Part 40
The popular triumph was of short duration. Scarcely had Octavia resumed her rank, when Nero, under colour of a false and infamous charge, again banished her. Never exile filled the hearts of the beholders with more affecting compassion. The first day of Octavia’s nuptials was the commencement of her funeral. She was brought under a sad and dismal roof, from whence her father and brother had been carried off by poison. Though a wife, she was treated as a slave, and now she suffered the imputation of a crime more piercing than death itself. Add to this, she was a tender girl in the twentieth year of her age, surrounded by officers and soldiery devoted to her husband’s will, and whom she viewed as sad presages of his ferocious purposes. Almost bereft of life by her fears, and yet unwilling to surrender herself to the rest of the grave, she passed the interval of a few days in unspeakable terror. At length it was announced to her that she must die; but while she implored that at least her life might be spared, and conjured Nero to remember the relationship which before marriage they had borne to each other, by descent from a revered ancestor, she only exemplified the utter inefficacy of crouching to a truculent tyrant. Her appeals were answered by the seizure of her person, and the binding of her limbs; her veins were opened, but her blood, stagnant through fear, issued slowly, and she was stifled in the steam of a boiling bath. “For this execution the senate decreed gifts and oblations to the temples; a circumstance,” says Tacitus, “which I insert with design, that whoever shall, from me or any other writer, learn the events of those calamitous times, he may hold it for granted, that as often as sentences of murder and banishment were pronounced by the prince, so often were thanksgivings by the fathers paid to the deities.” Every decree of the senate was either a new flight of flattery, or the dregs of excessive tameness and servitude.
From this moment Nero butchered without distinction all he pleased, upon any idle pretence, and after an indiscriminate slaughter of men signal in name and quality, he became possessed with a passion to hew down virtue itself. His crimes would be incredible if they were not so enormous that it is scarcely possible imagination could invent atrocities of so foul a nature. He had attained to such indulgence in bloodshed, that the dagger itself was dedicated by him in the capitol, and inscribed to _Jupiter Vindex_, Jove the Avenger. Yet to this monster one of the consuls elect proposed that a temple should be raised at the charge of the state, and consecrated to the deified Nero as to one who soared above mortality, and was therefore entitled to celestial worship. This, though designed as a compliment to the tyrant, was construed into an omen of his fate, “since to princes,” says Tacitus, “divine honours are never paid till they have finally forsaken all commerce with men,” or, in other words, have ceased to be useful to them. Suetonius relates, that somebody in conversation saying, “When I am dead let fire devour the world”--“Nay,” rejoined Nero, “let it be whilst I am living;” and then he set Rome on fire, in so barefaced a manner, that many of the consular dignitaries detected the incendiaries with torches and tow in their own houses, and dared not touch them because they were officers of Nero’s bedchamber. The fire, during six days and seven nights, consumed a prodigious number of stately buildings, the public temples, and every thing of antiquity that was remarkable and worthy of preservation. The common people were driven by this conflagration to the tombs and monuments for shelter; and Nero himself beheld the flames from a tower on the top of Mæcenas’s house, and sung a ditty on the destruction of Troy, in the dress which he used to perform in on the public stage. This atrocious want of feeling occasioned the saying--“Nero fiddled while Rome was burning.” To divert the hideousness of this crime from himself, he transferred the guilt to the Christians. To their death and torture were added cruel derision and sport; “for,” says Tacitus, “either they were disguised in the skins of savage beasts, and exposed to expire by the teeth of devouring dogs; or they were hoisted up alive and nailed to crosses; or wrapt in combustible vestments, and set up as torches, that when the day set, they might be kindled to illuminate the night.” For this tragical spectacle Nero lent his own gardens, and exhibited at the same time the public diversions of the circus, sometimes driving a chariot in person, and at intervals standing as a spectator amongst the vulgar in the habit of a charioteer; and hence towards the miserable sufferers popular commiseration arose, as for people who were doomed to perish to gratify the bloody spirit of one man. At length, while plotting new and uncommon barbarities, an insurrection broke out amongst the troops, and the senate, who had truckled to his wishes, and made him a tyrant by submitting to be slaves, took heart and issued a decree against him. He committed suicide, under circumstances of such mental imbecility, that his death was as ludicrous as his life was horrible.
