of the two hundred and fifty pounds he was robbed of; he thought only of the five hundred pounds he had saved. As to me, I had some difficulty to compliment him, I could not reconcile myself to that kind of fortune; 1, however, | admired what we call philosophy, which is often considered according to the idea of the object.

ruined, I am one of the most unfortunate of men." Instead of sharing his grief, and encouraging his complaints, I began to relate the adventure of the robbed chest, and the joy his friend evinced in discovering he had not lost the whole of his property. I told him the whole.

He answered that his friend was mad, and should be put into a mad-house. His friend, to whom I afterwards related the adventure of his bill of expences, positively said the same thing of him." He is a fool, and should be put

It is, therefore, true that every man has his whim, and we only see those of others.

It is also true, that one half of the world laughs at the other half.

I went to see my other friend, to relate the scene I had witnessed. I found him with a paper in his hand, anger in his eyes, and invective in his mouth. "The rascals," said he, "will not be satisfied till they have drove me to the work-in a mad-house." house; don't you think," said he as I entered, "don't you think, my dear fellow, that I am right? here is the receipt of my expences for the year, it is double what it was the preceding; am exasperated beyond measure; I will disiniss every scoundrel of them." "You should dis-inference may be cited for an apologue, that the miss them," said I, "if they have deceived you; but I think I perceive that if the bill is double this year, the crops are also four times more abundant than last year." "That has nothing to do with it," he replied, "I am robbed, I am

To draw a kind of moral from the above, this

more we have lived in the world, the more we
incline to be indulgent Cowardice is said to
engender cruelty, and it is solitude and ignorance
that produce and encourage intolerance.
J. B. B.

STRENGTH OF HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
TO THE EDITOR OF LA BELLE ASSEMBLEE.

IN your fourth Number you have given us a curious account of the extraordinary scholar Beronicius, in which you have hinted at the person known by the name of the Admirable Crichton. In a collective view may be considered what is said of him by Imperialis, in his "Museum;" by Mackenzie, in his " History of Scotch Writers;" by Bishop Tanner, in his "Bibliotheca;" by Sir Thomas Urquhart; by Dr Hawksworth, in No. 81, of the Adventurer; and lastly by Dr. Buchan.

He will find enough to exercise his faith, though mankind be naturally fond of the marvellous, and ever willing to stretch their faculties to the utmost to reconcile it with truth.

Two copies of verses, of which one is in the “Delicia Poetarum Scotorum," are the only known pieces of Crichton. He was murdered in the streets of Mantua, in 1583, in the twentysecond year of his age.

We have several instances of the great memory, with regard to arithmetical calculations, with which Dr. John Wallis, and Jedidiah Buxton, were gifted.

The Doctor of Divinity says, "February 18, 1670. I did that night propose to myself (by dark) without help to my memory, in 53 places, of which I extracted the square root in 27 places, and did not commit to paper till a month after."

In one of the early Numbers of the Gentleman's Magazine, about fifty years ago, is a copious account of Buxton, (who died at the age of seventy, in 1775). "His powers of abstraction were so great that no noise could disturb him. He worked the following calculation amidst the clamour of a hundred fellow-labourers in a handicraft trade:-In a body whose sides are eight (specified) figures, seven figures, and five figures, being yards, how many cubical eighths of an inch?"

During his calculations, when he was asked any question, he would immediately reply to it, and return to his reckoning, regardless of the interruption, without any confusion, or the loss of more time than the answer 'required. The proposer of the problem returned after five hours, and found him ready with his solution, which was exactly right.

He would multiply any number of figures mentally, store up the various products, and give the answer several months after. He would work six or eight questions half through, and would either as soon as finished, or months after tell the result of each various computation.

Instances of person playing at chess, with three boards at the same time, against as many antagonists, without seeing any of the boards, are well known. Especially Philidor's various per

formances in this way, in the course of twelve years, the last of which was in London, in 1795. The first of these extraordinary feats we find mentioned in history, was exhibited in Florence, in the year 1266, by a Saracen.

Another specimen of the strength of human understanding, which combines memory with

other intellectual powers, is the faculty which many musicians possess, of playing any piece of music, even of the most apparently difficult execution, which they may have previously gotten by heart, at the same time reading in a book, and when they have ended the solo, of repeating what they had been reading.

