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outrage. Again, should he challenge his opponent,-for the Count was deficient, neither in skill, nor in that vilest of all qualities which has obtained, through prejudice, the name of virtue-mere courage; still the consequences, as regarded the aversion of Adelaide, would be the same, while the issue might prove fatal to the contriver. No other method then remained, but to take off Theodore by some secret means.

In order to mature his purposes, he determined himself to be a witness of the lovers' second interview. The sun was just sinking beneath the western horizon, when he beheld Theodore hasten along the narrow and half-overgrown pathway across the deep ravine, and enter the summerhouse. A few minutes after, Adelaide appeared in an opposite direction, proceeding from the castle. Still lurking amid the underwood, the Count continued to expect the termination of their conference. At length the youthful pair were seen advancing from the pavilion. They approached so close to the spot where the Count lay concealed, for he had come nearer, on purpose to overhear their discourse, that he caught the softness of Adelaide's voice, in a subdued manner, urging her lover to suffer in patience, adding, in such accents, as a ministering angel would employ to sooth the troubled soul, "My father is not inexorable, and the interest of those friends whom you mention I know to be great: at all events, the happiness of another interview awaits us we meet again to-morrow." The sounds were now indistinct, but the Count had obtained the desired information. He continued to watch their motions. Theodore accompanied Adelaide till nearly within view of the castle; then bidding a hasty adieu, he struck into a more secluded path, which conducted to the bridge across the ravine, and thence to the cottage where he had fixed his temporary abode.

The Count now exulted in the certain prospect of accomplishing his designs. The lovers were to meet on the succeeding eve. Theodore had but one way to pass; total darkness would then involve the bed of the

torrent, and the bridge, by which alone it could be crossed. Nothing could be more easy, than, before the youth's return, to remove a few of the transverse planks composing the platform, and the hapless passenger would drop unseen, unheard, into the gulf beneath-the planks being restored, the secret of his fate would remain concealed from all.

The evening sun shone brightly, with "farewell sweet," as the Count, too faithful to his purpose, repaired to his lurking-place. Not long after, Theodore was seen advancing with ardent and impatient steps-possibly unconscious of every thing but the delight of meeting Adelaide: nor were his anticipations disappointed. Scarcely had he attained the walk leading to the pavilion, when she appeared, and both entered. The Count eyed the place with a look of savage joy, as the couching tiger glares upon the prey now within its spring. As darkness advanced, he proceeded to remove the boards, which he had previously loosened, from the fatal bridge, leaving a yawning chasm in the narrow footway over the deepest part of the abyss.

In the mean time, the lovers were delighting themselves with prospects of future happiness, which now, indeed, seemed no longer delusive. Theodore had that day received letters from the Prince de the French commander, whose life he saved in Switzerland. This generous friend had not forgotten the obligation, and had so represented the matter to his Sovereign, that Theodore's little estate was not only restored, but the King had invested him with the honour of knighthood, and farther offered him an honourable rank in his army. Theodore could now have no objection to accept of these favours, and the only remaining difficulty was to obtain the consent and forgiveness of his uncle. Of this Adelaide did not despair, as she believed her father had also received letters to the same import, for he had that day, for the first time since his departure, mentioned the name of Theodore; saying," he was happy to hear, for his own sake, that the youth had not acted so dishonourably as he had been

led to believe." It was therefore determined that Theodore should immediately request an interview with the Baron, and that Adelaide should expect the result in the pavilion.

The interview between the relatives was cordial; many things, however, were to be explained, and considerable space elapsed in the conference between Theodore and his uncle.

Adelaide, in the interval, could not feel composed, while her happiness was thus at stake, and her future life trembling on the point of decision. Tired of repose, she began to pace the small apartment included within the circuit of the pavilion. Motion of body, she thought, gave her mind ease, and she continued her walk in the open air. In this state of anxiety, every place was alike indifferent, and every spot equally well known. Without surprise, then, for it was at no great distance from the summerhouse, she found her steps had been unconsciously directed to the rustic bridge. "The fresh air will cool my feverish brow," thought she, and advanced. Her light foot was heard for a moment on the platform-it ceased-a faint and convulsive shriek -a heavy plunge sounding for an instant, above the roar of the torrent, told the fate of the young and lovely victim.

The Baron and Theodore were now reconciled. Every thing had been explained to the old man's satisfaction. "But where is Adelaide?" said he, with impatient satisfaction in his accents; 66 why does not she participate in the happiness of this moment?" "I go to call her," said Theodore; "my cousin waits in the pavilion." They were at this time in a recess formed by a corner tur

ret, built on the very verge of the rock on which the castle stood, and where two windows overlooked the stream". At this moment something white, floating on its surface, caught the eye of Theodore. A sad presentiment seized his mind, he rushed from the apartment, descended the rocks with fearful rapidity, and clasped the body of the lifeless Adelaide.

What words can describe the frantic grief of the hapless lover, or the speechless sorrow of the aged parent! Happily the sufferings of the latter were of short duration. He died before the morning rays dawned on his wretchedness.

