ndred illuminated torches; while
the lofty peals of the deep-toned organ, swell round the echoing cloisters
with "_Il cantar che nell' anima si sente_;" and the "rapt senses are
confounded in idolatrous wonder."
_Peninsular Sketches_.
* * * * *
THE LATIN AND GREEK LANGUAGES.
It is supposed by many that the only object in learning the Latin and
Greek languages is, that the learner may be able to translate them, and to
understand the authors who have written in those languages, with as much
facility as he can understand those who write in his own. If this were
really the only object, then every plan for expediting the acquisition
would be received with grateful approbation. Yet if this were the sole
object, how superfluous to the greater number of learners the labour of
the acquisition, for there is not _a single idea expressed by the ancients
and yet to be found, which has not been translated in our own language_.
The end of learning these languages then must be something beyond, and if
this farther object be not considered, the education must be defective.
_Scargill's Essays_.
* * * * *
TO THE MOON, IN VIEW OF THE SEA.
There is a blush upon thy face to-night
Which sheds around a luxury of light!
Wherefore, oh, Moon, art thou so brightly fair!
Would'st thou some new Endymion ensnare?
Each sparkling wave, as it receives thy rays,
Seems quivering and thrilling at thy gaze;
And gently murmurs, whilst the God below
Feels through his frame the universal glow,
And heaves his breast majestical for thee!
Cease, cease, to look on us so lovingly,
but in thy silv'ry veil still half conceal
Thy modest loveliness, nor more reveal;
For oh! fair queen, no mortal now can soar,
Or, love, as thy fond shepherd did of yore!
* * * * *
THE KING'S FEET-BEARER.
During the ancient days of Welsh royalty, among the twenty-four ranks of
servants that attended at court, was one called "_the king's
feet-bearer_." This was a young gentleman, whose duty it was to sit upon
the floor with his back towards the fire, and hold the king's feet in his
bosom all the time he sat at table, to keep them warm and comfortable. A
piece of state and of luxury unknown in modern times.
* * * * *
MONTPELLIER.
Within the last century it has been fashionable in England to
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