THE LOST ONE-A STARRY DREAM.

rebel's indignant rejoinder—“I have a mind of my own, and will

act as I please !" On an evening of exquisite beauty, a dreamer went forth to

At this speech all the stars in the heavens became outrageous ; muse. The sun had just fallen beneath the horizon, arraying all were contending that each had as good a riglat to exchange his attendant clouds in purple and gold, as he retired ; night and places with the polar as the rebel herself

. Confusion and uproar day were harmoniously blending together, and the winds were

ensued—the stars were dancing in the firmament, for they were sleeping on the bosom of ocean, except a gentle zephyr, which preparing to make a general rush to secure the honourable station tripped with fairy foot over the dewy flowers. The moon had not the polar began to tremble, not merely for its own safety, but yet risen, but the soft radiance which a thousand stars threw over lest the visible frame of creation should return to chaos ; when the earth, and the delicious and refreshing air, all combined order was suddenly restored, and the pause, as contrasted with together to give the evening a talismanic effect over the tender the previous clamour, became truly "expressive silence.” A emotions of the heart. “Ah!” he esclaimed, “well do colossal figure was seen standing as if with “ one foot on the sea, remember rushing on such a night as this to yonder green knoll, and another on the land;" from his eyes there glanced a light so that I might behold the twilight melting into night, and watch

effulgent, that the stars became dim at his presence ; he stretched the stars stepping out into the firmament, until the heavens were in a glow. Ohi hours of silent peace, of serenity undisturbed, For a few moments none dared to speak : but the rebellious star,

out his right hand, and demanded the cause of the commotion. ye will never, never return! The freshness and the vigour of

recovering her courage, stated the cause of her discontent, and those feelings have passed for ever away, and I am a prey to petitioned to exchange places, for a time at least, with the polar. pride, to ambition, to anxiety of mind ! ” He paused, as the moon peeped over a distant hill, and then, in an ecstacy, he its position, while the other stars urged their claims, and the

The polar immediately declared its determination to maintain stretched out his hands, as if in prayer to the Deity who “sitteth in the circle of the heavens, and the inhabitants of the figure again waved his right hand-silence profound once more

confusion and uproar once more became general. The majestic earth are accounted as grasshoppers before him.” Palace lights of heaven! Thousands of the dwellers in “popu. her to be content with her position ; pointed out the evils which

prevailed—while he addressed the refractory luminary, exhorting lous cities pent” may pass their lives untouched by the silent would ensue, both to herself and others, if she persisted in the lessons which ye teach ; but in all ages there have been hearts in

unreasonable demand, and then inquired if she were willing to which ye kindle the poetic fire, and in whose souls ye awaken a

submit, and resume her appointed duties. A distinct “No!" holy, a celestial feeling, which carries them up from the sluggish

was heard echoing along the vault of heaven : the question was ness of earth, and bears them away into a “region of invisibles," again repeated, and the negative was given in a louder and a which the eye and heart of the dull and vulgar mind can neither former tone : a third time, and a third time it was given fiercer see nor understand.

and firmer than before. All now gazed with indescribable inte. “How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!

rest on the awful interrogator : he looked upwards; seemed to Sit, Jessica : look how the floor of heaven

breathe a prayer; then casting a look “more in sorrow than in Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold! There's not the smallest orb which thou behold'st,

anger" towards the refractory one, pronounced her doom. But in his motion like an angel sings,

thou blotted from the map of heaven, and let another and a more Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubim:

obedient occupy thy stead !” Like a flash of lightning she fell Such harmony is in immortal souls."

into the gulf beneath, and her brightness was instantly quenched The dreamer had sat down to indulge his feelings for a few in its dark waters. moments, and to rest himself. Overcome by fatigue, he dropped

“A star is gone! a star is gone! asleep, and a dream came over him. He thought he beheld the

There is a blank in heaven! stars so well known as the Plough, or the Churl's Wain, in high

One of the cherub-quire has done commotion. They no longer moved in their calm, and bright,

His aery course this even. and stilly career; and sounds were heard, which were totally out of chord with the “ music of the spheres." Louder and louder

si He sat upon the orb of fire

That hung for ages there, grew the sounds, and every luminary in heaven became interested

And lent his music to the quire in the contention. One of the Seven Sisters was envious of the

That haunts the nightly air. popularity of the Pole Star; it would no longer endure that it should continue to be “the observed of all observers,” or that it

“ Hear how his angel brothers mournshould remain, night after night, the “pivot of the universe,”

The minstrels of the spheres !