THOUGHTS ON GENEROSITY.

every generous mind is more industriously and more zealously directed. And by strenuously

GENEROSITY is the most valuable quality that the mind of a rational being can possibly be possessed of. It is the offspring of innocence, nur-aiming at what is truly grand, noble, and desirtured by virtue, and animated by religion.

able, a generous mind never intentionally over. looks, neglects, or disregards what is either just, prudent or necessary!

In the presence and under the direction of those who are governed by the influence of generosity, the helpless and the ignorant, the unfor- The pure spirit of generosity is, in its operatunate and the afflicted, the friendless and the tions, decidedly in disfavour of all private adpersecuted, the infant and he aged, the innocent vantages that may in any respect contribute to and the virtuous, are perfectly safe from all in- lessen the aggregate of social or public felicity. juries, and perfectly secure from all insults. Ge- Nor is its influence less decidedly in disfavour of nerosity abuses no confidence, betrays no trust,|| all the baneful effects of the malignant and untakes no advantages of circumstances or situations charitable affections which may at any period in inimical to the truest and best interests of man- life assail the human heart. No spirit of vanity, kind. Its rules of conduct are never perplexing, emulation, pride, prejudice, malice or ambition never ambiguous, never doubtful. The path of can change the views and purpose, or defeat the duty is plain; and from this path true generosity intentions and the influence of generosity when never knowingly or intentionally deviates. Ge- it has once taken root in the mind. For where nerosity offers to the world an amiable and an generosity resides, the power of virtue is recog. interesting display of all the finest feelings and nized, acknowledged, and felt. In minds actuated purest affections that the human mind is sus by passions of the very worst description, someceptible of. The seat of its residence is far re-thing bearing the form and the resemblance of moved from every thing that is mean, selfish, generosity may occasionally be discerned. But criminal, or base. Generosity transcends virtue; these forms and resemblances are merely tempobut it never militates against it. It is ever reach-rary and incidental ebullitions which break forth ing forward with a view to effect something be-like the sun in a winter's day; with a brightness yond the precise limits of duty; but it is ever that pleases, but warms not; and with a splendor feelingly and tremblingly alive to improprieties that dazzles, but lasts not. of every description. The improvement and establishment of human happiness is the motive by which pure generosity is uniformly actuated.ordinate to its influence. There inconveniencies This motive enhances in an incalculable degree the value of the human character, and raises far above all narrow and servile views. It enables it to look down on all selfish considerations as merely secondary and remote objects of attention and pursuit. Of sincere endeavour to assist in every possible manner, and with every possible exertion, every attempt that may be considered contributory to the promotion and completion of that more perfect plan of improvement, and more exalted state of happiness which it is the avowed intention of Providence effectually to establish infection of all excellency. It soars above the the world by the universal acknowledgment and ascendancy of the Christian system, is the point to which the peculiar study and application of

Where generosity governs the heart, every selfish feeling, and every interested motive, is sub

cease to be obstacles; and the want of ability to distribute pecuniary favours is amply supplied by an earnest desire to afford personal assistances, patronage, and protection. It is very possible that a man may be truly virtuous and religious without being really generous. But it is absolutely impossible that a man can be truly and sincerely generous without being truly virtuous and religious. Teach a man to be correctly ge nerous, and you teach him to be every thing that he ought to be. Generosity is the supreme per

limits of duty; but it never transgresses its rules, nor tramples on its precepts. Generosity is the noblest and the most faithful guardian of virtue

Generosity is not a principle but a grace. It is a grace derivable from the pure spirit of Christianity, before the promulgation of which it appears to have been totally unknown. Neither in the primitive religion of the world, in the Mosaic institutions, in the schools of philosophy, nor among any of the various religious sects which were established by mankind, is this grace any where to be recognized excepting among those of the Christian religion alone. And even by those of this religion, in which it is expressly implied in all its precepts, it has been but very partially acknowledged, and very inadequately and contractedly acted upon. Different followers of the same divine teacher have not unfrequently contemned, despised, and persecuted each other, and given to the world indubitable proofs of their total ignorance of the pure spirit and intention of that Christian system which is evidently, and, if properly applied, effectually calculated to make man, under every persuasion, in every country, || angels. in every relation, in every situation and connection in life, and under all the advantages or disadvantages in which he can possibly be placed, the real, the sincere, the true and unalterable friend of man!

