols, 861. 3 per Cent. Reduced, 852. New 4 per Cent. 1822, 10314. LONDON MARKETS. CORN EXCHANGE, Nov. 14, 1825. Supplies since last Monday very good. Old Wheat as last quoted; New Samples are rather dearer. Barley rather higher. Beans and Peas rather cheaper; and Oats dull at last Monday's prices. Flour is generally considered at 60s. Wheat, red CURRENT PRICES OF GRAIN. ........ ... 64s. 72s. We have every reason to believe that our Government has Old.. .... 64s. 74s. Tick Feed Oats... 46s. 475. 40s. 44s. 46s. 48s. 24s. 32s. .... 31s. 33s. 50s. 60s. Maple.. Wheat per Quarter, 65s. 0d.-Barley, 41s. 11d.-Oats, 26s. 9d.-Rye, Beef is selling this morning at 4s. 6d. to 5s. 4d. per stonefor best cattle, AN ADONIS.-I had a letter to deliver to a Bolognese nobleman, Signor Ferussini, a singular character, though a very worthy man; he was frightfully ugly and hump-backed, yet he was afflicted with the disease of supposing every woman who saw him in love with him; as he was rich, he spared no expense in adorning himself, in order to set off his charms to the best advantage. I was waiting for him one morning, when he came from his toilette, dressed in a new suit of the richest and most expensive quality-painted, patched, and made up in every possible way. He placed himself before a large mirror, and indulged himself thus:"I am handsome, young, and amiable; the women follow me, and I am healthy and rich-what on earth do I want?"-" Common sense, you rascal," said his father (who had just entered the room) in a fury, and immediately knocked him down. Even the immortal Liston might take a lesson in the ludicrous from my astonished Adonis!-Kelly's Memoirs. THE ANA OF THE STAGE. Just published, in three elegant volumes, price One Guinea, illustrated wi scarce Portraits, and many other Engravings of curious objects, DRAMATIC TABLE-TALK; or Anecdotes and Relics of Actor RICHARD RYAN, Esq. Prefaced by a Discourse on the Science of Acting and Actresses, Dramatists and Theatres, Ancient and Modern. by Talma, written expressly for this work. London: printed for Knight and Lacey, Paternoster-row; and to be had a all Booksellers. * This Work professedly contains every interesting fragment and fact conected with Dramatic History and Biography, drawn from original sources, st from scarce and expensive books, and in those respects it affords an inexhaus tible mental festival to all lovers of the Drama, and all searchers after angusing anecdotes. Just published, in 2 vols. post 8vo. price 16s. ANSELMO, a Tale of Italy; illustrative of Roman and Neapolitan Just published, in 2 vols. 8vo. price 21s. Minister of the General Police of France. Translated from the French. Second Edition, revised and corrected. FOR Colds, Coughs, Asthmas, &c.-BUTLER'S PECTORAL ELIXIR. Experience during a very long period has incontestibly proved the superior efficacy of this Medicine, in all cases of Colds, Coughs, and Asth- THE MEMOIRS of JOSEPH FOUCHE, Duke of Otranto, matic Affections. By promoting gentle expectoration, it very shortly relieves the Patient of a slight or recent Cold, and a few doses are generally sufficient to remove those which neglect has rendered more confirmed and obstinate, and which are accompanied with Cough, Spitting of Blood, and other serious symptoms. Its peculiar balsamic powers tend to heal soreness, and allay the irrita. tion of the lungs, in cases of Cough; and in Asthmatic Affections it assists and gives freedom to the Breath.-Sold in Bottles, at 1s. 14d. and 28. 9d. by Butlers, Chemists, 4 Cheapside, corner of St Paul's; and 54 Sackville street, Dublin; Savory and Co. 136 New Bond street, and 220 Regent street; and by the prin. cipal Medicine Venders throughout the United Kingdom. Of whom may be had BUTLER'S BALSAMIC LOZENGES, used in recent Coughs, Hoarseness, &c. and for rendering the Voice Clear and Flexible, and protecting its organs from the effects of exertion. In Boxes, 1s. 14d.-Be careful to ask for Butler's Pectoral Elixir. ON CANCEROUS DISEASES. OBSERVATIONS on CANCER: comprising numerous Cases of A PRACTICAL TREATISE on INDIGESTION, BILOUS, and LIVER COMPLAINTS; illustrating the nature and treatment of these very prevailing disorders. "We sincerely recommend it, and have long been convinced that such a work was imperatively called for."-London Medical Journal for September. Sold by Callow and Co. Princes street, Soho; and Simpkins, Stationer's court. Just published, in 3 vols. post 8vo. price 30s. "The narratives of which this work consists, considered merely in the light of Tales, would be entitled to the highest praise, for the skill with which they are managed, the variety of incidents, the deep interest and all the beauties of style which they display. But when to these are added, a fac-simile of geal manners, some of them new in the social world, a crowd of anecdotes, Unected with almost every eminent or remarkable character who has crossed the Alps, the opening of Roman and Neapolitan domesticities, by one who sce intimate with all their mysteries, and the occasional appearance on the scene of