Each chiming sadly in his turn, gaziug, in lazy and lordly majesty, at the host which regularly

And dropping splendid tears. revolved around it. Nothing would satisfy the rebel but that the pole-star and it should exchange places ; while the polar deter

“ The planetary sisters all mined to maintain its position, and seemed to glare defiance at its

Join in the fatal song, foe. One little, modest star whispered, “ Sister, if we refuse to

And weep their hapless brother's fall,

Who sang with them so long. revolve as usual, the harmony of the creation will be disturbed we shall derange the established order of things."

“ From the deep chambers of the dome, “ Pooh, poob,” sharply retorted the angry and envious luminary,

Where sleepless Uriel lies, " who cares for the established order of things--I will do as I

His rude harmonic thunders come, please!"

Mingled with mighty sighs. “ We ought to be content with the station in which we have

“ The thousand car-born cherubim, been all placed, and not attempt to chalk out systems and places

The wandering cleven, for ourselves," still persevered the little adviser.

All join to chant the dirge of him, " Who taught you to regulate my opinions ?" again was the

Who just now fell from heaven!"

" Be

a

a

66

placed the box with the magic powder in his girdle, and having THE STORY OF THE CALIPH STORK.

directed his train to remain behind, he set out alone with his CHASID, Caliph at Bagdad, sat comfortably upon his sofa, on a Grand Vizier. They went first through the spacious gardens of beautiful afternoon. He had slept a little, for it was a hot day, the Caliph, and looked around, but in vain, for some living thing, and he seemed very cheerful after his nap. He smoked from a that they might try their trick. The Vizier at last proposed that long pipe of rose-wood, sipped now and then a little coffee, which they should go farther on, to a pond, where he had often seen a slave poured out for him, and stroked his beard each time con- many of those animals called storks, which, by their grave tentedly, as though he relished it greatly. It was plain, in short, appearance, and their continual clacking, had always excited his that the Caliph was in a good humour. About this hour, one

attention. could very easily speak with him, for he was always then very The Caliph approved the proposal of his Vizier, and they went mild and atfable ; on which account, it was the custom of his together to the pond. When they had arrived there, they saw a Grand Vizier, Manzor, to visit him every day about this time. stork walking gravely up and down, looking for frogs, and now He came indeed, on this afternoon, but he seemed thoughtful, and then clacking away something to himself. At the same time which was very unusual with him. The Caliph took his pipe a they saw also, far above in the air, another stork, hovering over little from his mouth, and said, “ Grand Vizier, why is thy counte- the place. nance so troubled ?"

“I wager my beard, most gracious master," said the Grand The Grand Vizier crossed his arms over his breast, bowed him. Vizier, " that these two long-footed fellows are about carrying on self before his lord, and answered, "My lord, whether my counte- a fine conversation with one another. What if we should become nance is troubled, I cannot say; but below the castle there stands storks?" a mercbant, who has such fine wares, that I am vexed, because I “ Well said !” replied the Caliph. " But first let us consider, have so little money to spare.'

once more, how we are to become men again. True! three times The Caliph, who, for a long time past, had desired to confer a must we bend toward the east, and say, Mutabor; then I am favour upon his Grand Vizier, despatched his black slave to bring Caliph again, and thou Vizier. But for heaven's sake do not up the merchant. The slave soon returned with him. The mer- laughi, or we are lost !" ebant was a little stout man, with a dark brown face, and in ragged While the Caliph was thus speaking, he saw the other stors attire. He carried a chest, in which he had various kinds of hover over their heads, and slowly descend toward the earth. He wares ; pearls and rings, richly inlaid pistols, goblets and combs.drew the box quickly from his girdle, took a good pinch, offered The Caliph and his Vizier looked them all over, and the former it to the Grand Vizier, who also snuffed it, and both called out, purchased, at last, some beautiful pistols for himself and Manzor, “ Mutabor!" and a comb for the wife of the Vizier. As the merchant was

Their legs then shrivelled up, and became thin and red ; the about to pack up his chest again, the Caliph espied a little drawer, beautiful yellow slippers of the Caliph and of his companion were and asked, whether there was also merchandise in that. The changed into ill-shapen storks' feet; their arms were turned into merchant drew out the drawer, and showed therein a box filled wings; their necks were lengthened out from their shoulders, and with a blackish powder, and a paper with strange writing upon it, became a yard long; their beards had disappeared, and their which neither the Caliph nor Manzor could read. “I received bodies were covered with soft feathers. these things from a merchant, who found them in the streets of 6. You have a beautiful beak,” said the Caliph, after a long Mecca," said he. “I know not what they contain. They are at

pause of astonishment. • By the beard of the Prophet!- I have your service for a trifling price, for I can do nothing with them.”

