Part 89
Buchanan, in his dungeon of a monastery in Portugal, composed his excellent Paraphrases on the Psalms of David.
Pelisson, during five years' confinement for some state affairs, pursued with ardour his studies in the Greek language, in philosophy, and particularly in theology, and produced several good compositions.
Michael Cervantes composed the best and most agreeable book in the Spanish language, during his captivity in Barbary.
Fleta, a well-known and very excellent little law production, was written by a person confined in the fleet prison for debt, but whose name has not been preserved.
Louis XII. when he was Duke of Orleans, being taken prisoner at the battle of St. Aubin, was long confined in the tower of Bourges, and applying himself to his studies, which he had hitherto neglected, he became, in consequence, an able and enlightened monarch.
Margaret, Queen of Henry IV. King of France, confined in the Louvre, pursued very warmly the study of elegant literature, and composed a very skilful apology for the irregularities of her conduct.
Charles I. during his cruel confinement at Holmsby, wrote that excellent book, entitled The Portrait of a King, which he addressed to his son, and where the political reflections will be found not unworthy of Tacitus. This work, however, has been attributed, by his enemies, to a Dr. Gowden, who was incapable of writing a single paragraph of it.
Queen Elizabeth, while confined by her sister Mary, wrote some very charming poems, which we do not find she ever could equal after her enlargement: and Mary Queen of Scots, during her long imprisonment by Elizabeth, produced many beautiful poetic compositions.
SINGULAR CUSTOM ANNUALLY OBSERVED BY THE COMPANY OF STATIONERS.--On the annual aquatic procession of the Lord Mayor of London to Westminster, the barge of the Company of Stationers, which is usually the first in the show, proceeds to Lambeth palace, where for time immemorial they have received a present of sixteen bottles of the Archbishop's prime wine. This custom originated at the beginning of the last century. When archbishop Tenison enjoyed the see, a very near relation of his, who happened to be master of the Stationers' Company, thought it a compliment to call there in full state, and in his barge: when the archbishop was informed that the number of the company within the barge was thirty-two, he thought that a pint of wine for each would not be disagreeable; and ordered, at the same time, that a sufficient quantity of new bread and old cheese, with plenty of strong ale, should be given to the watermen and attendants: and from that accidental circumstance it has grown into a settled custom. The Company, in return, presents to the Archbishop a copy of the several almanacks which they have the peculiar privilege of publishing.
BOOK OF SPORTS.--A book, or declaration, drawn up by bishop Morton, in the reign of king James I. to encourage recreations and sports on the Lord's day. It was to this effect: "That for his good people's recreation, his majesty's pleasure was, that, after the end of divine service, they should not be disturbed, letted, or discouraged, from any lawful recreations; such as dancing, either of men or women; archery for men; leaping, vaulting, or any such harmless recreations; nor having of may-games, whitsun-ales, or morrice-dances; or setting up of may-poles, or other sports therewith used, so as the same may be had in due and convenient time, without impediment or let of divine service; and that women should have leave to carry rushes to the church for the decorating of it, according to their old customs: withal prohibiting all unlawful games to be used on Sundays only; as bear-bating, bull-bating, interludes, and at all times (in the meaner sort of people prohibited) bowling." Two or three restraints were annexed to the declaration, which deserve notice:--1. No recusant (i. e. papist) was to have the benefit of this declaration. 2. Nor such as were not present at the whole of divine service. 3. Nor such as did not keep to their own parish churches, that is, puritans.
This declaration was ordered to be read in all the parishes of Lancashire, which abounded with papists; and Wilson adds, that it was to have been read in all the churches of England, but that archbishop Abbot, being at Croydon, flatly forbade its being read there. In the reign of king Charles I. archbishop Laud put the king upon republishing this declaration, which was accordingly done. The court had their balls, masquerades, and plays, on the Sunday evenings; while the youth of the country were at their morrice-dances, may-games, church and clerk ales, and all such kind of revelling. The severe pressing of this declaration made sad havock among the puritans, as it was to be read in the churches. Many poor clergymen strained their consciences in submission to their superiors. Some, after publishing, immediately read the fourth commandment to the people:--"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy:" adding, "This is the law of God;" the other, "The injunction of man." Some put it upon their curates; whilst great numbers absolutely refused to comply: the consequence of which was, that several clergymen were actually suspended for not reading it.