individuals of historical notoriety, with the solution of many political riddles hitherto left unravelled, it will be seen that these volumes possess a higher claim to public attention than that of affording amusement, and that they deserve to be read as a source of valuable instruction, the more valuable Just published, in 3 vols. 12mo. price 24s. boards, PANDURANG HARI; or Memoirs of a Hindoo. Printed for Geo. B. Whittaker, Ave Maria lane. A MOST CURIOUS AND WONDERFUL BOOK OF MYSTERIES AND Just published, in 1 large vol. handsomely bound in red cloth, price one guinea, or the Master-key of Futurity, and Guide to Ancient Mysteries: being a complete System of Occult Philosophy. By the Members of the Mercurii; Raphael, the Metropolitan Astrologer; the Editor of the Prophetic Almanack; and other sideral Artists of first-rate eminence. The seventh edition, supervised and corrected, with numerous additions, by MERLINUS ANGLICUS, jun. gent. Author of " Urania," the "Philosophical Merlin," "Sybilline Frag, London printed for Knight and Lacey, Paternoster row; Westley and Tyrrel, Dublin; and sold by all booksellers. meuts," &c. and Member of several learned societies. DR FOTHERGILL'S TONIC FEMALE PILLS.-These Pills have been in public estimation for a very considerable time, and are particularly recommended in general Debility of the Constitution, also as a safe and excellent remedy in those periodical irregularities which Females, of delicate and languid circulation, more especially the younger part, are liable to; they tend to strengthen the Organs of the Stomach, correct bad Digestion, remove Nervous Giddiness, Head-Ache, &c. &c. and as a Family Medicine will be found generally useful.-Sold in Boxes, 1s. 1d. and 28. 9d. by Butlers, Chemists, 4 Cheapside, corner of St Paul's; and 54 Sackville street, Dublin; Savory and Co, 136 New Bond street, and 220 Regent street; and by the principal Medicine Venders throughout the United Kingdom. Of whom may be had Dr FOTHERGILL'S NERVOUS DROPS, so much celebrated for their efficacy in Nervous disorders and their various distressing affections, as Oppres sion of Spirits, Head-Aches, Loss of Appetite, Indigestion, Spasms, Tremors, Fainting Fits, and Debility or Relaxation of the System. In Bottles, at 4s. 6d. 116, and 228. "If Napoleon himself either could not, or would not, disclose the secret his tory of his reign, we cannot but think that this desideratum has been in a good degree supplied by his Minister of Police, Fouché, whose Memoirs form ove d the most amusing, and, we might add, instructive works which has appeared is France since the overthrow of the Imperial Government."-" These Memoirs may be considered as a Supplement to those of Napoleon; they fill up the blanks, and throw light on the obscurities, of the Emperor's narrative." They require only to be read, to convince any one that they are the work d one who has had a principal share in the events of the Revolution, and is pa fectly acquainted with all its details."-Edinburgh Review, April 1895. London: printed for Charles Knight, Palimall East. Just published, price 68. No. I. of THE METROLITAN QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. ContentsThe Age of Folly, No. I.-A Treatise on Christian Doctrine, by John Tale of Paraguay, by Robert Southey, Esq.-Westminster Review on Educ Portugal, par M. de Marles-The Suliot Maiden's Song-A Phrenopatetic History, tion-Histoire de la Domination des Arabes et des Maures en Espagne et en being an Exercise in Somnambulism. The Troubadour, and other Poems, by L. E. L.-A Letter from Posterity to the Author of Waverly, No. I.-Strictures Memoirs of the Life of the Right Hon. R. B. Sheridan-Poetry, &c. &c. on "The Struggles of a poor Student through the University of Cambridge”— Published by W. Simpkin jand R. Marshall, Stationers' hall court, Ludgate street; J. Deighton and Sons, Cambridge; and J. Parker, Oxford. Milton-The New School of Cockneyism, No. I.-Eros and Anteros, a Tale-A In weekly Parts, royal 18mo. price ls. each, AN EMBELLISHED EDITION of TOM JONES. This Edition will be completed in Twenty-four Parts, and will form, at the conclusion, four handsome volumes, containing 12 Illustrations of the most pre minent incidents in the novel, engraved by Heath, Schiavonetti, Engleheart, Rhodes, &c. after designs by Stothard, Westall, Devis, Owen, &c. Published by Hunt and Clarke, Tavistock street, Covent garden; and by C. Chapple, Pallmall. To those persons who desire to possess a really good edition of this cele In a few days, in 2 vols. 12mo. price 9s. in boards, with a large Map, and Per- London printed for Hunt and Clarke, Tavistock street, Covent garden. For fear of mistakes, purchasers wishing to have this edition should be particular in specifying in their orders the size (duodecimo) and the names of the publishers; this being the cheapest edition published (although very neatly printed on good paper) and a new translation having been made expressly for it from the French of M. de Segur. Just published, Part I, small 8vo. price One Shilling, of