never seen anything like it in my life !" The Caliph, who liked to have old manuscripts in his library, even “I thank you most humbly,” returned the Grand Vizier, while if he could not read them, purchased box and writing, and dis- he made his obeisance; “ but if it were permitted, I might assert missed the merchant. But it occurred to the Caliph, that he that your highness looks even more handsome as a stork, than as would like to know the meaning of the writing, and he inquired of a Caliph. But come, if it please you, let us listen to our comrades the Vizier whether he knew any one who could decipher it. yonder, and find out whether we actually understand the storkish “ Most worthy lord and master," answered the latter, " near the language." great mosque, there dwells a man who understands all languages ; In the meanwhile, the other stork had reached the ground. he is called Selim the Wise ;' send for him ; perhaps he can He trimmed his feet with his beak, put his feathers in order, and interpret these mysterious characters."

advanced to his companion. The two new storks hastened to The learned Selim was soon brought. “Selim," said the Caliph, get near them, and, to their surprise, overheard the following “they say thou art very learned ; peep now into this writing, to conversation : see whether thou canst read it; if thou canst, thou shalt bave a “Good morning, Lady Longlegs! Already so early upon the rich new garment; if thou canst not, thou shalt have twelve blows meadow ?” upon the ear, and five-and-twenty upon the soles of the feet ; for “ Thank you, dear Clatterbeak! I have had only a slight breakin that case, thou art without the right to be called • Selim the fast. You would like, perhaps, a piece of a duck, or the leg of Wise.'"

Selim bowed himself and said, “Thy will be done, my lord.”' For a long time he considered the writing, then suddenly “ Much obliged, but I have no appetite to-day. I have come exclaimed, “That is Latin, my lord; or may I be hanged ! upon the meadow for a very different purpose. I am to dance “Say what it means,

," commanded the Caliph, “if it be Latin.” Selim commenced to translate : "Oh man, thou who findest here a little quietly by myself."

to-day before some guests of my father's, and I wish to practise this, praise Allah for his goodness! Whoever snuffs of the pow- The young stork immediately jumped about the field with sin. der of this box, and says thereupon, . Mutabor,' will have the gular motions. The Caliph and Manzor looked on with wonder; power to change himself into any animal, and will understand also but as she stood in a picturesque attitude upon one foot, and the language of animals. If he wishes again to return to his futtered her wings gracefully, they could no longer contain themhuman form, he must bow himself three times toward the east, selves; an irresistible laughter burst forth from their beaks, from and repeat the same word; but beware, when thou art transformed, which they could not recover themselves for a long time. The that thou langhest not, otherwise the magic word will disappear Caliph first collected himself. completely from thy memory, and thou wilt remain a beast.'

“That was a joke, now,” he exclaimed, that is not to be When Selim the Wise had read this, the Caliph was delighted purchased with gold ! Pity that the foolish animals have been beyond measure. He made the sage swear that he would disclose frightened away by our laughter ; otherwise, perhaps, they might the secret to no one, presented him with a rich garment, and dis- even have sung !" missed him. But to his Grand Vizier he said : “ That I call a

But now occurred to the Vizier that laughter had been forgood purchase, Manzor. I can scarcely restrain my delight, until bidden them during their transformation. He imparted his anxiety I am a beast. Early to-morrow morning come thou hither ; we to the Caliph. “Odds, Mecca and Medina! It would be a bad will go together into the field, snuff a little out of my box, and joke, if I must remain a stork! Bethink thyself of that stupid then listen to what is said in the air, and in the water, in the wood word; I cannot bring it out.” and in the field.”

“ Three times must we bow toward the east, and then say, Mu, On the following morning, the Caliph had scarcely breakfasted, mu, muand dressed himself, when the Grand Vizier appeared to accom- They turned toward the east, and bowed and bowed, so that pany him upon his walk, as he had commanded. The Caliph their beaks almost touched the earth; but alas ! the magic word

had escaped them. However often the Caliph bowed himself, and * From the Knickerbocker, New-York Magazine.

however anxiously the Vizier called out thereupon, “ Mu, mu,"—

a frog?"

a

all recollection of it had vanished, and the poor Chasid and his Owl begged him to relate it. The Caliph commenced, and repeated Vizier remained storks.

what we already know. Mournfully wandered the enchanted ones through the fields. When the Caliph had related to the Owl his history, she thanked They knew not what they should do in their distress. They him, and said, “ Hear also my story, and learn that I am not less could not rid themselves of their stork's skin ; they could not unhappy than thou. My father is king of India. I, his only unreturn to the city to make themselves known, for who would have happy daughter, am called Lusa. That magician Cachnur, who believed a stork, if he said he was the Caliph ?-and even if they has enchanted you, has also plunged me into this misery. He should believe it, the inhabitants of Bagdad would not have a stork came one day to my father, and desired me for a wife to his son. for their Caliph.

