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The only town which lies between which occasioned the appearance of sa Martigny and the base of the mountain, many English in the Valais. I could is St. Pierre. The road leading to it is with difficulty persuade them that they pleasantly shaded by chesnut, pear, and were in error; that a continental war of other fruit trees: beyond it, the country twenty-five years had prevented a rising is richly ornamented with trees, copses, generation, of very many thousands, and meadows, whose uniformity of ver- from gratifying idle curiosity, or of dure is occasionally broken by isolated allaying the unquenchable thirst which pieces of rock through these, flows the is excited by the acquisition of knowledge. rapid Drance.

As we continued to ascend, we saw At a short distance beyond St. Pierre on the right of the path-way an oratory; the road separates, the left branching off it was, I believe, the first which we had towards the great St. Bernard, and that seen. We examined its interior, and to the right towards Triant and the Col read an inscription inviting any persons, de Balme. devotees or criminals, (for extremes We soon began to ascend the moun- meet, it is said,—and this inscription tain by a rugged footway, the steepness confirms the adage, since it promises an of which continued to increase, until our equal privilege,) to repeat a certain hitherto moderate exercise was succeed- number of Ave-marias and Pater-nosters, ed by extreme difficulty and such exer- no matter how rapidly or in what frame tion as put our passion for mountain- of mind. For doing this, they are to scenery to the test. The frequent jagged enjoy a certain number of days of inprojection of rock, the loose stones which dulgence; in other words, they are infor ever turned under our feet, and re- vited to take out a license, as it were, tarded our progress, and the oppressive for the commission of crime-mirabile heat of the sun, whose rays lay on the dictu-with impunity! for I have almountain side, at length exhausted us, ways understood that an "indulgence" and we quitted the path, from time to meant a dispensation from the wholetime, to drop on the rich verdure which some discipline of good sense, and the clothed the mountain side: sometimes exercise of self-coutroul. It may be we stretched ourselves beneath the shade presumed, that Nature prevails over the of a luxuriantly spreading beech, at other folly and insanity of the priests, for I do times by the side of a stream, whose rip- not find that the Valaisans are cruel or pling had long cheered our labour and dishonest, or revengeful, or avaricious, invited us to approach it, and whose de- or incontinent; in short, they do not licious coolness now allayed our thirst. avail themselves of this worse-than-senseThe peasantry of the mountain and of less invitation. Patience only is to be the valley of Triant, 'towards which our exercised in obtaining this grant: the course was directed, frequently overtook church of Rome has not always been so and passed us: daily habit had so famil- disinterested in the distribution of "iniarised these sturdy mountaineers, men dulgences." and women, to the route which we were We continued to ascend until we travelling, that our unpractised exertions approached the Col de la Forclaz, afforded them some little amusement: which is about 4,700 feet above the level they needed not that enthusiasm which of the sea: here the prevailing trees are animated us, and without which we fir and beech. We paused at this spot should have retraced our steps and return to survey the scenery: it was almost ed to the valley. Our conversation led evening. The difficulty of the ascent to some local and personal information, had so retarded our progress, that we we sought acquaintance with them; were four hours in walking, perhaps, that which interested them led to the nine miles. The partial view of the development of their characters, and our valley of the Pennine Alps, from this object was obtained. Among other place, and of the Rhone, flowing subjects, we were informed, that a revo- through it, is superb. Many towns and lution in England had caused emigra- villages are seen; but Sion, in conse tions from that country to an amazing quence of the comparative magnitude extent; and that this was the cause of its buildings, although one of the

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Sketches of Swiss Scenery.

[VOL. 2

most distant, is yet the most remarkable. foaming from rock to rock: this spot is The Rhone can no-where be viewed to called the Tête Noir. Above the chasm, so much advantage; but the serpentine and on a fearful eminence, is the route course of this majestic stream, so grati- to Chamouny, which is more circuitous fying to the eye, is to be deplored, for it than that by the Col de Balme. has rendered a considerable part of this magnificent valley marshy, and incapable of vegetation.