A PHILOSOPHICAL DICTIONARY. French of VOLTAIRE. Translated from the This is a republication, in a form more adapted to the pecuniary means of a large body of readers, of the matter already published in six volumes. To that edition the present will be precisely similar, when completed; and it will be sold at the same price (50s. in boards) the only object of the present publication being to place a book of so much interest and information within the reach of numerous and intelligent class, who can afford the gradual purchase by a smal weekly payment, although the whole sum at once would be too heavy for their finances. A Portrait of Voltaire after the bust by Houdon, and a Viguette after Stothard, both engraved by Worthington, form a Frontispiece to Part I. A Far: will appear every week. Printed for Hunt and Clarke, Tavistock street, Covent garden. POETICAL WORKS OF THE LATE LORD BYRON. THE TWO CONCLUDING VOLUMES of the WORKS of the and accompanied by double Title-pages and Labels, so as to complete EVERY late LORD BYRON, uniform with both the octavo and foolscap Editions, EDITION of the Works now in circulation. Persons possessing Editions of the Works issued before the later Pieces were written, should, in their orders to their Booksellers to complete them, specify what Editions they have, how many volumes, and what is the last poem or play The following POEMS may be had separately, as at first published:1. The AGE of BRONZE; or Carmen Seculare et Annus haud Mirabilis. 2. The ISLAND; or Christian and his Comrades. 3. The DEFORMED TRANSFORMED; a Drama. Published by Hunt and Clarke, Tavistock street, Covent garden. MECHANICS' MAGAZINE, VOLUME IV, with a Portrait of New Editions of Vols. I, II, and III, are now on sale. London: printed by JOHN HUNT, in Broad street, Golden square, and publishel No. 928. MONDAY, NOV. 21, 1825. THE POLITICAL EXAMINER. Party is the madness of many for the gain of a few.-POPE. As an occasional attention to publications which exhibit a connexion and writer, may possibly sometimes flutter there without injury; but while even that is a question, their effect on the impartial and philosophical dealers in matters of fact, is unavoidably pernicious. When Providence gifts a nobleman with power and inclination to cultivate literature to a result, these circles may colour, but scarcely control, his mental independence; but to the man of letters whose passport to them is formed of his talents and powers of entertainment, they uniformly operate in the way of an intellectual emasculation. Like Gulliver in Lilliput, he finds his freedom of action impeded by ten thousand petty ligatures, by which he never could have been bound, but in consequence of his own previous prostration. We say this as a general position, and in reference to the nature of things, not as carping at the circles in question, which, while rank, opulence, and leisure, produce their usual consequences, cannot be other than as they are. Mr MOORE himself, in allusion to SHERIDAN, speaks of the numerous impediments which stand in the way of a cordial naturalization in this high class of "worshipful society," the reward of which is frequently little more than a power of exclaiming-" We have decided"-"In our circle"-" Among us"-and similar pleasant indications of greatness and littleness. There was something too much of the Bow-wow order in the character of thy intellectuality, Oh, Doctor SAMUEL JOHNSON! but truly thy contempt of the collar in the way of actual intercourse, and erect disregard of mere lordly condescension, will do thee eternal honour.* In the first place, then, we regret that our convictions lead us uneuivocally to assert, that for anything accomplished by the labours of Ir MOORE, a life of SHERIDAN is nearly as great a desideratum as ver. In thus observing, we do not maintain that the author has not een aided by the papers of the deceased, by a considerable portion of amily communication, and by other authentic sources of information; ve only affirm, that no adequate use has been made of them; and that must be obvious to all the world, that by far the larger share of matter of fact thus acquired, has been sunk rather than afforded. This sexactly what was to be expected from the social and party conSo much for a principal defect in this Life of SHERIDAN; but exions of Mr MOORE; not to mention the suspicions that may be we hesitate not to confess, that, with the highest respect for the airly entertained of his disposition to encounter the penalties attached talents and genius of Mr MOORE, we deem him as much out o a rigid performance of the duties of a biographer, in which the sin of his line in the character of a biographer, as the world have f omission may not unfrequently be as deceptive as that of mis- found Sir WALTER SCOTT in that of an editor. He speaks epresentation. Nor do we intend this remark to apply only to an himself of the indisposition of mankind to allow an individual to ver tender treatment of the private vices and follies of an eminent shine in opposing lines of talent, and quotes