But my father, who is a quick-tempered man, ordered him to be Thus they wandered around for several days, and nourished pashed down the stairs. The wretch contrived to approach me themselves sorrowfully with the fruits of the field, which they under another form ; and once, when I would take refreshments could not eat very conveniently, on account of their long beaks. in my garden, he brought to me, in the babit of a slave, a draught For ducks and frogs they had no appetite ; they were afraid that which transformed me into this frightful shape. Powerless from with such morsels they might fatally disorder their stomachs. It fright, he brought me hither, and cried, with a dreadful voice, in was their only pleasure, in this sad condition, that they could fly, my ears, “Here shalt thou remain, hateful, despised even by the and so they often flew upon the roofs of Bagdad, to see what beasts, until thy death, or until some one, with free will, shall passed in the city.

desire thee for his wife, even in this horrible shape. Thus I. During the first days, they remarked great disorder and mourn- revenge myself upon thee and thy proud father!' ing in the streets ; but about the fourth day after their trans- “ Since then, many months have flown away. Solitary and disformation, as they sat upon the Caliph's palace, they saw in the consolate, I inhabit these walls as a hermitess. Scorned by the street below a splendid procession. The drums and fifes sounded; world, a horror even to the beasts ; beautiful nature is locked a man in a scarlet mantle, embroidered with gold, rode a richly up from me, for I am blind by day, and only when the moon caparisoned steed, surrounded by a brilliant train of attendants. pours her pale light over these ruins does the veil fall from my Half Bagdad leaped to meet him, and all cried, “Hail, Mirza, lord eyes." of Bagdad !” The two storks upon the roof of the palace looked The Owl ended, and wiped the tears again from her eyes ; for at one another, and the Caliph said, “ Canst thou now divine, the relation of her sorrows bad drawn them forth anew. Grand Vizier, wherefore I am enchanted ? This Mirza is the son During the relation of the princess, the Caliph appeared sunk of my deadly enemy, the mighty magician, Cachnur, who in an in deep thought. “If everything does not deceive me," he said, evil hour swore revenge upon me.

But still I will not give up “there is a secret connection between our fates ; but where shall hope. Come with me, thou true companion of my misfortune! | I find the key to this riddle ?" The Owl answered him, " Oh, We will wander to the grave of the Prophet. Perhaps upon that my lord ! I also have such a thought, for it was once prophesied holy spot this spell will vanish." They soared from the roof of to me, in my earliest youth, that a stork would bring me great the palace, and few toward Medina.

happiness; and I may know, perhaps, how we can be rescued." But flying was not such an easy matter to them, for the two The Caliph was much astonished, and asked her in what way storks had as yet had little practice. “Oh, my lord !" sighed she meant. forth the Grand Vizier, after a few hours ; "with your permission, “ The magician who has made us both miserable," said she, I can stand it no longer; you fly altogether too fast. Besides, it comes once in every month to these ruins. Not far from this is now evening, and we should do well to seek a shelter for the chamber is a hall. There he is accustomed to feast with many of nighi."

his companions. I have often listened there already. They relate Chasid yielded to the prayer of his Vizier ; and, as they at this then to one another their shameful deeds ; perchance they may moment perceived a ruin in the valley below, they flew thither. pronounce the magic word which you have forgotten." The place in which they had taken refuge for the night seemed “Oh, dearest princess !” exclaimed the Caliph ; "tell me, when formerly to have been a castle. Beautiful columns overtopped the comes he -- where is the hall ?" ruins, and several chambers, which were still in a tolerable state The Owl was silent for a moment, and then spake, “Take it of preservation, gave evidence of the former splendour of the hot ungraciously, but only upon one condition can your wish be building. Chasid and his companion wandered through the pas- gratified.”' sages, to find a dry spot for themselves. Suddenly the stork Speak out ! speak out !” cried the Caliph ; "command ! I Manzor stopped. My lord and master," he whispered softly, will obey in anything." “if it were not folly in a Grand Vizier, and still more in a stork, “ It is this; I also would gladly be free, and this can only to be afraid of spirits, I should feel much alarmed, for something happen if one of you offer me his hand.". near by has sighed and groaned very audibly.'