1765. Dr. Edward Young, author of the “Night Thoughts,” died.
1782. Admiral Rodney defeated the French fleet under count de Grasse, in the West Indies.
1814. A general illumination in London, on three successive nights, for the termination of the war with France.
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FLORAL DIRECTORY.
Great Saxifrage. _Saxifraga crassifolia._ Dedicated to _St. Zeno_.
* * * * *
~An Epitaph.~
(_Written on a chimney-board._)
Here lie entombed THE ASHES of a BRIGHT AND SHINING GENIUS, who in his youth it is confessed discovered some sparks of a light and volatile nature, but was in maturity of a steady and a grateful disposition and diffusive benevolence. Though naturally of a warm temper, and easily stirred up, yet was he a shining example of fervent and unreserved benignity. For though he might have been the most dangerous and dreadful of enemies, yet was he the best and warmest of friends. Nor did he ever look cool even on his worst foes, though his friends too often, and shamefully indeed, turned their backs upon him. Oh! undeserving and licentious times, when such illustrious examples are wantonly made light of! Such resplendent virtue basely blown upon! Though rather a promoter of a cheerful glass in others, and somewhat given to smoking, yet was he himself never seen in liquor, which was his utter abhorrence. Raking, which ruins most constitutions, was far from spoiling his, though it often threw him into inflammatory disorders. His days, which were short, were ended by a gentle decay, his strength wasted, and his substance spent. A temporal period was put to his finite existence, which was more immediately effected by his being seized with a severe cold, and no help administered, in some of the warm days of the fatal month of May. His loss and cheerful influence are often and feelingly regretted by his sincere admirers, who erected this monument in memory of his endearing virtue, till that grateful and appointed day, when the dormant powers of his more illustrious nature shall be again called forth: When, inflamed with ardour, and with resplendence crowned, he shall again rise with songs of joy and triumph o’er the grave.
[87] Lempriere.
[88] Bayle, Art. Pericles, _note_.
[89] Dr. John Jones, “On the Truth of the Christian Religion.”
~April 13.~
Oxford and Cambridge Terms _begin_.
_St. Hermenegild_, Martyr, A. D. 586. _St. Guinoch_, about 838. _St. Caradoc_, A. D. 1124.
CHRONOLOGY.
1517. Cairo taken by the sultan Selim, who thus became sole master of Egypt.
1748. The rev. Christopher Pitt, translator of Virgil, died at Blandford in Dorsetshire, where he was born in 1699.
1814. Charles Burney, Mus.D. F.R.S. &c. author of the “History of Music,” and other works, which stamp his literary ability, and his scientific character as a musician, died at Chelsea, aged 88.
CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATION.
A good-humoured _jeu d’esprit_, intended to produce nothing but corresponding good humour in the persons whose names are mentioned, appeared in _The Times_ on the 25th of January, 1816. This being the first day of Cambridge Term, the “freshmen” who have seen recent imitations may be much amused by perusal of the original witticism.
_Parody of a Cambridge Examination._
UTOPIA UNIVERSITY.
UNDECEMBER 9657.
1. Give a comparative sketch of the principal English theatres, with the dates of their erection, and the names of the most eminent candle-snuffers at each. What were the stage-boxes? What were the offices of prompter--ballet-master--and scene-shifter? In what part of the theatre was the one-shilling gallery? Distinguish accurately between operas and puppet-shows.
2. Where was Downing-street? Who was prime-minister when Cribb defeated Molineux--and where did the battle take place? Explain the terms milling--fibbing--cross buttock--neck and crop--bang up--and--prime.
3. Give the dates of all the parliaments from their first institution to the period of the hard frost on the Thames. In what month of what year was Mr. Abbot elected Speaker? Why was he called “_the little man in the wig_?” When the Speaker was out of the chair, where was the mace put?