Cicero in proof of ndividual, which leniency, although often injurious at once to resem-it. We suspect the indisposition to be upon the whole the result plance and to instructive inference, may, in the instance of recent de- of experience; but whether or not, we are certainly not actuated by ease and of great public merit, be frequently pardonable. Our protest it when we say that the tendencies of the poetical temperament of oes further, and even to the extent of asserting, that in regard to by Mr MOORE involuntarily influence his manner; and we would hazard ar the most curious and interesting part of the versatile career of a wager, that his work contains as many sparkling similes as the Iliad. SHERIDAN, the publication before us affords little or nothing. Of that Now it must not be imagined we contend that narration or reflection gay and laughing period, for instance, wherein he so signally united the of any kind may not be thus illustrated, and that advantageously; Characters of Falstaff and of the fides Achates to the PRINCE of but, in truth, Mr MOORE introduces them as over-plenteously as WALES, we scarcely acquire any information, although it is impossible Sancho did his proverbs; and it is not the real beauty and elegance o deny that much both of the public and private conduct of SHE- of the majority of them that can do away their poetical effect upon RIDAN (then only about thirty) took its future hue from that intimacy. the matter of fact with which they are connected. Similes may emWe are indulged, indeed, with a few barren particulars relative to bellish, and amuse the fancy of the reader, but they never inform; he political and party movements of Carlton House, which everybody and the essence of biography is information, and the reflection proknew before, and which, although necessary to record in a memoir of duced by it. It assists study of character by a deduction of principles SHERIDAN, are precisely what everybody has long since ceased to care and cardinal rules from a detail of facts and of conduct; and if for. We are aware of what will be said of delicacy, prudence, the something short of philosophic powers will frequently suffice in its sacred privacy of exalted rank, and similar matters, all of which go composition, it is quite certain that the style of handling should be with us for nothing. Such considerations may legitimately prevent a very sparing of figure and of appeals to imagination in the way of prudent and sensitive person from writing a life which involves them, artificial ornament and prettinesses, even if formed of gems of undebut, if written, can form no excuse for an omission of what has done niable polish and sparkle. This by the way, and because, considering much towards giving that life a great portion of its essential dis- the interest of the work, it is very remarkable in a writer of such general experience as Mr MOORE. In itself the wit is rich, and everybody knows that Mr MOORE abounds in it. The best part of the work is that which treats of the literary character of SHERIDAN, and exhibits and criticises the fragments of intended productions, and the rude outlines and preparatory sketches of those which he completed. Here the biographer is in his element, and happily, considering the careless habits of the man, the remains of this description are abundant. The light which they throw upon the character of hiз mental powers at first sight appears paradoxical and contradictory, but a little further consideration will rapidly reconcile the fact and the appearance. Having stated thus much, however, we will now diverge into a little consideration of the general character of SHERIDAN himself, reserving whatever we may have further to remark upon his biography, for appropriate introduction in the course of our observations. tinctions. Such is our primary objection to Mr MoORE as a biographer, and we may add, that his disposal of the MS. of Lord BYRON had previously shown him to be very deficient in the nerve necessary for that sound species of life writing, which, without indulging mere prurient or gossiping curiosity, shrinks not from dealing with all the facts which are necessary to give a due resemblance to the portraiture. To any thing short of this, we prefer the formal Eloges of the French, which avowedly dealing only in the fine traits and characteristics of deceased eminence, leave us to acquire the reverse of the picture from other sources. In this case, no one is deceived, because the nature and intention of the composition is well known. Not so in a professed life, the events of which are passed over as the prophet crossed the river Jordan, here and there, with a fearful or finical avoidance of all encounter with the genuine current of the stream. In such instances profession and performance are at variance, and the publication is not what it assumes to be. We know that in the case of Mr MOORE, this shrinkingness is altogether undebased by sordid considerations connected with gain, to which, independently of the known fact, it is obvious that his