The storks seemed somewhat confused at this proposition, and The Caliph stond still also, and heard very distinctly a low the Caliph made a sign to his follower to withdraw for a moment weeping, that seemed rather to come from a human being, than with him. from an animal. Full of expectation, he was about to advance “Grand Vizier!” said the Caliph, as they closed the door toward the place from whence the sounds of lamentation pro- behind them, “this is a stupid business—but you could take ceeded, when the Vizier seized him by the wing with his beak, and her." begged bim earnestly not to plunge into new and unknown dangers. “So that my wife should tear out my eyes, when I return But in vain! The Caliph, who bore a brave heart under his home !" said the other. • Besides, I am old man, while you stork's wing, tore himself loose, with the loss of some of his are young and unmarried, and ought willingly to give your hand feathers, and hastened into a dark passage-way. He soon arrived to a young and beautiful princess." at a door, which seemed to be partly open, and through which he " That is just the thing," sighed the Caliph, while he sadly overheard distinct sighs, with a slight moaning. In the ruined drooped his wings ; “ who tells you that she is young and beauti. chamber, which was but scantily lighted by a small grated window, ful?' It is buying a cat in a bag." he perceived a large night owl seated upon the floor. Big tears They talked for a long time together, but at last, when the rolled from her large round eyes, and with a hoarse voice she sent Caliph saw that his Vizier would rather remain a stork than marry forth her lamentations from her curved beak. As soon, however, the Owl, be resolved to fulfil the condition himself. The Owl as she spied the Caliph and his Vizier, who also had stalked was overjoyed. She told them that they could not have come at thither, she gave a loud scream of joy. Gracefully she wiped the a better time, for probably the musicians would assemble that tears from her eyes with her brown spotted wing, and, to the very night. great astonishment of both, she exclaimed, in good human Arabic, She left the chamber, accompanied by the storks, in order to "Welcome, ye storks ! Ye are a good sigo of my rescue ; for it lead them to the hall. They walked for a long time through a has been prophesied to me, that by a stork I shall arrive to great dark passage-way, when, at last, a bright light beamed upon thera happiness

from an opening in a half-ruined wall. When they had arrived When the Caliph had recovered from his astonishment, he bowed thither, the Owl advised them to keep themselves perfectly quiet. with his long neck, brought his thin feet into a handsome position, From the fissure near which they stood they had a good view of and said, " Night Owl! from thy words I may conclude that thou the large hall. It was adorned round about with pillars, and art a companion in suffering. But alas ! the hope that thou wilt splendidly decorated. In the middle of the hall stood a circular be rescued by us is vain : thou wilt thyself perceive our help- table, covered with various rare viands; around the table was lessness, when thou shalt have heard our history.” The Night placed a sofa, upon which sat eight men. In one of these men

a

the storks recognised the merchant who had sold them the magic

A JOURNEY WITH THE JEWS FROM BRODY TO powder. The one who sat next him desired him to recount his

ODESSA. latest exploits. He related, among other things, the history of the Caliph and his Vizier.

I took my departure from Brody * at noon on the 12th of “What sort of a word hast thou given them?" inquired the August, accompanied by a young deputy facteur, attached to the other magician.

house of Messrs.

He was instructed to manage for the " A very hard Latin one ; it is ‘ Mutabor.'"

passing of my baggage at Radziewillow. On our arrival at the As the storks heard this, from their place of concealment, they barrier, which is painted with black and white streaks, and edged became almost beside themselves for joy. They ran so quickly, with red, the first objects that I remarked were two Cossacks, as with their long legs, to the door of the ruin, that the owl could sentinels on the Russian side. My facteur (or factotum) descended scarcely follow them. There the Caliph addressed the owl with from the box, and left me for a short time, whilst he went to the much emotion : “ Saviour of my life, and of the life of my friend! custom-house, close at hand. Presently the bar was raised, the as an eternal thanks for what thou hast done for us, receive me carriage passed, and behold me within the dominions of the autofor thy husband !” Then he turned himself toward the east. crat of all the Russias ! Three times the storks bent their long necks towards the sun, The value of my precaution at Dresden was now evident, for, which at this moment ascended from behind the hills; "Mulabor!" without the signature of the Russian minister to my passport, I they exclaimed; in a twinkling they were transformed, and, in the should not have been allowed to cross the frontier. delight of newly restored life, lay master and servant, laughing and I was obliged to go into the bureau to get my papers examined ; weeping in each other's arms. But who can describe their asto. my luggage was also subjected to a scrutiny :-all this was regular nishment, as they looked about them! A beautiful woman, mag- - but having been called upon by the cunning young facteur to nificently arrayed, stood before them. She gave her hand, smiling, pay a great number of silver roubles to the custom-house officers, to the Caliph. “Do you no longer recognise your Night Owl ?" I remonstrated, and was assured by him, in a mysterious tone said she.