To the east the valley is terminated by a glacier, which, Bourrit says, no one has yet ventured to cross. From this A few paces brought us to a precipice, flows the torrent of Triant, and during commanding a view of the valley of the whole of its course it continues to Triant, which lay, perhaps, six hundred struggle through a bed of broken grafeet below us; and the effect which the nite, which lies sometimes in pieces, sudden view of the extraordinary scene sometimes in large masses, throughout beneath us produced, can never be for- the valley. We attempted to approach gotten. And now, while I recall each the glacier, and this was the first occaobject which I there saw, and endea- sion which I found to notice, in a parvour to place it before your eyes, I feel ticular manner, the deceptive appearthat my efforts are hopeless: my ima- ance of mountain scenery, occasioned gination calls, as it were, into existence, by the magnitude of objects, and of the colors and combinations which the pencil pure atmosphere through which they are cannot command: and I am consoled beheld. You remember, no doubt, St. only by the hope that my attempts may Preux's short banishment to the Valais; generate a wish to behold chasms which and, perhaps, already recall an apposite language cannot picture, or, at most, passage, descriptive of that to which I reveal so partially, as to excite, rather have just alluded. “ Ajoutez," he says, than to subdue, curiosity. after describing the fecundity of nature About the middle of the valley, which in the valley of the Rhone, "les illusions is, perhaps, a quarter of a mile in width, de l'optique, les pointes des monts diffélies the half-civilized village of Triant; remment éclairées, le clair-obsur du soleil the residences are huts, consisting of et des ombres, et tous les accidents de luone or two rooms, constructed entirely mière qui en résultoient le matin et le of wood, even their roofs; of these, some soir, et vous aurez quelque ulée des are not fastened, but are secured from scenes," &c. "La perspective des monts the effects of high wind by the pressure étant verticale frappe les yeux tout-à-la of large stones. In this manner are the fois," &c. It appeared to us, as we adchalets constructed, which are mere vanced towards the glacier, that we hovels, affording shelter to herdsmen, could approach it in a few minutes, but and are formed only on the tops of those twilight surprized us with its presence, mountains which yield pasture. while the interesting object before us Triant valley is accessible only to appeared almost as distant as when we foot-passengers, or those who travel on quitted the village. Mortified and dismules; so sudden and precipitous was appointed, we returned to the only place the descent, that it lay beneath us like where travellers are accommodated: it a map. The village is not divided by a is the residence of Mad. Suzanne, the centre way, and the huts have been ancestors of whose husband have been erected with the utmost irregularity. the residence of Triant time out of Pathways lead from dwelling to dweil- mind: so say the oral traditions of the ing, and each hut has its little field, or valley. plantation of oats, or other grain: or, perhaps, it yields a scanty supply of the most hardy plants of common and domestic use.

At the western extremity, the valley is apparently closed by masses of black rock; they form a chasm, at the bottom of which flows the Triant, dashing and

The village had been laid under contribution on our arrival, and six eggs were all that could be procured. Those who purpose remaining in the valley during the night, would do well to take provisions with them.

Our guides informed us, that, to this sequestered and savage valley, a part of

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Address to J. P. Kemble, the Tragedian.

143

the famishing Austrian army, in the year guides to awake us some time before 1815, directed its steps: like an army day-break, as we were anxious to see of locusts, they swept this hospitable the sun rise from the Col de Balme; region of every species of nutriment they chose rather to deceive us, and congenial to man; nay, famine had al- brave our anger, than to risk self-remost wrought a change even in their proach by endangering our lives, and organization, for the poor wretches were the day was dawning before we rose seen to devour wild herbs and roots. from our beds. On retiring to rest, we desired our

THE

ΤΟ

THE DRAMA.

From the New Monthly Magazine.

JOHN PHILIP KEMBLE, ESQ.

OF THE

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.

