The above adventure is one very commonly reported of the late Marquis of Londonderry; and is given on the authority of a gentleman, to whom that nobleman himself related it.—The Album.

THE CROSS ROADS

(For the Mirror.)

Methought upon a mountain's brow Stood Glory, gazing round him; And in the silent vale below Lay Love, where Fancy found him; While distant o'er the yellow plain Glittering Wealth held wide domain. Glory was robed in light; and trod A brilliant track before him, He gazed with ardour, like a god, And grasp'd at heaven o'er him; The meteor's flash his beaming eye, The trumpet's shriek his melody. But Love was robed in roses sweet, And zephyrs murmur'd nigh him, Flowers were blooming at his feet, And birds were warbling by him: His eyes soft radiance seem'd to wear, For tears and smiles were blended there. Gay Wealth a gorgeous train display'd. (And Fancy soon espied him,) Supine, in splendid garb array'd, With Luxury beside him; He dwelt beneath a lofty dome, Which Pride and Pleasure made their home. Well; seeking Happiness, I sped, And, as Hope hover'd o'er me, I ask'd which way the nymph had fled, For four roads met before me— Whether she'd climb'd the height above, Or bask'd with Wealth, or slept with Love? I paus'd—for in the lonely path, 'Neath gloomy willows weeping, Wrapt in his shroud of sullen wrath, The Suicide was sleeping, A scathed yew-tree's wither'd limb, To mark the spot, frown'd o'er him. I wept—to think my fellow-man, (To madness often driven,) Pursue false Glory's phantoms, then Lose happiness and heaven: I wept—for oh! it seem'd to be A mournful moral meant for me! But lo! an aged traveller came, By Wisdom sent to guide me, Experience was the pilgrim's name, And thus he seem'd to chide me— "Fool! Happiness is gone the road That leads to Virtue's calm abode!"

JESSE HAMMOND

MY COMMON-PLACE BOOK

NO. XXI. ORDEALS

Four kinds of ordeals were chiefly used by our German ancestors:—1. "The Kamp fight," or combat; during which the spectators were to be silent and quiet, on pain of losing an arm or leg; an executioner with a sharp axe. 2. "The fire ordeal," in which the accused might clear his innocence by holding red-hot iron in his hands, or by walking blind-fold amidst fiery ploughshares. 3. "The hot-water ordeal," much of the nature as the last. 4. "The cold-water ordeal:" this need not be explained, since it is looked on as supreme when a witch is in question. The cross ordeal was reserved for the clergy. These, if accused, might prove their innocence by swallowing two consecrated morsels taken from the altar after proper prayers. If these fragments stuck in the priest's throat he stood ipse facto—condemned; but we have no record of condemnation.

GEMS

Forgive not the man who gives you bad wine more than once. It is more than an injury. Cut the acquaintance as you value your life.

If you see half-a-dozen faults in a woman, you may rest assured she has a hundred virtues to counterbalance them. I love your faulty, and fear your faultless women. When you see what is termed a faultless woman, dread her as you would a beautiful snake. The power of completely concealing the defects that she must have, is of itself a serious vice.

If you find no more books in a man's room, save some four or five, including the red-book and the general almanac, you may set down the individual as a man of genius, or an ass;—there is no medium.

The eye is never to be mistaken. A person may discipline the muscles of the face and voice, but there is a something in the eye beyond the will, and we thus frequently find it giving the tongue the lie direct.

I never knew a truly estimable man offer a finger, it is ever a sign of a cold heart; and he who is heartless is positively worthless, though he may be negatively harmless.

Cut the acquaintance of any lady who signs a letter with "yours obediently."

Always act in the presence of children with the utmost circumspection. They mark all you do, and most of them are more wise than you may imagine.

Men of genius make the most ductile husbands. A fool has too much opinion of his own dear self, and too little of women's to be easily governed.

A passion for sweetmeats, and a weak intellect, generally go together.

I have known many fools to be gluttons, but never knew one that was an epicure.

The affection of women is the most wonderful thing in the world; it tires not—faints not—dreads not—cools not. It is like the Naptha that nothing can extinguish but the trampling foot of death.

There is a language in flowers, which is very eloquent—a philosophy that is instructive. Nature appears to have made them as emblems of women. The timid snow-drop, the modest violet, the languid primrose, the coy lily, the flaunting tulip, the smart marigold, the lowly blushing daisy, the proud foxglove, the deadly nightshade, the sleepy poppy, and the sweet solitary eglantine, are all types.

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The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 10, No. 273, September 15, 1827

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THE CROSS ROADS

(For the Mirror.)

JESSE HAMMOND

MY COMMON-PLACE BOOK

NO. XXI. ORDEALS

GEMS

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