and manner, that they were allowing me to come off very easily, It was that veritable bird! The Caliph was so enraptured with and that, but for his powerful protection, I should not only have her beauty and grace, that he exclaimed, “It is my greatest happi- been detained many hours, but have had much more to pay. I ness that I have been a stork !”

quickly perceived that the rogues were playing into each other's The three travelled now toward Bagdad together. The Caliph hands : giving them to understand, therefore, that they should not found in his clothes not only the box with the magic powder, but see any more of my money, I claimed my baggage, got into the also his purse of gold. By this means he purchased at the nearest calèche, and gave orders to be driven to the house of the director village whatever was necessary for their journey, and thus they of the post office. That gentleman was very obliging, and informed arrived soon at the gates of Bagdad. The arrival of the Caliph me that all persons who wish to travel post in Russia, must have excited the greatest wonder. They had supposed him dead, and an official permission to do so : this document called a podathe people were overjoyed to have their beloved lord again. roschna, and is granted on presentation of a passport, en règle, on

Their hate burned so much the more against the deceiver, arriving at the first civil government of Russia ; it contains a Mirza. They entered the palace, and took the old magician and designation of the number of horses required, and the place of his son prisoner. The Caliph sent the old man to that same destination. A tax of one kopek a werste F for the whole extent of chamber which the princess had inhabited as an owl, and ordered the route is paid on receiving the podaroschna. There would not him to be there hung up. But to the son, who understood none have been any difficulty as to this, in my case, but as I did not of the arts of the father, he offered the choice either to die, or speak the Russian language, and had not a servant with me who snuff. He “ was up to snuff," and chose the latter, when the did, I was advised to make an arrangement with one of the Grand Vizier offered him the box. A good pinch, and the magic Jewish horse-dealers of Radziewillow; for it was probable that I word of the Caliph, changed him into a stork. The Caliph ordered might be awkwardly situated on the wild steppes I was about to him to be shut up in an iron cage, and placed in his garden. traverse, if I could not explain myself to the Russian postilions

Long and happily lived the Caliph Chasid with his wife the and postmasters. I could understand, and make myself underprincess. His happiest hours were when the Grand Vizier visited stood by the Jews, who all speak bad German. The track usually him in the afternoon. Then they spake of their stork's adventure, followed by the Jews is shorter, by nearly a hundred werstes, than and when the Caliph was more than commonly merry, he would the regular post-road, which goes round by Dubna, &c. I took so far descend as to imitate the Grand Vizier, and show how he my leave, then, of the director, with many thanks for his polite. looked as a stork. He walked then gravely up and down the ness, and proceeded to the Hôtel de St. Petersbourg, kept by Mr. chamber, with precise step, made a clacking noise, fluttered his Jacobson, a German. arms like wings, and showed how he, to no purpose, bowed him. Having notified to the landlord my wish to make a bargain for self toward the east, and called out “ Mu-mu—." This was horses; he sent for some stable-keepers ; and in the mean time always a great delight to the princess and her children; but when my ami intime, the deputy Jew facteur, who never left my side, the Caliph too long clacked, and bowed, and cried “Mu-mu-" accompanied me to the dwelling of the agent of iny Brody friends. the Vizier would threaten, smilingly, “ that he would relate to This person, a Jew, was absent, but his wife changed my money, the wife of the Caliph the conversation which took place before paid my draft, and urged me very much to take up my abode in the door of the Princess Night Owl!”

their house for the night, knowing that I was to pay for the accommodation ; but it was my intention to be some werstes on

my road before evening; and being perfectly satisfied with the INGENIOUS EOLIAN HARP,

Hótel de St. Petersbourg, I declined this amiable invitation. BEING on the sea-shore, I heard some wind-instrument, the

The head-dress of this Jewish lady was superb, being composed harmony of which, though sometimes very correct, was intermixed of a triangular something, a tiara if you will, all glittering with with discordant notes that were by no means unpleasing. These diamonds ; I cannot pretend to say whether these jewels were of sounds, which were very musical, and formed fine cadences, the first water; they abounded, however, not only in the coiffure, seemed to come from such a distance, that I for some time ima: but

also in the immense ear-rings worn by the Israelitish matron. gined the natives were having a concert behind the roadstead, the inn, all competitors for the honour (say profil

