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Nor did she seem at all displeas'd,
When I my fault confess'd:
Bit tenderly my love return'd,
And hung upon my breast.

Alas! how brief are mortal joys!-
A brilliant meteor's gleam:
For bitter were my pangs to find
My faucied bliss-A DREAM!

The Novelist.

No. XCVII.

THE BLACK TRADER. THE second voyage I ever made was in the Good Intent, of Glasgow, bound to Puerto Rico. I have reason to remember it, for an awful and solemn mystery that attended it has impressed it deeply on my memory, and few who were then with me have forgotten the perils and the horrors of that fated passage.

We had light but favourite winds for the first five weeks, and the captain and passengers were anticipating a speedy end to the voyage, when one night, as we were running about seven knots an hour, Gibbie Allan, who had the watch upon deck, saw a light to leeward shining upon the water, or rather a snowy streak, as it appeared, at the distance of little more than a cable's length from the vessel. The captain, although he imagined it to be only the foam of a wave, immediately ordered Gibbie to heave the lead, but he found no bottom; and the man at the helm, who at the first alarm had altered the ship's course by the captain's orders, was now commanded to steer on as before. At that moment a large, black-looking vessel, which none of us had previously observed, came sailing swiftly over the white spot towards us. Our captain hailed her, but no one answered; and indeed not a soul was to be seen upon her deck. Her sails, like her hull, appeared to be perfectly black; and she seemed wandering like a dark spirit over the restless billows of the ocean.

"That's an ill token," said Gibbie, as he followed the departing vessel with his eye, "that's an ill token, or Gibbie kens naething about it! As sure as we are on the waters, yon's the Black Trader, and few who meet her, be they gentle or simple, can boast much of a prosperous voyage. Aw' is no' right, and some o' us will find it sae afore the

morn."

As he concluded, seven small, pale, blue lights were seen dancing on our deck, near the forecastle, and, having re

mained for a few seconds, suddenly disappeared. The captain started, and, muttering something to himself, paced

up and down in a hurried and agitated manner, whilst the rest of those on deck eyed him with evident curiosity and ap. prehension. We had now just approached the glittering streak that I spoke of, when suddenly the vessel struck, but without doing any material injury. She struck a second time, the rudder was lost

a third time, and the foremast and bowsprit were swept away. The cries of the passengers, who were awakened from their dreams to a sense of danger enough to appal the stoutest heart, burst with a shrill, mournful, and discordant sound on the ears of those who were upon deck. They were answered by a loud, hoarse laugh, but whence it proceeded no one knew. All stood gazing at each other unconsciously, yet with an expression that showed they were under the influence of supernatural terrors. We sounded the pump, and found that the ship had already more than three feet water in the ho.d. She had fallen with her starboard side on the rocks, and her ports were only about two feet above the water. The vessel still kept striking, and seemed to be settling more and more, when the captain ordered the main and mizen masts to be cut away, and the motion of the wreck was considerably diminished. Whilst we were in this situation, the wind began to increase until it swelled into a complete tempest, and the rain burst over us in torrents. Our sole re maining place of refuge from destruction was on the larboard side, where we contrived to lash ourselves, for the waves broke so frequently and so heavily over the wreck that every soul on board of her must otherwise have perished. We were now perfectly helpless, and awaited death with the fortitude of despair. Then were heard prayers from lips that but a few hours before had uttered blasphemy and wickedness, and the paleness of the seafoam was on the sun-burnt faces of the crew. Amidst us was one fair and trem. bling girl, our only female passenger, who was lashed at the side of her father, and kept her arms continually round his neck, as if anxious not to be separated even when the wreck should go to pieces. It was a heart-breaking sight to see one, who appeared but a tender and weakly flower, clinging in her fear to an aged parent, and seeming to dread death less than being divided from him who had cherished her in his heart, and loved her with all the fondness that a father feels for his first-born child. She bore up, all however, as well as many of our hardiest equal; and the warrior in the field, the mariner on the sea, and the maiden who

would tremble if a bee but crossed her path, may feel the same emotions and bear them in the same manner when destruction seems inevitable. Just at that cold and cheerless time, between the departure of the night and the break of day, the dark vessel again passed us within hail, but to our repeated calls, no answer was given, except seven loud and discordant yells, and Gibbie Allan, who looked out anxiously, counted seven forms leaning over that side of the dark ship which was nearest towards us. A superstitious but undefinable sensation arose in the minds of all; but none dared to utter his thoughts to his brother sufferer; and as the sombre vessel shot out of sight, each betook himself to prayer, and endeavoured to make his peace with God, before whose presence all expected so shortly to be summoned. As the morning advanced the wind suddenly ceased, but we were still subjected to a very heavy swell, which broke over us at intervals. One of the sailors found means to procure some biscuit, which, although damaged by the salt water, was peculiarly acceptable in our exhausted state. Gibbie Allan also got us a little rum, and, after having made a good meal, our hopes began in some measure to revive.