4. Enumerate the principal houses of call in and about London, marking those of the Taylors, Bricklayers, and Shoemakers, and stating from what Brewery each house was supplied with Brown Stout. Who was the tutelary Saint of the Shoemakers? At what time was his feast celebrated? Who was Saint Swithin? Do you remember any remarkable English proverb respecting him?
5. Give a ground plan of Gilead-house. Mention the leading topics of the Guide to Health, with some account of the Anti-Impetigines--Daffy’s Elixir--Blaine’s Distemper Powders--Ching’s Worm Lozenges--and Hooper’s Female Pills.
6. Give characters of Wat Tyler, Jack Cade, and sir Francis Burdett. Did the latter return from the Tower by water or land? On what occasion did Mr. Lethbridge’s “hair stand on _ind_”? Correct the solecism, and give the reason of your alteration.
7. Enumerate the roads on which double toll was taken on the Sundays. Did this custom extend to Christmas-day and Good Friday? Who was toll-taker at Tyburn, when Mrs. Brownrigg was executed?
8. Distinguish accurately between Sculls and Oars--Boat, and Punt--Jack-ass, and Donkey--Gauger, Exciseman, and Supervisor--Pantaloons, Trowsers, Gaiters, and Over-alls.--At what place of education were any of these forbidden? Which? and Why?
9. Express the following words in the Lancashire, Derbyshire, London, and Exmoor dialects--Bacon--Poker--You--I--Doctor--and Turnpike-gate.
10. Mention the principal Coach Inns in London, with a correct list of the Coaches which set out from the Bolt-in-Tun. Where were the chief stands of Hackney Coaches?--and what was the No. of that in which the Princess Charlotte drove to Connaught-house? To what stand do you suppose this removed after it set her down?
11. Give a succinct account, with dates, of the following persons--Belcher--Mr. Waithman--Major Cartwright--Martin Van Butchell--and Edmund Henry Barker.
12. Draw a Map of the Thames with the surrounding country, marking particularly Wapping, Blackwall, Richmond, and the Isle of Dogs. Distinguish between Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Newcastle-under-Line--Gloucester and Double Gloucester--and the two Richmonds. What celebrated teacher flourished at one of them?--and who were his most eminent disciples?
13. What were the various sorts of paper in use amongst the English? To what purpose was _whited-brown_ chiefly applied? What was size? Distinguish between this and college Sizings, and state the ordinary expense of papering a room.
14. “For every one knows little _Matt’s_ an M.P.” Frag. Com. Inc. ap. Morn. Chron. vol. 59, p. 1624.
What reasons can you assign for the general knowledge of this fact? Detail at length, the ceremony of chairing a Member. What were the Hustings? Who paid for them? Explain the abbreviations--Matt. M.P.--Tom--Dick--F.R.S.--L.L.D.--and A.S.S.
15. What was the distinguishing title of the Mayors of London? Did any other city share the honour? Give a list of the Mayors of London from Sir Richard Whittington to Sir William Curtis, with an account of the Cat of the first, and the Weight of the last. What is meant by Lord Mayor’s day? Describe the _Apothecaries_’ Barge, and give some account of Marrow-bones and Cleavers.
16. When was Spyring and Marsden’s Lemon Acid invented? Distinguish between this and Essential Salt of Lemons. Enumerate the principal Patentees, especially those of Liquid Blacking.
17. Scan the following lines--
But for shaving and tooth-drawing, Bleeding, cabbaging and sawing, Dicky Gossip, Dicky Gossip is the man!
What is known of the character and history of Dicky Gossip?
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FLORAL DIRECTORY.
Green Narcisse. _Narcissus Viridiflorus._ Dedicated to _St. Hermenigild_.
~April 14.~
_Sts. Tiburtius_, _Valerian_, and _Maximus_, A. D. 229. _Sts. Carpus_, Bishop, _Papylus_, and _Agathodorus_, A. D. 251. _Sts. Antony_, _John_, and _Eustachius_, A. D. 1342. _St. Benezet_, or _Little Bennet_, A. D. 1184. _B. Lidwina_, or _Lydwid_, A. D. 1433.