) of conducting

On my return I found a motley group assembled in front of about six miles from the spot where I stood. My ear was greatly deceived respecting the distance, for I was not an hundred me to Odessa. Divers manoeuvres were practised to attract my yards from the instrument. It was a bamboo, at least twenty notice : several sorry-looking horses were shown off in various metres in height, which had been fixed in a vertical situation by ludicrous ways, and many a long beard was thrust into closer the sea-side. I remarked between each knot a slit; these slits contact with my cravat than I liked. At every turn I took, a formed so many holes, which, when the wind introduced itself into chin was wagging, and a pair of fiery eyes rolling at me, just as them, gave agreeable and diversified sounds. As the knots of this may be seen imitated in the plaster of Paris images that are sold long bamboo were very numerous, care had been taken to make about London streets by poor Italians. These chapten seemed holes in different directions, in order that, on whatever side the wind blew, it might always meet with some of them. I cannot Lemberg to Dubna, in Russian Poland. On account of the number of Jews

* Brody is a town in the north-east of Galicia, on the high road from convey a better idea of the sounds of this instrument, than by com.

which inhabit it, it has been nicknamed the “ German Jerusalem." paring them to those of the harmonica.-Labillardière, Voyage + Ten kopeks are equal to about two sols of France, or a penny English. in search of La Perouse.

The Russian werste is rather more than half an English mile.

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to me to be opponents at one moment, and partners at another; tleas hopped about my devoted frame, punctured my skin, sucked for, after the most violent gesticulations and symptoms of pugilism, my blood, tickled my nose, and banished sleep from my eyes. I they cooled down, consulted together, and a delegate was sent to hailed the dawn joyfully, and rushing into the open air, ran to me, as from the general body. The belligerents had, apparently, a distance from the hovel, with my enemies on my back, shook come to an understanding ; the basis of the treaty being, probably, them off with disdain, and then hastened out of their reach. to get as much from the Christian as possible, and to divide the Nothing could tempt me to re-enter my bed-room. After some spoil.

difficulty I obtained a little milk, for which slight refection, and I retreated to my chamber, and got the master of the house to my night's lodging, my impassible host charged me exorbitantly. assist me in the negotiation, which was at length brought to a We travelled thirty werstes (equal to about seventeen English conclusion, by my agreeing to give 195 paper roubles * for the miles) and halted at a village called Jampol. As the Jewish inns journey ; 100 of which I paid down, the remainder to be added, are almost all alike, I may as well describe that of Jampol. It if, on our arrival at Odessa, the other high contracting party consisted of a large shed or barn, having a gate at each end, so should have done the work properly. I stipulated for four horses, that you drive in at one entrance, and out at the other; this shed and that we should arrive at Odessa in eight days at farthest. is appropriated to the reception of horses, carriages, cattle, and Having paid my Brody deputy facteur his fee for attendance; live-stock of all descriptions. At the moment we entered, it was another facteur belonging to the hotel his fee, and various other occupied by a flock of sheep, and we had hard work to pass incidental charges, I ordered all to be ready in half an hour, which through them. On one side, close to the entrance, were two or space of time was devoted to the attainment, from the intelligent three wretched rooms, covered with filth, and swarming with Mr. Jacobson, of as much information as possible; when, all vermin. being ready, I shook hands with him, and bade him farewell. At sunset we arrived at what is called the town of Alt-Konstan

My fuhrmann, or driver, was a Jew of about forty years of age, tinon, and, to my great mortification, it was intimated to me that with a fine open countenance, and rather ruddy complexion-two there I must remain for twenty-four hours. It was Friday even. unusual attributes amongst his brethren. He wore a robe of ing,—the Sabbath had commenced, and nothing could induce my light blue stuff (not very clean), tied round the waist with a fuhrmann to move on that sacred day. I was much annoyed, worsted sash; the brim of his low-crowned hat was very broad ; and regretted exceedingly that I had not decided on travelling by and clusters of well-oiled locks fell from underneath it: his beard the Russian post. was of a respectable length.

Perhaps it was not right to attempt to prevail on the mau to The four horses ran abreast, and the whitish-looking outside break through the laws of his religion for filthy lucre. I confess animals, which were attached to two roughly-made extra splinter. that I made use of golden arguments; but, to his honour be it bars, might be compared to the studding-sails that are run out spoken, they did not weigh with him. I proposed to drive the when a vessel is going with a steady breeze before the wind. The horses myself, and that the conscientious fuhrmann should steeds were decidedly Jewish : for they had long beards, and were occupy my place in the carriage, making it his tabernacle ; but he very dirty.