Towards the evening, a light breeze sprang up, which the captain was afraid would increase as on the preceding day; for the clouds, the seaman's barometer, indicated a gale. This was cruel news to beings in our desolate situation, and, what was worse, we soon found it realiz ed, for the wind began to freshen amain, and the wreck, from its repeated concussions against the rocks, seemed every moment in danger of going to pieces. At this critical period, when the fears of all were at their height, and a lingering, if not an immediate death, appeared inevitable, the captain, who was looking out with the utmost anxiety, suddenly exclaimed, "Cheer up! there's a sail ahead! there's a sail a-head!" And then remained breathlessly gazing over the ocean to mark the direction she took. ""Tis all right!" said he, "she is running down to us-see, see! how nobly she comes into view. If these bits of timber but keep together till she nears us, all will be well! But, death! she alters her course! What's to be done? We have no signals, and we cannot fire a gun. Ha! she changes again. Hurrah! hurrah! We are worth a thousand dead men yet!" The interval between the first appearance and near approach of the strange sail, was one not merely of suspense, but agony-of positive mental agony. At length, she neared and hailed

us, and part of the crew having, with great difficulty, lowered her boat, put off at the imminent risk of their own lives to rescue ours. After the most strenuous exertions had been used, and the greatest perils braved, by the daring fellows in the boat, we were all conveyed in safety on board the ship, which proved to be the Carib, from Montego Bay, bound to Liverpool. The captain treated us with great kindness, and, by his aid, and the assistance of his passengers, we were furnished with dry clothes and provisions of every kind. So different was our situation, by comparison, that we scarcely heeded the increasing violence of the winds and the swell of the irritated waters, although the captain of the Carib by no means seemed to share our insensibility, but remained constantly on deck, and gave his orders with redoubled activity.

As we looked towards the wreck that we had quitted, a large, dark shadow glided between us, and when that had passed away, not a trace of the Good Intent was to be seen. The vessel went

gallantly on her way, and stood the buffeting of the storm as if she gloried in it. The gale continued for two days, but, on the third morning, the wind dropped into a deep sleep, as though wearied out by its own powerful exertions. On the night of that day it was a dead calm. The ship appeared to be stationary, the sails flapped sluggishly against the masts, and the seaman, who had the watch, paced the deck with listless and unchanging steps, when the Black Trader again came within hail, and sailed past us, although there was not wind enough to hang a pearldrop on the edge of a wave, or part a single ringlet on the forehead of the innocent and lovely girl who that night clung to her father's arm, and watched the cloud-like vessel taking her solitary and mysterious way over the melancholy main. The same seven figures were seen upon her starboard, immovable as before, yet apparently gazing towards us. the ghostly stranger vanished, a clear, purple light, which shone like a brilliant star, played, for an instant, on our deck, and disappeared as on the former occasion. "That," said our captain, "is an augury of death to one amongst us, for the Black Trader casts not her lights about without a recompense. May heaven protect us!" "Amen!" ejaculated

the voices of all on deck.

As

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very depths of the ocean, were heard, an a full chorus echoed the following wild and gloomy song:

We are the merry mariners, who trade in hu man souls,

And we never want a noble freight where'er our vessel rolls:

We

And,

seek it on the eastern wave, we seek it in

the west,

of all the trades for mariners, the human

soul is best.