CHRONOLOGY.
1471. The battle of Barnet was fought in the wars between the houses of York and Lancaster, and the earl of Warwick, called “the king-maker,” was slain on the field.
1685. Thomas Otway, the dramatic poet, died, at a public-house in the Minories, of want, by swallowing bread too eagerly which he had received in charity.
1759. George Frederick Handel, the illustrious musician, died. He was born at Halle, in Saxony, in 1684.
1793. Tobago, in the West Indies, taken by the English.
1809. Beilby Porteus, bishop of London, died at Fulham, aged 78.
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FLORAL DIRECTORY.
Borage. _Borago Officinalis._ Dedicated to _St. Lidwina_.
THE SEASON.
The Floral appearances of the year are accurately described by Dr. Forster in his “Perennial Calendar.” He says, “In order to ascertain the varieties in the seasons, as indicated by the flowering of plants, we ought to become accurately acquainted with their natural periods, and the average time of flowering which belongs to each species. I have of late made an artificial division of the seasons of different plants into six distinct periods, to each of which respectively a certain number of species belong. Dividing then the reign of the goddess of blooms into six principal portions, we shall begin with the first in the order of phenomena. The Primaveral Flora may be said to commence with the first breaking of the frost before February; it comprehends the snowdrop, the crocus, the coltsfoot, all the tribe of daffodils, narcissi, jonquils, and hyacinths, the primrose, cyclamen, heartsease, violet, cowslip, crown imperial, and many others. The Equinox being also past, and the leaves beginning to bud forth amidst a display of blossoms on the trees, another period may be said to begin, and May ushers in the Vernal Flora, with tulips, peonies, ranunculi, monkey poppy, goatsbeards, and others: at this time, the fields are bespangled with the golden yellow of the crowfoot, or blue with the harebells. The whole bosom of earth seems spread with a beautiful carpet, to soften the path of Flora, at this delicious season. By and bye, towards the middle of June, the approach of the Solstice is marked by another set of flowers; and the scarlet lychnis, the various poppies, the lilies and roses, may be said to constitute the Solstitial Flora. As the year declines, the Aestival Flora, corresponding to the Vernal, paints the garish eyes of the dog-days with sunflowers, China asters, tropoeoli, African marigolds, and other plants which love heat. The Autumnal Flora, answering to the Primaveral, then introduces Michaelmas daisies, starworts, and other late blowing plants, with their companions, fungi and mushrooms, till at length bleak winter shows only a few hellebores, aconites, and mosses, belonging to the Hibernal Flora of this dreary season. Thus, in this our temperate climate, have we a round of botanical amusements all the year, and the botanist can never want for sources of recreation. How different must be the order of phenomena about the poles of the earth, where summer and winter are synonymous with day and night, of which Kirke White has given us a very fine description:--
_On the North Pole._
Where the North Pole, in moody solitude, Spreads her huge tracts and frozen wastes around, There ice rock piled aloft, in order rude, Form a gigantic hall; where never sound Startled dull Silence’ ear, save when, profound The smoke frost muttered: there drear Cold for aye Thrones him,--and fixed on his primæval mound, Ruin, the giant, sits; while stern Dismay Stalks like some woe-struck man along the desert way.
In that drear spot, grim Desolation’s lair, No sweet remain of life encheers the sight; The dancing heart’s blood in an instant there Would freeze to marble, Mingling day and night, (Sweet interchange which makes our labours light,) Are there unknown; while in the summer skies, The sun rolls ceaseless round his heavenly height, Nor ever sets till from the scene he flies, And leaves the long bleak night of half the year to rise.”
~April 15.~
_St. Peter Gonzales_, or _Telm_, or _Elm_, A. D. 1246. _Sts. Basilissa_ and _Anastasia_, 1st Cent. _St. Paternus_, Bishop, or _Patier_, _Pair_, or _Foix_, 6th Cent. _St. Munde_, Abbot, A. D. 962. _St. Ruadhan_, A. D. 584.