Three days did Theodore watch the beloved remains, in silent and solitary woe. On the fourth, the funeral obsequies were solemnized. When the last of the hallowed mould had been placed upon their graves, and when the crowd of mourners was now lessening, "Hast thou at last broken?" exclaimed the youth, speaking for the first time, and laying his hand on his heart, as he sunk upon the ground. Then, in scarcely audible accents, "Lay me," said he, by Adelaide," and expired.

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The wretch who had occasioned all those calamities had alone been privy to his own machinations. But the confession of the Baron's domestic, whom he had seduced to act as a spy, was sufficient to implicate him in suspicion. The Count was therefore arrested, and, agonized by remorse, at last voluntarily confessed his guilt. Between his sentence and execution, however, Reason deserted her throne; a raving maniac, he survived many years, a fearful example of the effects of crime, and enduring a punishment more terrible than death itself.

• This recess was pointed out to the writer-commands a full view of the stream, and is at no great height above it.

Beatrice Cenci,

Whose picture hangs in the Barberini Palace at Rome.

-il tristo quadro
Di supplizio, di rossor.
D'innocenza, di terror. Gianni.

THEY shew you there a sweet Italian face, And Sadness sits enshrin'd in gentle eyes, Whose piteous look no time shall e'er efface;

Dark is their shade, but there no lustre lies;

It once had been, when heart to heart replies;

The care-worn cheek is now most deathly pale;

As tender lilies o'er the rose prevail, Withering the soonest ;-down upon her brow

And shoulders hang neglected wreaths of hair

Of glossy black, which grief doth not allow

To curl or braid, (for these she hath no care ;)

They fall upon a robe of dismal white,

A turban of the same doth bind her head, And seems like day-light rising o'er the night.

A fated victim to the altar led,

Deck'd out she seems,-a hapless bridalday

Perchance; in spite of all those marks of woe,

'Tis yet a lovely face in sad array,

From which I lack'd the pow'r to turn

away,

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She hath no haughty look, nor could it be;

She was the meekest child of misery. Within no palace gay, or crimson'd room, But in the echoing dungeon's dripping gloom,

A famous painter sketch'd that lady there, (Guido his name, you've heard of him, perhaps,)

At midnight hour by torches' smoky glare;

Upon the morn, before few hours would lapse,

For awful doom that maiden did prepare ; And when that moment came-the hour. of death,

Before the thousands of assembled Rome, Who wept for one so young, and held, their breath,

She met with smiles her drear, imperious doom,

For her there was no refuge but the tomb!

A dreadful deed was by her breast conceiv'd,

A father's blood was by that daughter shed,

(Oh! look again, for some have scarce believ'd.)

The timid deer will turn, which trembling fled

Before the panting hounds, and, desperate, try

A furious vengeance on the huntsman's life,

Although a moment next, and it must die

Beneath another's quick avenging knife.And such was she whom you do now be

hold;

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A DEFENCE OF THE
LAND FROM THE

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS OF SCOT66 TERM ILLEGITIMATE," APPLIED TO THEM, IN THE REVIEW OF THE CAMBRIDGE TART," INSERTED IN THE BRITISH CRITIC" FOR JUNE 1823.

66

"Damnant quod non intelligunt."-Cicero.

66

THIS being what a certain celebrated periodicalist would call "a reviewatory age," it can scarcely be expected that critics, whether British or foreign, should escape being criticised; nor, in fact, is it expedient or right that they should. These self-constituted and arbitrary dispensers of praise or censure do not always find it convenient to favour their readers with the grounds upon which they applaud or condemn, and are often inclined to rely more upon strength of assertion than force of argument, and to supply the want of solid information by a sly sneer or a paltry sarcasm, This is an evil under the sun, but it carries with it its own remedy. The same engine which is often made subservient to the dissemination of prejudice, illiberality, and error, is equally potent to diffuse justice, liberality, and truth. The question, therefore,-Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?—is answered in the only way in which the true friend of his country can ever approve.

Not doubting that the Editor of the "British Critic" will readily allow to others the liberty he has long practised himself, I beg leave to remind him of the 3d Article in the number of that publication for June 1823, bearing to be a review of a work lately published, called the "Cambridge Tart, and containing the following sentence: "As it is, we shrewdly conjecture, that some enemy from the illegitimate ACADEMIES north of Tweed, or, perhaps, from one of the many royal, metropolitan, or literary institutions, which are hourly endeavouring to push our venerable mothers from their stools, has amassed this spurious assemblage of dullness, and palmed it, with an evil intent, upon the world, solely to detract from the fair reputation of our misused parent." Now, it is merely with the words "illegitimate Academies north of Tweed" I have to find fault, leaving the "Cambridge Tart" to those whose appetites it may suit.