Our weapons are the thunderbolt, and strong arm of the wave,

That

We

And

strike the clay from prison'd souls, and hurl it in the grave!

wither up the heart of man, with lightning from the cloud,

ocean is its sepulchre, and the tempest sky

its shroud.

will awaken her." He arose from his seat, and tapped gently at her door, but received no answer; he knocked louder and louder, and called upon her by name, Lut all was still quiet within. "She is not wont to sleep so soundly," added the father, in an agitated tone of voice, " pray Heaven, nothing has happened to my poor girl!" The passengers looked significantly and gloomiily towards the captain, and a dead silence ensued. The father again called, but with as little effect, and then, as if the suspense were more horrible than the worst of certainties, he rushed against the door, burst it almost from its hinges, and entered the little cabin. A deep groan testified that the forebodings of the passengers were but too well founded. The innocent girl was dead. She had passed away from life to death, apparently in a dream, for there was not the slightest trace of pain on her beautiful face, and her arms encircled her pillow, even as she had held her father's arm on the preceding evening. I will not speak of the old man's grief-his tears— his heart-broken feelings-for no words can picture them. His daughter was the only relative that he had in the world, and he gave himself up to the most unrestrained and violent anguish. All on board endeavoured at first to divert him from his melancholy, but finding that their attentions rather added to than de- And, of all the trades for mariners, the human creased his affliction, they forbore intruding upon him, and left it to the hand of time to soften down his sense of the calamity which had fallen upon him.

It was on a bright and beautiful night that we were assembled on deck, to give the remains of the poor girl to the wide and placid grave, that shone so glitteringly around us. The sea was perfectly calm, and as the body was let down the side of the vessel, it almost appeared as if a heaven were waiting to receive it: for the waters were as blue as the sky itself, and myriads of stars were reflected on its surface. A few minutes only had elapsed, when a dark shadow was observed at a distance, stealing rapidly along the ocean, and almost instantly the terrible Black Trader lay scarcely a cable's length from our vessel. A cold shudder crept through the boldest hearts, for they thought that some new victim was required, and even those who cared little for the others began to feel the most lively apprehensions for themselves. The seven men were still plainly seen, and the young maiden, who had just been committed to the deep, stood beside them without motion, but, as we thought, gazing intently upon us. At this moment, sounds, that appeared to rise from the

We

envy not the ocean depths that hold the

lifeless forms,

We only give to fishes food, that else had been

Let

for worms:

others look for pearls and gold, for diamonds bright and rare ;

Oh! what are diamonds, pearls, and gold, to the noble freight we bear.

We are the merry mariners, that trade in human souls,

And we never want a noble freight, where'er our vessel rolls:

We seek it on the eastern wave, we seek in the west,

soul is best.

As the chorus ceased the Black Trader disappeared, and we saw no more of her, but prosecuted our voyage without further molestation, yet deeply impressed with the rememberance of what had passed, and with the fear of that which was to come. We arrived at Liverpool, where, finding a vessel nearly ready to sail for Bermuda, I entered on board of her, and in all my voyages since that time, never had the ill-luck to fall in with the Black Trader.- The Gondola.

REPARTEE.

LOUIS XIV. after having informed mademoiselle, that he had fixed her matriage with Charles II. king of Spain, added, "I would not do more for my daughter." The young princess, who thought the dauphin had been intended for her, replied, "It is true; but your majesty might have done more for your niece.

A PERSON named Owen Moore, once
left his tradesmen somewhat unceremo-
niously, upon which a wag wrote

Owen Moore has run away,
Owing more than he could pay.

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monuments of alnic magnificence in more interest than almost unknown, y the zeal and loyin order to point opular and danger= he so justly me

rishman by birth, to retire to France es, found, upon reat the people were strong in party y aided by the facy raised an army arched towards the ng committed sunthe death of many e means alienated ops-and withal a mised to his folof their returning ions-Cade found

he commander of

ng rebels, a single with a price set Foclamation; upon

e woods of Sussex, ter slain by Alexof Kent; who for d with the govern

tle.

f the London Stone,

The above monument erected to perpetuate the achievement, is situated at the side of a road, about a quarter of a mile from the little hamlet of Cade Street, (improperly called Cat Street.) in Sussex; it is built of stone, and upon a plain slab facing the road the inscription is engraved. Its altitude may be about six feet, and the diameter four; the two lines at the bottom are in old English text to the following effect :-

This is the success of all rebels, and
This fortune chanceth even to traitors.
SAGITTARIUS.

SPIRIT OF THE

Public Journals.

DUNLEARY.