NATURAL HISTORY.
_Average day of arrival of Spring Birds from a Twenty years’ Journal._
April 3. Smallest Willow Wren. _Ficaria pinetorum_ arrives.
April 10. Common Willow Wren. _Ficaria Salicum_ arrives.
April 14. Called _First Cuckoo Day_ in Sussex. The Cuckoo, _cuculus canorus_, sometimes heard.
April 15. Called _Swallow Day_. The Chimney Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_, arrives.
April 19. The Sand Swallow. _Hirundo riparia_ arrives.
April 20. The Martin. _Hirundo terbica_ sometimes seen.
April 21. The Cuckoo, commonly heard.
April 30. The Martin, commonly seen.
The other vernal birds arrive between the 15th and 30th of the month.[90]
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FLORAL DIRECTORY.
Green Stitchwort. _Stellaria holostea._ Dedicated to _St. Peter Gonzales_.
AN APRIL DAY.
_Original._
Dear Emma, on that infant brow, Say, why does disappointment low’r? Ah! what a silly girl art thou, To weep to see a summer show’r!
O, dry that unavailing tear, The promis’d visit you shall pay; The sky will soon again be clear, For ’tis, my love, an April day.
And see, the sun’s returning light Away the transient clouds hath driv’n, The rainbow’s arch with colours bright Spreads o’er the blue expanse of heav’n;
The storm is hush’d, the winds are still, A balmy fragrance fills the air; Nor sound is heard, save some clear rill Meandering thro’ the vallies fair.
Those vernal show’rs that from on high Descend, make earth more fresh and green; Those clouds that darken all the air Disperse, and leave it more serene
And those soft tears that for awhile Down sorrow’s faded cheek may roll, Shall sparkle thro’ a radiant smile, And speak the sunshine of the soul!
While yet thy mind is young and pure, This sacred truth, this precept learn-- That He who bids thee all endure, Bids sorrow fly, and hope return.
His chast’ning hand will never break The heart that trusts in Him alone; He never, never will forsake The meanest suppliant at his throne.
The world, that with unfeeling pride Sees vice to virtue oft preferr’d, From thee, alas! may turn aside-- O, shun the fawning, flatt’ring herd!
And while th’ Eternal gives thee health With joy thy daily course to run, Let wretches hoard their useless wealth, And Heav’n’s mysterious will be done.
With fair Religion, woo content, ’Twill bid tempestuous passions cease; And know, my child, the life that’s spent In pray’r and praise, must end in peace.
The dream of Life is quickly past, A little while we linger here; And tho’ the Morn be overcast, The Ev’ning may be bright and clear.
_Islington._
D. G.
_An Evening in Spring._
Now the noon, Wearied with sultry toil, declines and falls Into the mellow eve:--the west puts on Her gorgeous beauties--palaces and halls And towers, all carved of the unstable cloud Welcome the calmy waning monarch--he Sinks gently ’midst that glorious canopy Down on his couch of rest--even like a proud King of the earth--the ocean.
_Bowring._
[90] _Communicated_ by a scientific gentleman, whose daily observations and researches in Natural History, stamp value upon his contributions.
~April 16.~
_Eighteen Martyrs of Saragossa_, and _St. Encratis_, or _Engratia_, A. D. 304. _St. Turibius_, Bp. 420. _St. Fructuosus_, Abp. A. D. 665. _St. Druon_, or _Drugo_, A. D. 1186. _St. Joachim_ of Sienna, A. D. 1305. _St. Mans_, or _Magnus_, A. D. 1104.
“_The Venerable_ BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE, _Who died in the odour of sanctity_, On the 16th of April, 1783.”
If such a creature as the _venerable_ B. J. Labre can be called a man, he was one of the silliest that ever lived to creep and whine, and one of the dirtiest that ever “died in the odour of sanctity;” and yet, for the edification of the English, his life is translated from the French “by the rev. M. James Barnard, ex-president of the English college at Lisbon and Vicar General of the London district.”