ORIGIN OF CARDS.--About the year 1390, cards were invented, to divert Charles VI. then king of France, who was fallen into a melancholy disposition.
That they were not in use before, appears highly probable, 1st. Because no cards are to be seen in any paintings, sculpture, tapestry, &c. more ancient than the preceding period, but are represented in many works of ingenuity since that age.
2dly. No prohibitions relative to cards, by the king's edicts, are mentioned, although, some few years before, a most severe one was published, forbidding by name, all manner of sports and pastimes, in order that the subjects might exercise themselves in shooting with bows and arrows, and be in a condition to oppose the English. Now it is not to be presumed, that so luring a game as cards would have been omitted in the enumeration, had they been in use.
3dly. In all the ecclesiastical canons prior to the said time, there occurs no mention of cards; although, twenty years after that date, card-playing was interdicted by the clergy, by a Gallican synod. About the same time is found, in the account book of the king's cofferer, the following charge:--"Paid for a pack of painted leaves bought for the king's amusement, three livres." Printing and stamping being then not discovered, the cards were painted, which made them so dear. Thence, in the above synodical canons, they are called _gillæ pictæ_, painted little leaves.
4thly. About thirty years after this, came a severe edict against cards in France; and another by Emanuel, duke of Savoy; only permitting the ladies this pastime, _pro spinulis_, for pins and needles.
Of their design.--The inventor proposed, by the figures of the four suits, or colours, as the French call them, to represent the four states, or classes, of men in the kingdom.
By the _Cæsars_ (Hearts) are meant the _gens de choeur_, choir men, or ecclesiastics; and therefore the Spaniards, who certainly received the use of cards from the French, have _copas_, or chalices, instead of hearts.
The nobility, or prime military part of the kingdom, are represented by the ends or points of lances or pikes; and our ignorance of the meaning or resemblance of the figure induced us to call them Spades. The Spaniards have _espaces_ (swords) in lieu of pikes, which is of similar import.
By Diamonds, are designed the order of citizens, merchants, and tradesmen, _carreaux_ (square stone tiles or the like.) The Spaniards have a coin _dineros_, which answered to it; and the Dutch call the French word _carreaux stieneen_, stones and diamonds, from their form.
_Treste_, the trefoil leaf, or clover-grass (corruptly called Clubs) alludes to the husbandmen and peasants. How this suit came to be called clubs is not explained, unless, borrowing the game from the Spaniards, who have _bastos_ (staves or clubs) instead of the trefoil, we gave the Spanish signification to the French figure.
The history of the four Kings, which the French in drollery sometimes call the cards, is _David_, _Alexander_, _Cæsar_, and _Charles_, (which names were then, and still are, on the French cards.) These respectable names represent the four celebrated monarchies of the Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Franks under Charlemagne.
By the Queens are intended _Argine_, _Esther_, _Judith_, and _Pallas_, (names retained in French cards,) typical of birth, piety, fortitude, and wisdom, the qualifications residing in each person. Argine is an anagram for _Regina_, queen by descent.
By the Knaves were designed the servants to knights (for knave originally meant only servant; and in an old translation of the Bible, St. Paul is called the knave of Christ) but French pages and valets, now indiscriminately used by various orders of persons, were formerly only allowed to persons of quality, esquires, (_escuiers_,) shield or armour-bearers.
Others fancy that the knights themselves were designed by those cards, because _Hogier_ and _Lahire_, two names on the French cards, were famous knights at the time cards were supposed to be invented.
EXPLANATION OF ALL THE LETTERS ON A GUINEA.--The Inscription on a Guinea runs thus:--GEORGIUS III. DEI GRATIA, M. B. F. ET H. REX, F. D. B. ET L. D. S. R. I. A. T. ET E.
That is,--Georgius Tertius, Dei Gratia, Magnæ Brittanniæ, Franciæ et Hiberniæ Rex, Fidei Defensor, Brunswicii et Lunenburgi Dux, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi-Thesaurarius et Elector.
In English,--George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, Arch-Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire.
CHAP. LXXXII.