tender handling is also unfavourable. But other feelings and predilections will sometimes stand in the way of adequate performance, as much as money-getting, and such are party connections and the too often dear-bought privilege of dangling in noble and brilliant drawing-rooms. The wit, the poet, and the imaginative in his newspaper. * Attending to the usual operation of rank and opulence on the literary character, it is amusing to attend to the assuming gambols of a certain crew, who pretend to the enjoyment of their countenance and hospitality. In the text, we advert only to the sins of omission, which it may produce; in respect to the animals in question, it extends to the rascalities which it may lead them to perform. We scarcely need dwell upon the services of a conspicuous leader among this blessed fraternity; the buffoon of the Lords and Ladies Sneerwell at their tables their Snake Attending therefore, in the first place, to the literary complexion of marriages; and in the meagre sketch afforded of his domes the mind of SHERIDAN, we suspect that, owing both to connexion" whereabout," nothing is more amusing than the detail of the go and inclination, it was early formed on a course of light dramatic humour, light-heartedness, and even frolic, which distinguished ha reading, the result of which, possibly more than any other kind of social intercourse. At one time, Mr and Mrs SHERIDAN were t perusal, is to produce an aptitude for colloquial terseness, and a ten- ardently sought-for guests of the highest and most fashionable circle dency to elicit those whimsical and remote resemblances, which, a most instructive and memorable instance of the folly of all rebwhen duly condensed and crystallized in expression, may be essen- ance on the transitory countenance of those who admire because it is tially denominated wit. The dialogue of comedy, in fact, must the fashion, and make a left-handed alliance with genius chiefly to be always aim at point, either in the way of a humourous collision of amused. remark, or directly in the utterance of a portion of the character; for If the private and literary life of SHERIDAN affords subject for inwho would attend a play to hear people talk as people generally do proving consideration, an equally conspicuous lesson is supplied ty talk? Thus, for a young man to read much in this way, and to culti- his public and political career. We will not enter here into the ad vate the faculty principally displayed in it, seems an affair of course; vantages or disadvantages of parties in a state, or of the possibility or and we doubt not that the early comedy of CONGREVE was the fruit impossibility of dispensing with them. Our humbler purpose is of a juvenile reading similar to that of SHERIDAN's. It may be simply to show their operation upon one man of genius and talent in further observed of this species of wit, that it has little to do with particular, and upon others more generally, with whom he acted nature in its primitive aspect and primary associations; and conse- And here we must do Mr MOORE justice; he by no means affects t quently is generally gleaned in a town life, and from a quick observ- regard Whiggism as immaculate; and if he falls short of a severe and ance of the ever-varying hue, although eternally similar substance, of powerful examination of the aristocratical taint in its theory, and artificial society. Another circumstance attendant upon wit of this of the very artificial nature of a great part of its practice, neither doe class is, that while the habit of spontaneously producing it may he go out of his way to admire the one or conceal the other. He doe doubtless be cultivated, much more of it is the result of study and pre- more than this; he observes and dwells upon the manifest decline meditation than is generally imagined. The papers of SHERIDAN this theoretical basis of party under the wider information of the pes furnish incontrovertible proofs of this fact, and so did the Remains of ple, and of the more intimate connexion of politics with the interes BUTLER. It is curious to witness, in both instances, a thought after- and practical views, than with the mere speculative opinions, tastes, wards most successfully employed, twisted and twined into various and passions of mankind. We gladly pay this tribute to Mr MOOEL, shapes upon paper, ere with lapidary skill it be polished and placed although his frankness is alloyed by some small wit and covert insto glitter in its final destination. Both the dramas and the speeches nuation on the subject of Parliamentary Reform, which he teaches of SHERIDAN, it now appears, were formed in this elaborate manner, to believe was never espoused much more than lip deep either by Mr although, in regard to the latter, habit and experience soon added the SHERIDAN or Mr Fox. We may also add on the laudatory side of power of spontaneous reply. The learning of a man, when he pos- the question, that the portion of Mr MOORE's book which details the sesses a quick recollective faculty in an adequate degree, undoubtedly