AMARYLLIS.-A PASTORAL.

drawn by the fancy are seldom realized, but fate allows us to be cheated by the delusions they

I THINK the world very beautiful, said the youthful Amaryllis to a reflection of her mother's, that was produced by experience and sorrow,-promise, whilst they fly from our embraces.but Amaryllis was young, and her world did not Thus passed the morning of life with these chilextend beyond the village in which she was born; dren of nature; they nourished simplicity, ignoshe was in the vernal season of life, when happi- rant of the sorrows it prepares for its victims.→ ness wreaths its simplest flowers round the brows The parents of the young emigrant were noble; of innocence; her ears were only accustomed to misfortune had persecuted, but could not triumph the soft voice of affection, and her mind, like over them; they cherished in adversity the anithe violets of her native valley, had expanded mating idea that they should once more revisit in the shade. She was candid, for she was a their native country, again be surrounded by the stranger to the passions that give birth to con- splendour that so much adorns the exteriors of cealment simple in her taste, for she had never life. Their son was now eighteen, and had passed seen any thing more splendid than a bandeau of many years in retirement; he listened with rapwild flowers. The smile of ingenuousness played tures to the recital of the former greatness of his on her face, yet, she was not beautiful, her family; but the idea of Amaryllis was always charms were those of simplicity, and her graces mingled with it; he forgot her plebeian birth, those of youth. The only sorrow that had assailed and his own fallen state when he met her; and her bosom was when the closing year had caused if he imparted to her his griefs, she participated her favourite plants to droop; but it was quickly with him so truly, that she received them into moved by the happy facility with which youthful her bosom and deprived him of their sting.minds efface all impressions but those of joy, Amiable sensibility of unsophisticated hearts! At the return of spring she shed the sweetest Why are you doomed to wither in the cold region tears of gratitude and pleasure because nature of disappointment. The first real sorrow that was revived. Her religion was that of the heart, ever visited the peace of Amaryllis was now apbut it was pure; and her offerings to the throne proaching.-The exile was recalled to his counof mercy were the hymn of thankfulness, and try. Agitated by contending emotions he ran the gay song of content. She knew not the arti- to Amaryllis to inform her of the new turn fate ficial manners that are taught by the world; her was on the point of giving to his destiny, and politeness was that of sensibility, which made her sketched with the warm colouring of youth the recoil at giving pain; her companions were the perspective of futurity;-for to part from her villagers, whom she attracted round her by the had never occurred to him, he had no idea his charms of kindness; when she danced it was with parents would separate those whom affection had the light step of a fairy, yet she knew no rule but so firmly united ;-she wept, but they were tears the instinctive one of natural grace. Her partner of joy at the brilliant prospect that was opening was a young exile (who had been driven by mis- to her view. Alas! they were succeeded by fortune with his family to the remote village in those of sorrow, of anguish, when she discovered which she resided); and their hearts, prompt as that her lover had been constrained to leave her, their feet, bounded with innocence and gaiety; that his parents, cruel as the chill blast that nips her manners with him had no tincture of reserve, the tender buds of spring, had forced him from for her breast contained not a thought that she her without one adieu!-without uttering to her would have blushed to reveal,-between the one word of comfort.-Ah! who can paint her dances she told him all the occurrences of the agony; she lives, and her companions weep over day; for the flower of love was implanted in her her, for they imagine her insane; they have not boson, and with enchanting simplicity she be- yet learnt to know that it is possible to feel stowed on him its first bud. In their walks they strongly and yet be rational;—a hundred times a sported innocently along, gilding to-morrow, with day she utters his name-a hundred times she tints more beautiful than to-day-every desire fancied he would return, and hope, in pity to her was fulfilled by hope, and the perspective of fu- distress, throws her enchanting veil over the sad turity presented to them an endless train of inno-realities that oppress her. Now she reposes on cent pleasures which they enjoyed by anticipa- the strength of his affection, as on her guardian tion. Happy facility of enjoyment! Pleasures angel, then the certainty that he is absent rushes

-

●n her mind with all its force, and leaves her a prey to regret, to misery, and all its sad train of attendants.