CURIOSITIES OF LITERATURE.--(_Concluded._)
_Curious Address to the late Queen Charlotte--Quaint Lines on Queen Elizabeth--Curious Names adopted in the Civil Wars--Curious Extracts from the Will of an Earl of Pembroke--Curious Letter from Pomare, King of Otaheite, to the Missionary Society--Curious Love Letter and Answer--Creeds of the Jews--The Unbeliever's Creed--Explanation of the Terms "Whig" and "Tory."_
CURIOUS ADDRESS TO THE LATE QUEEN CHARLOTTE.
"The Address of the Burgomaster, Magistrates, and Citizens of Strelitz, to her Royal Highness the Most Illustrious Princess Sophia Charlotte, Duchess of Mecklenburgh, Princess of Wenden, Schrouin, and Piotzburgh, and Countess of Schwerin, and the countries of Rostock and Slangard, on her leaving the Territories of the said City in her Way to England, as the Royal Bride of his Most Illustrious Majesty George the Third, King of Great Britain, &c. &c. Aug. 27, 1761.
"Illustrious Dutchess, most gracious Princess and Lady; your Royal Highness is at present leaving that country whose happiness it has hitherto been to admire you, the model of a perfect Princess; you leave it to share with the greatest monarch in Europe, a throne respected through every part of the universe. The instant is at hand when your Royal Highness will for ever be withdrawn from our eyes: but it affects us the more sensibly, from the apprehension that the many great and brilliant objects, with which you will henceforth be connected, will efface so small a place as ours from your inestimable remembrance. Yet that goodness which we have hitherto with transport admired in your Royal Highness, revives our spirits; it assures us, that you will ever from the throne condescend graciously to look back on our town; and continue the patroness of those whose happiness it is to be the subjects of your illustrious Family. We, therefore, in full confidence, give ourselves up to that lively joy excited in us all, on the glorious union to which the Divine Providence has called your Royal Highness, and beg leave to accompany you with our most cordial wishes for your safe journey and continual welfare and prosperity. May the Eternal Ruler of all things, who has appointed this great event, make your Royal Highness the most perfect instance of felicity, the delight of that Royal Family into which you are now entering, the joy of Britain, and the glory of the illustrious Mecklenburg! May our illustrious Sovereign, the beloved Adolphus Frederic, long, and in all earthly happiness, together with his faithful and happy subjects, rejoice in these felicities! Your Royal Highness will graciously permit that Twelve of our Daughters, here present in the attire of innocence, may, as a memorial of this fortunate event, second the ardent sentiments of their Fathers, and in artless words, most humbly wish you a safe and pleasant journey:--
_Eleonora Dorothea Maria Bentghoven._
Hail Princess! with each shining virtue bright, All pure within, without all glorious light, Whose form divine, whose goodness we adore; Heaven bless thy parting from the German shore!
_Christiana Juliana Elizabeth Berendsden._
As Consort of a mighty Monarch shine, Restore the honour of an ancient line; For this thy coming, Britain's King invites, For this he calls to Hymen's soft delights.
_Dorothea Elizabeth Tetlington._
Thy soul with each divinest virtue fraught, Thy wisdom perfect, both in word and thought; Each British bosom shall with rapture fire, And faction sleep whilst gazing crowds admire.
_Sophia Elizabeth Gradhandlan._
When seated by thy royal Consort's side, New lustre he shall gain from such a Bride; Her worth shall grace the sacred nuptial ties, And Britain's throne in dignity shall rise.
_Carolina Henrietta Tangate._
O God! whose mercies through the world abound, Whose power supports the King thy hand has crown'd, Waft o'er the main the Bride's transcendent charms, In safety to the Bridegroom's longing arms.
_Dorothea Gaven._
May she, with each endearing art possest, To pleasure ever soothe the Monarch's breast! May all the royal virtues of her heart, To faithful subjects joy sincere impart!
_Anna Maria Elizabeth Christen._
Britons, rejoice, receive with loud acclaim Sophia Charlotte, ever dear to fame; Delight of Mecklenburg! she comes to shower On Britain's isle new blessings every hour.
_Madalen Elizabeth Colterjahn._
Thrice happy Bride! who soon shall cross the main, Whom to behold again we wish in vain; May happiness increasing with thee dwell, To every age may fame thy glory tell!