entry of the former into public life, is frank and instructive. In alluaugments his wit, by increasing his associations, as in the case of sion to a constellation of bright and gay-witted men, of whom SHERIBUTLER; but we suspect that the habit of mind which detects remote DAN was about to form a part, he observes-and we fully agree with and contingent resemblances is peculiarly self-formed, and compara-him-" that for wit, social powers, and literary accomplishments, the tively independent of external culture. Thus the actual acquirements political men of the period under consideration formed such an assen and even information of SHERIDAN were very bounded; and he seems blage as it would be flattery to say that our own times can parallel to have owed nearly everything to an inborn strength of understand-To accurately account for a superiority of this nature at any give ing, a rapid power of combination, and that sound sort of good taste, time, is not always possible; but we again opine with our author, the chief ingredient of which is good sense. Looking at every part that the intervention of the French Revolution did much to alter t of his literature, his oratory, and even of his public conduct (allowing predispositions which lead to this sort of pre-eminence. The higher for the theory on which he acted) and his quick sense of the proper classes, he observes, assumed "an increased reserve of manner, and and befitting seems seldom to have failed him. His plays, as pro- of course imposed a proportionate restraint on all within their circle: duced, show a regular improvement of every first conception; his which (circumstances) have been fatal to conviviality and humour. speeches in Parliament, and especially his famous orations against and not very propitious to wit,-subduing both manners and conver HASTINGS, are eminent displays of judgment and brilliant adaptation; sation to a polished level, to rise above which is often thought almos and in the instances where he abandoned his party, the public and as vulgar as to sink below it."+ Such was not the case when SHEE after days have very conspicuously sided with him. How melancholy that in his private conduct alone the monitor should have proved and others were impracticable, he always took refuge in it, and advised "Aware," says Mr MOORE," that the wild schemes of CARTWRIGHT powerless! But did it fail? Not as a monitor, we will venture to his friends to do the same. Whenever any one,' he would say,' pr assert; man, however, is not a being of pure reason, but a creature of poses to you a specific plan of reform, always say that you are for Annal passions and of habits, and, physically speaking, more especially at Parliaments and Universal Suffrage; then you are safe.' He also took the mercy of the latter. Where SHERIDAN first acquired his Circean evident delight in referring to a jest of BURKE, who said there had arisen propensities, we know not; but it is well known in what company a new set of Reformers still more orthodox than the rest, who thought they grew into tyrants, and transformed a highly-gifted, and, in many Annual Parliaments far from being sufficiently free; and who, founding noble senses, a highly honourable man, into a powerless slave to the themselves on the latter words of the statute of EDWARD III. that a Pirwine cup, a weak dependant on the fumes of the last night's debauch,liament should be holden every year, once and more often if need be I were known by the denomination of Oftener-if-need-be's.' Fer to the destruction of all regularity, all consecutive action and intention, part,' he would add, I am an Oftener-if-need-be." Now this is not all government of his private affairs,-in short, of everything but of MOORE's own wit, but his manner of quoting it is quite conclusive, Ant splendid isolated efforts, for which the soul would occasionally muster does this gentleman really think, that petty crackers of this descript up its native energy, only once more to sink, clogged and enthralled, will, as Benedict says, flout men out of their conviction; or that the into a bondage, from which a final release, after a captivity of long broad and holy principle, that all men ought to be politically connecti standing, is nearly as hopeless as from that place in which DANTE by adequate representation, will cower to such puny sarcasm? We informs us that they who enter must leave hope eternally behind. aware-who is not?