Children of sensibility, to you I address her tale, to you I appeal; condemn not feelings for which she is accountable even to herself. That Being who gave a deeper tint to the rose than the

lily protects them alike from the chill blast; he does not reproach the drooping flower, if uppressed by dew, it refuses to be revived by the fervour of the noon day sun-then how much more will he cherish the human heart more sensitive than the plant that recoils at the slightest touch.

A MORNING WALK RECOMMENDED.

prescribe a different treatment. Accidentally hearing a maid-servant praise the virtues of a morning walk in the country, the old lady determined, without the cognizance of her doctors, to rise at six, and to refresh herself in the garden. She daily grew better, and in a short time enjoyed. more health and happiness than she had ever ex

vered her spirits, laughed at her physicians, pleased herself, and rewarded the girl who had contributed to her cure.

Since beauty cannot exist without health, the practice we recommend is of the utmost importance to handsome women. Noon tans the face, evening makes the complexion sallow, but a morning walk clears the skin of all imperfections, especially such as arise from luxury or the want of proper exercise. Though ladies affect to despise the ruddiness of the cottager's daughter, their imitation of this bloom shews it to be a grace that attracts their notice and excites their emulation; and therefore we may infer, that were most of our female nobility possessed of this natural ornament, they would, instead of pa

THERE is no custom more universally approved, and exercise, grew so ill that her life was de and more commonly neglected, especially among ||spaired of, as no medical man would venture to the rich, the gay, and the polite, than that of early rising. Every one owns that to those who follow the paths of business, or the toilsome tracts of science, it is absolutely necessary; but some will deny that it is indispensable to the lady who has no employment except killing the few hours that remain, after her slumbers, her meals, and the important concerns of dress are deducted,perienced even in her youthful days; she reco or to the beau whose only task is to amuse himself, and whose sole occupation is to gallant a belle to the theatre. We wish to shew that early rising is conducive to the health, the beauty, and the pleasures of ladies, and that no female, how splendid soever her situation, should disdain to take a morning promenade. Early rising is generally allowed by medical men to invigorate the faculties, and to remove the dullness which too often attends even fashionable life. Ladies have, with great propriety, banished noon from their promenading hours, as the sultry air causes lassitude of mind, and tends to weaken the delicate nerves of a female: but perhaps the cool of evening is not less obnoxious to health than the parching heat of mid-day. That the former is pleasanter, we cannot deny: but the most grate-tronising, ridicule all attempts to mimic it by the ful things are not always the most beneficial.On the contrary, the dews, the foggy air, the effluvia from the trees, the perspiration of the ground, and the pernicious exhalations of the lamps, produce the most hurtful effects on those who attend public gardens. But in the morning we find none of these inconveniences, we have the light and beauty of noon without its enervating powers, the mildness and coolness of night, free from its unhealthy concomitants. The ancient sages rose with the sun, and many who have survived the common periods of mor ality, have ascribed their longevity to early rising, attended with some salutary employment in the We shall instance the good effects of this custom by the case of a Scotch peeress, who had long been splenetic to so great a degree, that her physicians were obliged to give her medicines to gratify her peevish humour. She kept her chamber some months, and for want of fresh air

open air.

use of rouge. Beauty, we think, should be skindeep, though fashionable belles seem to think it should only be paint deep. However, as I cannot in this respect agree with them, I request the sweet lady who is perusing these lines, would forego this opinion, and endeavour to make her bloom deeper and more lasting than any paint, by accustoming herself to take a regular morning perambulation, whenever the weather will permit. This habit would make her fair and ruddy, give her skin an agreeable sleekness, and supersede the most admired and most expensive cosmetics that have been invented since fashion began to slight spontaneous graces, when put in competition with charms which are always vendible at the perfumer's. We beg leave to add, in an age when women cannot redden, that though the roseate colour acquired by a morning walk, might not be a blush of modesty, it would certainly be a blush of nature, and therefore as