That there are numerous Academies in the northern part of Great Britain is notorious; but, that all or any of them are illegitimate, I am yet to learn. The term Academy, in its modern acceptation, is a very indefinite expression; being sometimes applied to the incorporations of learned men; at others, to the hop-skip-and-a-jump of a village dancing-master; nay, we have them of all grades and distinctions, as may be easily known, by looking at the advertisements in any newspaper in the months of January and July. There are preparatory Academies, finishing Academies, equestrian Academies, dancing Academies, drawing Academies, medical Academies, carving Academies, with many others. Having used such a latitude of expression as "illegitimate Academies," I may perhaps be pardoned should I not fix it upon the species meant to be designated. But if the reviewer mean the Universities of Scotland, (the word Academies is printed in italics,) he has gone most gratuitously out of his way, to cast a sneer upon the institutions of a country where learning is cheaper and more generally diffused than in any other part of Europe. But this attack need not to be wondered at in a Review long notorious for all that is illiberal, exclusionary, and bigotted. Are all the students and loungers at Cambridge so highly gifted, and deeply learned, as to be utterly incapable of having given to the world this sour tart, which has not only set the critic's teeth on edge, but considerably ruffled his temper? or has Scotland hitherto proved so barren of genius, that it should immediately and naturally present itself as the foster-parent, at least, of the person who is the compiler of "this spurious assemblage of dullness?" What right has he to assume that enmity exists in the "Academies north of Tweed" to Cambridge or Oxford? perhaps he knows that provocation has been offered sufficient to make enemies of them; of this, at

least, he may be assured, that the Universities of Scotland steadily pursue their course, without regarding his praise or censure. Conscious, as they must be, of the immense benefit they have been of to mankind, they are not likely, either to relax in their exertions, or be deterred from pursuing the path they have marked out for themselves, by the flippant and groundless assertions of any author, whether anonymous or avowed. Now, the epithet "illegitimate," as applied to "Academy," must mean unlawful. By what process of reasoning does the writer of this article arrive at the conclusion, that the Academies, as he terms them, north of Tweed, are illegitimate or unlawful? Can he prove them to be illegal incorporations, or combinations of men for an illegal purpose? No-for they have all been repeatedly recognised, not only as lawful associations for a most useful and meritorious end, but as Universities; and that not only by the Sovereigns and Parliament of Scotland, before the Union of the two kingdoms, but since, by many Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain. Had there been any thing spurious or illegitimate in their constitution, would his present Majesty, during his late visit to the northern part of the island, have received their addresses in the same manner he does those of Oxford and Cambridge, on the throne? So much for the illegitimacy of these learned bodies! It must be allowed, there is a wide difference between the ancient and modern acceptation of the term Academy. The Axada, or Axadeuía, of the Greeks, from which the Latins took their Academia, the French their Académie, and we our word Academy, was, as every one knows, a villa or garden near Athens, where Plato and his disciples held their philosophical disputations; but the moderns have applied the term generally, to signify a society of learned men, instituted for the improvement of any art or science. The first modern Academy is supposed to have been established by Charlemagne, on the recommendation of Alcuin*, and was composed of the chief wits of the court, and of the Emperor himself. Almost all the nations of Europe have Academies there are several in Italy and France, and we have "the Royal Societies" of London and Edinburgh, and the " Royal Irish Academy," besides the Academies of painting and music. The principal Academies have been arranged according to the subjects for the promotion of which they were instituted †: As, Ist, Medical Academies, the Colleges of Physicians'; the Society of the Nature Curiosi of Germany, that at Palermo, another at Venice, and one at Geneva; the Societé d' Emulation at Paris, and many others on the Continent: 2d, Chirurgical Academies, as the Colleges of Surgeons of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, and the Chirurgical Academy of Paris: 3d, Ecclesiastical Academies, as the one at Bologna instituted for instruction in divinity and ecclesiastical history: 4th, Cosmographical Academies, as the "Argonauts" at Venice: 5th, Academies of Sciences: 6th, Academies of Law: 7th, Academies of History: 8th, Academies of Antiquities: 9th, Academies of Belles Lettres: 10th, Academies of Languages; 11th, Academies of Dancing: 12th, Academies of Painting: 13th, Academies of Architecture: 14th, Academies of Politics : 15th, Naval and Military Academies, as those at Woolwich and Sandhurst. (Riding-schools are also frequently called Academies.) Now, in Scotland there are Academies, or, in other words, incorporations or societies for the cultivation of literature and the sciences, and those, too, highly celebrated throughout the civilized world; as the "Royal Society" of Edinburgh, the " Antiquarian Society," the "Royal Medical Society," and the "Royal Physical Society" of Edinburgh, the "Wernerian Society," the "Natural History Society," the "Speculative Society," &c. §; and at Perth there is an institution for the

According to Vossius, our celebrated countryman Alcuin caused also the Universities of Tours and Soissons to be founded.

+ An institution, called "The Edinburgh Academy," is at present being erected in the New Town of Edinburgh, as a seminary preparatory for the University; but, as a Royal Charter has been applied for, and now, in all probability obtained, this establishment will not hereafter be ranked, even by the most thorough-paced courtier, among the "illegitimates."

Vide Encyclopædia Britannica.

VOL. XV.

§ Vide Encyclopædia Britannica.

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