_Christiana Sophia Sealon._
From Ganges to where Mississippi flows, Diffusing wealth and plenty as it goes; From Senegal, still scorch'd by Phoebus' beams, To where St. Lawrence rolls his silver streams, Proclaim Britannia's bliss the world around, From pole to pole, to earth's remotest bound.
_Christiana Elizabeth Phoelen._
It's wish auspicious Flavel hastes to bring, For fair Charlotta and his Britain's King; On Britain's isle all blessing he implores, And rolls his friendly wave to Albion's shores.
_Dorothea Christiana Elizabeth Rexsehen._
Beneath the Lord's anointed may she thrive, Still may his influence keep the palm alive, Still may it flourish, branches still extend, Afford us shelter, and from heat defend.
_Catharine Sophia Bertrowen._
Nought can our brothers' ardent zeal restrain, Fain would they tempt with thee the roaring main; Permit them, Queen, thy person to be near, That of thy safety tidings we may hear.
_Chorus._
Yet for one favour more we must apply, But little can these barren tracts supply; Permit us, since both gold and pearls you scorn, Your royal brows with myrtle to adorn!"
QUAINT LINES ON QUEEN ELIZABETH.--Queen Elizabeth, who died at Greenwich, was brought thence to Whitehall by water, in a grand procession. On this occasion, as Camden informs us, the following quaint lines were written:--
"The Queen was brought by water to Whitehall; At every stroke the oars did tears let fall; More clung about the barge; fish under water Wept out their eyes of pearl, and swam blind after. I think the bargemen might, with easier thighs, Have row'd her thither in her people's eyes; For howsoe'er, thus much my thoughts have scann'd, She had come by water, had she come by land."
CURIOUS NAMES ADOPTED IN THE CIVIL WARS.--A curious style of naming individuals was exceedingly common in the time of the civil wars. It was said that the genealogy of our Saviour might be learned from the names in Cromwell's regiments. The muster-master used no other list than the first chapter of Matthew.
A Jury was returned in the county of Sussex of the following names:
_Accepted_ Trevor, of Horsham. _Redeemed_ Compton, of Battle. _Faint-not_ Hewet, of Heathfield. _Make-peace_ Heaton, of Hare. _God-reward_ Smart, of Fivehurst. _Stand-fast-on-high_ Stringer, of Crowhurst. _Earth_ Adams, of Warbleton. _Called_ Lower, of Warbleton. _Kill-sin_ Pimple, of Witham. _Return_ Spelman, of Watling. _Be-faithful_ Joiner, of Britling. _Fly-debate_ Robert, of Britling. _Fight-the-good-fight-of-faith_ White, of Emer. _More-fruit_ Fowler, of East Hadley. _Hope-for_ Bending, of East Hadley. _Graceful_ Harding, of Lewes. _Weep-not_ Billings, of Lewes. _Meek_ Brewer, of Okeham.
A noted character in those days was a divine of the name of _Praise-God Barebone_. He is little known as a divine, but is celebrated for having been an active member in Cromwell's parliament, and indeed for giving a name to it which is yet preserved in history. Praise-God Barebone had two brothers, namely, _Christ-came-into-the-world-to-save Barebone_, and _If-Christ-had-not-died-thou-hadst-been-damned Barebone_: some are said to have omitted the former part of the latter name, and to have called him only "Damned Barebone."
The reader will be amused with the following CURIOUS EXTRACTS FROM THE WILL OF AN EARL OF PEMBROKE.
"_Imprimis._--For my soul; I confess I have heard very much of souls, but what they are, or whom they are, or what they are for, God knows, I know not: they tell me now of another world, where I never was, nor do I know one foot of the way thither. While the king stood, I was of his religion, made my son wear a cassock, and thought to make him a bishop, but then came the Scots, and made me a Presbyterian; and since Cromwell entered, I have been an Independent. These, I believe, are the kingdom's three estates; and if any of these can save a soul, I may claim one; therefore if my executors do find I have a soul, I give it to him who gave it me.
"_Item._--I give my body, for I cannot keep it, to be buried. Do not lay me in the church-porch, for I was a Lord, and would not be buried where Colonel Pride was born.