-of the extent of power and influence opposed to th principle; but we also know that an auxiliary is in progress, that w allude to the diffusion of sound information, the effect of which, in de ultimately bear it triumphantly through" twenty times such stop." W. time, will be like the rushing of mighty waters. There is a class of tiles who already feel this by instinct, and seem to anticipate its ultion approach like their brethren of the mud of Nile. But enough upon this ungracious theme, to which, beyond a mere advertence, we are not called by any duty; nor, as we said before, do we think that anything beyond a brief but adequate record of the fact and its consequences necessary anywhere; but, in truth, the whole of the private life of SHERIDAN is very slightly skimmed over, and especially in regard to the latter part of the existence of his first wife, Nothing can better either describe or account for the morgue that is a female who seems to have united in herself the most bewitching for some time been so prevalent, and of which the "mighty mothe feminine attractions of mind, person, and accomplishments. SHERI-Dullness herself might have been deemed the fashion-monger. Bai DAN indeed appears to have been singularly fortunate in both his Which is seldom the case; and hence the rarity of the union of wit and great learning, which, however, when it does take place, as in the instances of BUTLER and PORSON, is always unusually racy. In general, however, the memory of deep learning, although often profound, is unwieldy, and as it were unsorted. SPENSER allegorises Memory as an old man, and Recollection as a skipping page, employed to bring him what he wants: in the learned case to which we allude, the boy, in reaching for a small article, is always in danger of bringing down the contents of the whole shelf upon his head. wit and social sparkle can be voted vulgar, because occasionally deng tory to the distinctions of the Herald's Office, and practised by Nobl knows who," it is to be hoped that the assumption of the existing to of modish manners may pass away for the same reason; for nothing be more ridiculous than much of the imitation, both in practice and paper. This, after all, is only a revived affectation, being as old ad age of Elizabeth, when to be melancholy and gentlemanly was i fashion among the gallants and cavalieros of the day. If ever SoLe was right in regard to the paucity of novelty, it is in reference to the sions and vanities, the permutations among which are much more boudd than people imagine. DAN became one of a body of wits and politicians, possessed of qua- From such a school, it must be always recollected that SHERIDAN was introduced into political life; and we repeat, that, consistently with his own theory, he acted, under the pressure of very narrow circumstances, with a degree of tenacious honour, and even lofty integrity, of which there are not many examples. There is no great merit in men of ample fortune, or high connection, resisting the blandishments of power and emoluments of office, in obedience to the law of party honour or genuine principle; but it is far otherwise with needy men of political speculation and adventure like SHERIDAN, to whom success is almost absolutely necessary. Yet he never swerved from the point of honour or principle; and even when the state of the party and his own determination in respect to the mutiny at the Nore, and a secession from parliamentary attendance, might have countenanced a retreat, while he partially acted upon his own views and convictions, he never abandoned his colleagues. Even when his conduct in the mutiny affair so highly pleased the late King, that a message was sent to him that there was a disposition to bestow any favour upon him which it was consistent with his feelings to accept, and, at the same time, a lucrative post was absolutely offered for THOMAS SHERIDAN, he declined the proffered favour. He had differed from his party, but would not desert it, and not only so, would accept of nothing that could imply a doubt of his firmness. Nay, in all that Mr MOORE has communicated, we gather nothing against SHERIDAN, but that he withheld some intimation of a favourable change of disposition, on the part of the REGENT, to the Lords GREY and GRENVILLE, at a critical moment, and thereby produced the retention in office of PERCEVAL. See his "Short Account of a Short Administration," that called the Rockingham. + The Whig party wrecked several small retainers of this description, many of whom exhibited a high degree of personal honour in their fidelity. For years, a reliance on Carlton House possibly kept them together. What says SWIFT? "The kingly prophet well evinces, "That we should put no trust in princes." + SHERIDAN evidently mistook the extent of his own influence with the Prince at the time in question, as also of his relative importance, either with or without the implied degree of favour. The arrival of a long-desired period seems to have dazzled him. He paid the usual heavy tax, too, which is levied from all who cultivate Royal friendships, as may be seen by a very extraordinary piece of epistolary flattery addressed by him to his then patron, in explanation of some misconceived conduct of his. This letter Mr MOORE supplies; and it affords a sad example of mental prostitution, HUBER says, that Royalty is developed The probability appears to be, that SHERIDAN, who had always opposed a junction with the GRENVILLES, had been treated with hauteur in that quarter, and had become disgusted at some of the shadowy substitutes for principle in regard to the acceptance of office, on which this second coalition was determined to stake itself, the silly