was not to be tempted. Yielding, then, with a good grace, I We went off at a dashing rate. I suppose there must have took possession of a chamber on one side of the shed; the apart. been nearly a hundred Israelites assembled to witness our de- ment opposite (for this was a large inn, and there were rooms on parture. Many were the salutations as we passed ; most of them each side of the gateway,) being occupied by a Polish family of appeared to me to be of a friendly nature ; but, here and there, rank, who had arrived a short time before me, with their carriages a scowl of anger and disappointment was seen : we were soon and servants. This detention at Alt-Konstantinon gave me beyond the reach of either the well or ill-wishers. When nearly an opportunity of seeing the habits of great Polish people on out of the straggling, dusty town of Radziewillow, the horses were their journeys. I certainly felt surprised that persons of distinc. suddenly reined in, and we stopped opposite a mean habitation, tion and immense fortune could make up their minds to pass at the door of which stood a Jewess and two little children: the nights and days in these wretched places called inns, rather than, by latter were handed up to my poor fuhrmann, who embraced them ameliorating the condition of others, ensure at the same time their with much tenderness, and then delivered them carefully into the own comforts. Such, however, is the case ;- a noble, wealthy arms of their mother. I thought I saw a tear fall as he raised his family, residing within a few miles of the spot, passed the night, head, after bending him down to salute his wife, whose eyes over- and a portion of the following day, in this most disgusting habita. flowed as she bade him adieu. There was no parade-no acting. tion. The heat was intense, the odours most offensive, and The marks of mutual affection were unequivocal. We galloped immediately underneath the open windows was a pool of muddy off again. I looked through the glass at the back of the carriage, water, in which paddled and quacked a dozen of half-starved and perceived the poor woman and her children gazing after us, ducks. until a turn in the road took us out of sight. The weather was In the course of the evening I went to the synagogue, which very fine, and we travelled till midnight, when we stopped at a was held in a cottage larger than the rest. At night, lighted small dwelling at the entrance of a village called Katerimbourg. candles were placed in the windows of most of the huts ;-the This I found was to be our resting-place for the remainder of the candlesticks were of brass, and very high. The effect of this night; the spot was as silent as the grave. After knocking and illumination was not unpicturesque. calling for some time, a voice answered from within. A short On my return to my cabin, I observed that several bundles of colloquy having passed between my fuhrmann and the inmate, hay were being carried into the rooms occupied by my opposite the door was opened, and I was shown into a most miserable neighbours. Seizing a favourable opportunity, I obtained some room, totally destitute of furniture. I thought I had seen misery for myself, and, dropping down into my lonesome corner, slept as enough ; but, alas ! it was my doom to witness a good deal more. well as could be expected. Next morning it became necessary to The being who inhabited this den was a Jew of the most forbidding keep a sharp look out for a breakfast. I had brought from Brody aspect; he was of middle stature, and was clothed in a black some small loaves, which had been pretty well toasted in the cassock, fitting close to his lean carcase-so lean, that (as a friend sword-case of my carriage-indeed they were as hard as flints. of mine was wont to say of a slim gentleman of our acquaintance) The Jews would not boil an egg for me, nor lend me a pipkin in he would require stuffing to be a correct representation of the which to cook one for myself. However, after divers strict Apothecary in “ Romeo and Juliet.” His complexion was deadly researches, and waiting a long time, three cups of coffee were pale, his eyes black as jet, and constantly in motion ; his hair and brought me from a cabaret kept by a Christian. I had to pay beard were matted and neglected. He spoke but seldom, and about three shillings for this refreshment. I was much at a loss moved about with noiseless step, occasionally leaning against the how to kill time during this long sabbath.. The party which wall, and eyeing me from top to toe. I felt fatigued, and ordered occupied the other side of the inn consisted chiefly of ladies, -viz. my bed ; the creature vanished, but soon reappeared, carrying a the mother and three or four grown-up daughters. The latter quantity of hay, which he threw down in a corner of the room, were dressed in the Parisian style, and it was curious enough to shaking it up afterwards, as though a litter

were preparing for a see them, on the Saturday morning, turning out (to use a sailor's horse. I had the cushions of my carriage arranged for a pillow; expression, and I beg the ladies' pardon for so doing,) of their and, having primed my pistols, and obtained a candle to burn comfortless chambers, attired as fashionably as though they had until morning, I wrapped my cloak around me, and was left just left an elegant dressing-room. Numbers of gloomy Jews and " alone with my.glory.

Alone ! did I say? This is a mistake, Jowesses were loitering about under the shed and at the open for I had company of the most piquant description : myriads of gateway ; but, as the rising sun dispels the vapours of the morning,

so, wherever these charming Polish ladies bent their steps, the * The paper rouble is equal to tenpence English, or one franc of France. group of black cassocks moved away, like a smoky cloud, to form

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