T. H.

COVENT GARDEN THEATRE, JUNE 2. the characters of Shakspeare and our HE copy of the address on white other dramatic writers, you were not. satin and the crown of laurel were contented to revive an outward show of delivered to the celebrated French trage- their greatness alone :-the splendour of dian Mr. Talma, in the orchestra, with a an antique costume-the helmet and request that he would fling them upon armour-the crown and sceptre-all that the stage. This was done, and Mr. Faw- pertains to the insignia of command are cett the stage manager was summoned easily assumed. When you appeared to present them to Mr. Kemble. As an the habit and the man were as soul and additional mark of honour to the vaulted body. The age and country in which favorite, the audience forbade any after- we live were forgotten. Time rolled piece and the performance of the night back a long succession of centuries. was closed in compliance with their The grave gave up its illustrious dead. wishes. Cities and nations, long passed away, Here follows a correct copy of the re-appeared; and the elder brothers of address printed on the satin scroll, which renown, the heroes and statesmen, the is from the energetic pen of Mr. WIL- sages and monarchs of other years, girt LIAM CAREY:in the brightness of their shadowy glory. lived and loved, and fought, and bled before us. We beheld in you, not only their varying looks and gestures, their proud march and grandeur of demeanour; Sir,-After having so long received but the elevated tone of their mind and from the display of your eminent abilities, the flame of their passions. We mean the greatest degree of gratification and not here to enumerate the various characinstruction, which the highest class of ters in which you have shone as the histrionic representation could bestow, light of your era: but we may be allowed we think upon the near approach of your to say that you excelled in that which was intended farewell to the stage with senti- most excellent; that, wherever the granments of deep concern, and it possible, deur of an exalted mind was united an increase of respect. In justice to the with majesty of person; wherever the interests of the drama and to our own noblest organ was required for the noblest feelings we would fain postpone the expression; wherever nature, holding moment of a separation so painful. Fitted up the mould of character, called for an by the endowments of nature and by impression from the most precious of classical acquirements, by high associa- metals, there she looked to KEMBLE as tion and the honourable ambition of ex- her gold; there you shone with precellence, you have for upwards of thirty eminent lustre. In the austere dignity years dignified the profession of an actor of Cato, the stern patriotism of Brutus, by your private conduct and public ex- the fiery bearing of Coriolanus, and the ertions in the British capital. We be- mad intoxication of Alexander, you held, in your personification the spirit of transported your audience in imagination bistory and poetry united. In embodying alternately to Greece, Rome, or Babylon.

144

Varieties: Critical, &c.

[VOL. 2 Seconded by the well painted illusion of already so deservedly acquired, and a local scenery, you seemed every where sure pledge of the future honours which in your native city; every where con- await the close of their professional temporary with the august edifices of the career. We, therefore, earnestly entreat ancient world. In you some of those that you will not at once deprive the great characters lived, and we cannot public of their gratification, and the stage conceal our apprehensions, that when of your support. We entreat you not to you withdraw, we shall lose sight of take your final leave on the night named them for a long time, and as life is short, for your last performance. All we ask perhaps for ever. In expressing this is, that you will consent to perform a sentiment we feel a warm respect for few nights each season so long as your evero actor of genius. A mind like health will permit. We adjure you to yours would be wounded by any com- grant this request, by your own famepliment that was not founded in the an object which is not more dear to you most liberal sense of general desert. It is than it is to us, and we confidently rely an additional merit in you to have ob- upon your respect for public opinion tained distinction in an age of refinement, that you will not cover us with the and from a public qualified to appreciate regret of a refusal. We have spared the your powers. A small light shines in annexation of signatures as inadequate darkness; but you have flourished amidst and unnecessary, even if our numbers a circle of generous competitors for fame, and restricted limits permitted that form. whose various abilities we admire; and The pealing applause of the audience, in whose well-earned applause we proudly each night of your performance, and the join. They behold in the honours which united voice which accompanies this, are your country pays to you, the perma- the best attestation of the public sentinence of that celebrity which they have ment.

W

VARIETIES:

CRITICAL, LITERARY, AND HISTORICAL.

From the Literary Gazette. are attended by others called scouts, of a similar, but less showy appearance.

ETON MONTEM.

E now proceed to the first Tour Tickets are given to such persons as through the Environs of Windsor, have paid their contributions, to secure which commences with a description of them from any further demand. This Eton College, and the ancient custom, ceremony is always very numerously observed every third year on Whit-Tues- attended by Etonians, and has frequently day, bearing the title of Montem, the been honoured by the presence of his original institution of which appears to Majesty and the different branches of have hitherto defied antiquarian research. the Royal Family. The sum collected "It consists of a procession to a small on the occasion has sometimes exceeded tumulus on the southern side of the Bath 8001., and is given to the senior scholar, road, which has given the name of Salt who is called captain of the school. This Hill to the spot, now better known by procession appears to be coeval with the splendid inns that are established the foundation, and it is the opinion of there. The chief object of this celebra- Mr. Lysons, who is the latest writer on tion, however, is to collect money for this subject, and whose industry in salt, according to the language of the collecting, as well as judgment in decidday, from all persons who assembled to ing on, matters of this character, are see the show, nor does it fail to be ex- beyond all challenge, that it was a cereacted from travellers on the road, and monial of the Bairn, or Boy Bishop. even at the private residences within a He states, from information which he certain, but no inconsiderable, range of had received, that it originally took place the spot. The scholars appointed to on the 6th of December, the festival of collect the money are called salt-bearers; St. Nicholas, the patron of children; they are arrayed in fancy dresses, and being the day on which it was customary