affair of the REGENT's choice of his own Vice-Chamberlain, we believe. We cannot be disposed to deride sacrifices to principles, be they what they may; but the solemnity with which this and similar points have been erected into a sine qua non by aristocratical politicians, has been often exceedingly ridiculous, considering how much pliability and compromise have been manifested in other directions. It is possibly one of the most usual errors of bounded spirits, to substitute accidents for essences, and to think that Astolpho's mule is the very best mule in the world, a long time after he is dead: but, in truth, some of the later Whig points smack exceedingly of this flavour, and more than one mention of the Lords GREY and GRENVILLE in conjunction, have reminded us of the sympathetic movements of the two kings of Brentford, both in the pleasant manifestation of mock dignity, and of real unimportance. To the last, however, SHERIDAN pursued the point of honour with his brother Whigs, and even refused to be brought into Parliament by the REGENT, because he would not be suspected of a mercenary conversion. We cannot well describe our feelings in regard to this once brilliant man, when we contemplate this tenacity in the midst of pecuniary distress of every kind. Never, certainly, was a life in its afflictive close more pregnant with melancholy instruction. The companion for years of a Prince, then become a powerful King-the eloquent and effective member of a widely extended party for half his lifetime-the idol of social and witty circles nearly the whole of itwe witness this companion, this orator, and this wit, who had grasped at and secured popularity and admiration in nearly all quarters, left, a prey to the most harassing species of misery and endurance in his latter days-abandoned nearly by all but a few sympathetic private friends, forming a small but honourable exception to the numerous herd who had once hailed him as associate and companion. We will not pretend to say that his private irregularities might not naturally circumscribe his circle of valuable acquaintance; but there is an extreme in this reverse which is outrageous, and in respect to certain quarters, altogether disgraceful. And then his substantial pecuniary imprudence has been much exaggerated; for after all his carelessness and disregard of minor points, RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN, who began life without fortune, and adventured largely in the most hazardous of all property, died, owing an amount of debt which did not exceed 5,500l. a sum which a stock-exchange defendant would laugh -a sum scarcely more than half that which a MELVILLE would give no account of, and a STEELE and a VILLIERS almost with impunity abstract,-a sum for which, if a ruler would be scarcely defensible in robbing the Exchequer, he would at least be justified in deducting from the decoration of a drawing-room.* But the lesson has been sealed, and the recorded picture of an almost violated deathbed will stand in eternal memorial of lofty heartlessness and fashionable apathy. It will profit more than one kind of student,—the aspiring adherent of party on the mere strength of native ability and transient and fluctuating favour,-the man of self-enjoyment and great social powers, who, in the Epicurean elegance of the assembly and the banquet, at once wastes his energies and debases his habits,— and lastly, the calm enquirer of every class, to whom it cannot but be beneficial to learn, that it is not the possession of the highest talents that alone leads to the most favourable consequences, either in regard to temporary or lasting reputation; but that the most exalted capabilities require a portion of self-command, which can never be safely neglected. The record of successful genius is not extensive, but it would be almost illimitable, had the presence of this one thing needful attended all the instances which its absence has rendered nugatory. This, after all, has not exactly been the case with SHERIDAN; but a consideration of what he was, in reference to what he might have been, renders his life probably a more conspicuous illustration of this humble moral, than most that could be selected. It sounds lowly, but, after all, BURNS was as right in his doctrine, as wrong in his practice: at, among bees by a peculiar course of feeding, consisting principally of a larger quantity of honey. We suspect that Royalty among men owes much of its essence to similar luscious provender. SHERIDAN-the grave rogue-was never so much his own Joseph Surface as on this occasion. * It seems that, contrary to what has usually been supposed, SHERIDAN taxed his friends very little in the way of loan, except in the article of coach-hire. It was an infatuated neglect of all business and all compn. tation, the result also of the bottle, which so much involved him. His carelessness frequently led to false demands and second payments, which he never disputed; and such was his mistaken sense of gentility, neither would he allow others to dispute them for him. |