"_Item._--My will is, that I have no monument, for then I must have epitaphs and verses, and all my life long I have had too much of them.
"_Item._--I give all my deer to the Earl of Salisbury, who I know will preserve them, because he denied the king a buck out of one of his own parks.
"_Item._--I give nothing to the Lord Say; which legacy I give him, because I know he will bestow it on the poor.
"_Item._-To Tom May I give five shillings: I intended him more: but whoever has seen his history of the parliament, thinks five shillings too much.
"_Item._--I give Lieutenant General Cromwell one word of mine, because hitherto he never kept his own.
"_Item._--I give up the ghost, _concordat cum originati_."
CURIOUS LETTER FROM POMARE, KING OF OTAHEITE, TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
(Translation.)
_Matavae, Otaheite, Jan. 1, 1807._
FRIENDS,
I wish you every blessing, friends, in your residence in your country, with success in teaching this bad land, this foolish land, this wicked land, this land which is ignorant of good, this land that knoweth not the true God, this regardless land.
Friends, I wish you health and prosperity; may I also live, and may Jehovah save us all!
Friends, with respect to your letter you wrote to me, I have this to say to you, that your business with me, and your wishes, I fully consent to, and shall consequently banish Ore (his chief idol) and send him to Racatea.
Friends, I do therefore believe and shall obey your word.
Friends, I hope you also will consent to my request, which is this; I wish you to send a great number of men, women, and children, here.
Friends, send also property and cloth for us, and we also will adopt English customs.
Friends, send also plenty of muskets and powder, for wars are frequent in our country:--should I be killed, you will have nothing in Tahete; do not come here when I am dead. Tahete is a regardless country; and should I die with sickness, do not come here. This also I wish, that you would send me all the curious things that you have in England: also send me every thing necessary for writing; paper, ink, and pens, in abundance; let no writing utensil be wanting.
Friends, I have done, and have nothing at all more to ask you for: as for your desire to instruct Tahete, 'tis what I fully acquiesce in. 'Tis a common thing for people not to understand at first; but your object is good, and I fully consent to it; and shall cast off all evil customs.
What I say is truth, and no lie; it is the real truth.
This is all I have to write. I have done. Friends, write to me, that I may know what you have to say. I wish you life and every blessing. May I also live, and Jehovah save us all!
POMARE, King of Tahete, &c. &c.
_For my Friends, the Missionary Society, London._
CURIOUS LOVE LETTER.
Madam,--Most worthy of estimation! After long consideration, and much meditation, on the great reputation you possess in the nation, I have a strong inclination to become your relation. On your approbation of this declaration, I shall make preparation to remove my situation, to a more convenient station, to profess my admiration; and if such oblation is worthy of observation, and can obtain commiseration, it will be an aggrandization beyond all calculation of the joy and exultation,
Of your's, SANS DISSIMULATION.
THE ANSWER.
Sir,--I perused your oration with much deliberation, and a little consternation, at the great infatuation of your imagination, to shew such veneration on so slight a foundation. But after examination and much serious contemplation, I supposed your animation was the fruit of recreation, or had sprung from ostentation, to display your education, by an odd enumeration, or rather multiplication, of words of the same termination, though of great variation in each respective signification.
Now without disputation, your laborious application in so tedious an occupation, deserves commemoration, and thinking imitation a sufficient gratification, I am, without hesitation,
Your's, MARY MODERATION.
CREEDS OF THE JEWS.--The following piece is transcribed from the Common Prayer now in use among the Jews, and is entitled the Thirteen Creeds. It will give some idea of the theoretic branch of religion now prevailing among this singular people.
1. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, that God is the Creator of all things; that he doth guide and support all creatures; that he alone has made every thing; and that he still acts, and will act, during the whole eternity.
2. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, that God is one; there is no unity like his: he alone hath been, and shall be eternally, our God.
3. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, that God is not corporeal; he cannot have any material properties; and no corporeal essence can be compared with him.
4. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, that God is the beginning and end of all things.
5. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, that God alone ought to be worshipped, and none but he ought to be adored.
6. I believe, with a firm and perfect faith, whatever hath been taught by the Prophets.