Dun

WHO is there that has seen Ireland's beautiful metropolis, and omitted visiting Dunleary? He that has not witnessed the gay and joyous scenes which that spot exhibits during the Sundays of summer, has, as yet, seen nothing of what I shall emphatically call "Irish life." leary, with its rakes, rogues, and ranters, its rocks and its rurality, its jingles and jaunting-cars, coaches and caravans,Dunleary, bustling Dunleary, is, of all places, the place for one who delights in excitement. Of such a disposition am I; and my last visit there, during the last

deal. In proceeding to the place, through Merrion and the Blackrock, you are constantly led to ask, "Where are all these persons driving to ?" without reflecting that you happen yourself to be one of those persons whose business upon the road appears inexplicable. The jaunt is altogether a cheering thing: the multitude and the variety of the vehicles; the dressy air of those who fill them; and, above all, the look of cheerfulness that animates every countenance, as countless salutations are given and returned; all these, taken together, form a spectacle that might almost tempt a misanthrope to be merry. For my part, I will say that I love to look upon a collection of happy faces; I delight in beholding a cluster of smiling eyes, and can be pleased in hearing a loud burst of even unmeaning laughter. Well, suppose yourself fixed in one of the snug covered cars, with only six full-grown gentlemen or ladies crammed about you, with the trifling addition of a pet son or daughter between the knees of a couple of them; not to speak of a bundle containing a cold collation, or some cheering cordial. Suppose yourself fixed in one of those cars, on a glowing day in June; you start briskly; the dust comes in through different crevices, to the serious annoyance of your best black coat; an old lady beside you growls about being squeezed; a pair of friends chatter away about matters interesting only to themselves; cars and coaches come rattling behind you; suddenly comes a crash, and all your fellow-travellers are huddled on top of you. "It's only the wheel fell off, bekase the linch-pin was out." No dan. ger, however, of a runaway horse; the animals are usually of the most tranquil temper, perfectly quiet and manageable. Some acquaintance of the careful driver's is at hand, and gets the job, so that at last you reach Dunleary. On dismounting, you are probably obliged to wait some time, while your carman seeks for change, a sun-shiny shower falling gently on you; while, to give full effect to the dust and the rain, two or three "gaffers," with old stumps of brushes, assail you behind, without even waiting to be called

on.

Woe to the black coat upon which they fall; woe to the pocket that contains a silk-handkerchief; and woe to the wight who refuses to pay for being robbed and dirtied! Such scenes I have frequently witnessed; but I will not say that every traveller will meet with them. The pier is the place of general resort the leading promenade; it is the place where acquaintance have their weekly meeting; where friends enjoy "a dish of chat ;" and where lovers sometimes keep

I

their assignations. The rail-road, leading to the pier, exhibits a strange and busy prospect. Here strolls the spruce shopman, well dressed and pert, determined upon playing the gentleman, at least for one day in the week; after him, comes his master, driving slowly in his comfortable inside car, with the mistress and all the little ones around him; next appears the man of quality, well mounted, with a train of sisters, or daughters, all following at full gallop. I have said already I was at Dunleary last summer. went there on Sunday, of course: the day was very fine, and every thing about the harbour and the town wore an air of sprightliness; the vessels were all in their gayest rigging; various boating parties were out; and sailors and citizens were mingled together in an agreeable sort of confusion. A steamer had just arrived, and the passengers were all hurrying for the beach; the boatmen, however, to whose charge they were committed, in their excessive attachment to them, seemed more likely to drown them, than to place them safely on shore. Among the pas sengers came a tribe of Mayo men, who had been reaping the harvest in England: these were troublesome customers-at least, they proved so at the moment of disembarking. In order to preserve the peace, the captain had found it necessary to disarm them when he took them on board; he intended, of course, to give their weapons up to them upon their arriving at Dunleary. They had some suspicion of him, however, and not a man of them would stir from the vessel until he had culled from the heap "his own shickle and his own stick." This took up a great deal of time, and created a great deal of confusion; but the "boys of the west countrie" were not to be got rid of; they appeared to be formed into different bands, each under some leader; and, as they landed, they kept up a tremendous noise in calling their various comrades together. "Aren't you there, Johnny M'Inerney ?". "Yesh, agrah."

"Whereabouts are you, Paddy Dillon ?"" Here."-They went on in this way for nearly an hour, to the great annoyance of the other passengers, and the great amusement of the crowd. There was one vessel in the harbour that offered a singular contrast to the lively and showy appearance of the others; this was the hulk, stationed there for the reception of the convicts. Well indeed was its appearance suited to its ominous destination; large, ugly, and black, it lay like a mis-shapen monster upon the waters, shedding a disagreeable gloom around it; yet, even on board this dismal ship, there

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