VOL. 2.]

Eton Montem-Tea.

145

at Salisbury, and in other places where Ensign, and carried the colours, which the ceremony was observed, to elect the were emblazoned with the college arms, Boy Bishop from among the children and the motto Pro More et Monte. This belonging to the cathedral; which mock- flag, before the procession left the college, dignity lasted till Innocent's Day, and he flourished in the school-yard with during the intermediate time the boy great dexterity, as displayed sometimes performed various episcopal functions; at Astley's and places of similar exhiand if it happened that he died before bitions. The same ceremony was rethe allotted period of this extraordinary peated after prayers on the mount. The mummery had expired, he was buried whole regiment dined in the inns at Salt with all the ceremonials which were Hill, and then returned to the college, used at the funeral of a bishop. In the and its dismission in the school-yard Voluminous collections relating to an- was announced by the universal drawing tiquities, bequeathed by Mr. Cole, who of all the sword. Those who bore the was himself of Eton and King's College, title of commissioned officers were exto the British Museum, is a note which clusively on the foundation, and carried mentions that the ceremony of the Bairn, spontoons; the rest were considered as or the Boy Bishop, was to be observed serjeants and corporals, and a most curiby charter; and that Jeffery Blythe, ous assemblage of figures it exhibited. Bishop of Lichfield, who died in 1530, The two principal salt-bearers consisted bequeathed several ornaments to those of an oppidan and a colleger; the former colleges, for the dress of the Bairn-Bishop. was generally some nobleman, whose But on what authority this industrious figure and personal connections might antiquary gives the information, which, advance the interests of the collection. if correct, would put an end to all doubts on the subject, does not appear.

They were dressed like running footmen, and carried each of them a silk bag to "Till the time of Doctor Barnard, the receive the contributions, in which was procession of the Montem was every a small quantity of salt. During Doctor two years, and on the first or second Barnard's mastership the ceremony was Tuesday in February. It consisted of made triennial; the time changed from something of a military array. The boys February to Whit-Tuesday, and several in the Remove, fourth and inferior forms, of its absurdities retrenched. An ancient marched in a long file of two and two, and savage custom of hunting a ram by with white poles in their hands, while the foundation scholars, on Saturday in the sixth and fith form boys walked on the election week, was abolished in the their flanks as officers, and habited in all earlier part of the last century. The the variety of dress which Monmouth- curious twisted clubs, with which these street could furnish, each of them having collegiate hunters were armed on the a boy of the inferior forms, smartly occasion, are still to be seen in antiquarian dressed, attending upon him as a footman. collections." The second boy in the school led the procession in a military dress, with a truncheon in his hand, and bore for the day the title of Marshall; then followed the Captain, supported by his Chaplain, the head scholar of the fifth form, dressed The first introduction of tea into Euin a suit of black, with a large bushy rope is not ascertained; according to the wig, and a broad beaver, decorated with common accounts, it came into England a twisted silk hatband and a rose, the from Holland, in 1666, when Lord Ar fashionable distinction of the dignified lington and Lord Ossory brought over a elergy of that day. It was his office small quantity: the custom of drinking to read certain Latin prayers on the tea became fashionable, and a poundmount at Salt Hill. The third boy of weight sold then for sixty shillings. This the school brought up the rear as Lieu- account, however, is by no means saI have heard of Oliver tenant. One of the higher classes, whose tisfactory. qualification was his activity, was chosen Cromwell's

U ATHENEUM. Vol. 2

From the Monthly Magazine.

New Volume of D'Israeli's Curiosities of Literature.*

TEA.

tea-pot in the possession of

*Concluded from page 64.