in this particular, and told him that cu- by our example, took off his paper cap; riosity alone, and respect for the memory and so we all stood for some minutes, of its late illustrious occupant, had in. with a reverence which I am quite sure duced us to trouble him. The man was in- was sincere on the part of myself and telligent, and very obliging; and though my friend, and which I verily believe, but a journeyman painter, seemed as the painter, at the moment, felt as much fully impressed as we were, with the as we did.” greatness of the claim that Robert Southey had upon the affectionate reve

Southey's life and labours form a rence of posterity. He told us that very

chapter of English literature, which many persons visited the house solely on this account, and that there was, he

we hope yet to find worthily given us. thought, scarcely a tourist to the Lake

Himself the able biographer of others, district, who did not make a point of

his memoirs will inherently possess a coming into the garden at least though degree of interest hardly surpassed by most of them lacked courage to demand those of Scott, and our fond desire admission into the house. The garden, would be, that they may fall into he said, had suffered severely, from the equally capable hands. The poet, his. reverence of travellers—and the ladies,

torian, critic, will need not alone the especially, carried away flowers, and

appreciating friend, who can paint for leaves of shrubs, to preserve as memen

us the less noticed phases of his soul ; tos; so that he feared, if the house were not let, in a year or two there would not

but the masterly genius who, from a be a shrub or flower left. This worthy fellowship in endowments, will be fellow led us over the building, which

enabled to traverse the heights and was large and commodious-showed us depths through which his thoughts the kitchen, the wine-cellar, the dining- could wander. Comparatively easy room, the drawing-room, and the study; it may be to trace his growth in meneach of which recalled painfully to our tal stature, from the youthful errors of minds—at least they did so to mine

“Wat Tyler” and “Joan of Arc,” to the the bodily absence of one whose spirit

grandeur of " Thalaba,” or his fulness

' yet spoke to mankind, and exerted an influence upon their thoughts. The room

of strength in the “Curse of Kehama.” that had been the library was especially

But we shall require something more painful to reflect upon. The marks on

than the mere delineation of progress, the walls, where the shelves bad been and naturally ask “ how these things fitted, were still uneffaced by the paint. were?” in the hope that some “ alter er's brush ; but the beloved books which

ego” may be found to give an adequate it had been the pleasure of his life to reply. The mighty Master, who has so collect, were all dispersed; and not one,

recently been taken from us, has left the or (nor?] a shred of one, was left behind,

impress of his genius on our country's of the many thousands that had for

literature, which, unlike himself, canmerly made the spot a living temple of literature. It would have been worth

not pass away ; and now we claim, in preserving these for Keswick; and I the discharge of a holy duty, the dethought, and still think, that if the town claration of his intellectual history, had been rich enough to make the pur. that contemporaneous chroniclers can chase of the whole property, it would alone record. We have no fears but have conferred upon itself, not only ho- that it will be attempted ; perhaps nour, but advantage. We were after

experience would suggest far different wards led into several smaller apart

apprehensions, lest it be overdone. ments, and, among others, into a room

Silence about those who have occuof a very peculiar shape-a long, narrow parallelogram, with a door in one

pied high positions in the public eye, corner, and a solitary window looking

is not usual, nor can it be accounted into the garden at the other, and allow- desirable; but the delicacy of reserve ing, from the thickness of the foliage is not always shown in these things, outside, but little light to penetrate into and feelings of indignant sorrow we the interior. I asked for what purpose have often experienced in reading por. this room had been used, and was told

tions of biography that never should that it had been a bed-room. “He died

have been written. Letters and other there-exactly where you are standing,' said the painter. I felt my cheeks tingle

transcripts of secret feeling, are unas he spoke. I drew back, involuntarily,

blushingly set forth by resurrectionist from the spot, with a feeling of awe;

editors, who dare not employ similar and as involuntarily-for I did not know treachery against their living acquaintor think at the time what I was doing

and things, which common took off my hat. The painter, moved charity, if not common propriety, would have consigned to everlasting derer tie — the burial-place of his silence, are ransacked for the gratifi- dead; we ascend Blencathra and Skidcation of a morbid public appetite. daw, and at last pause with him at Such revelations may, perhaps, be jus- “bonnie Carlisle," the point of his exit, tifiable in the instance of a Byron, as Lancaster had been of his entrance whose Letters and Journals were al- upon his “summer ramble.” most avowedly written for after-pub- Carlisle affords a very readable conlication ; but what had the world to cluding chapter, in which Dr. Mackay do with the private epistles of a Nel- combines the poetical city of King son, that made known the Delilah of Arthur and his Round-Table knights our Samson, and proved the demi-god with the historical burgh of many a a frail, sinful man ?* We trust Sou- bloody feud, and toughly-fought siege. they's friends will use their own dis- He quotes largely from the old Border cretion, and not sin against the De- ballads, in illustration of the former's parted by violating the confidence his knightly deeds, and describes at some trusting heart placed in them. Not length, the sufferings of the inhabithat one so unblamable in word and tants during the wars of the Roses, deed as he was, has need to shrink and two centuries after, when the from the severest scrutiny, but that Young Chevalier made his impotent the "little tendernesses" of home and invasion of England, and the town was hearth should be held sacred, and taken and retaken within six weeks. being such, should be delicately han- But here we pause, commending the dled, and distantly spoken about. The book to the courteous consideration whole course of a biography may be of our readers, and thanking the writer gone through without infringing pro- for his pleasing addition to our library. priety, even as the most life-like Once or twice we have detected him statue can be raised without omitting at war with the Queen's English, a the loosely-falling robes, that are as fault we cannot pardon in any, whether ornamental as they are necessary.

friend or foe; nor let our author From Keswick we follow our au- deem us fastidious, or that the imperthor to Derwentwater and its poet- fection is immaterial, for we can assung islets; thence to Lodore Water- sure him neither is the case. The fall and Borrodale, of whose yew-trees work is copiously illustrated, and the Wordsworth has largely written. We engravings are uniformly excellent ; tread his footsteps to Egremont, famed a few, however, have been reduced” for its castle, the horn of which none so much, that they lose considerably, could sound, save the rightful owner- as well in effect as in clearness, and a circumstance, which detected in by- are almost painful to the eye to congone days an usurping lord, as we find template. We would suggest to Dr. written by the same bard; on to St. Mackay, in the event of a second edi. Bees (founded in the seventh century tion being called for, that he remedy by St. Bega, a holy lady of Ireland, the foregoing blemishes, and make an the friend and contemporary of the addition of a travelling map, for the great Columbanus), where is now a tourist's benefit. He will find also, flourishing college for the education that a little research will discover of ministers for the Church of Eng- many more poetical illustrations; and land. Again, we proceed in his com- that a further study of Wordsworth pany, mentally, if not physically, to will enable him to identify several of Buttermere: visit Scale Force and the poet's less obvious local descripthe Druids' Circle ; at Cockermouth tions with localities, which are now, we call to mind that it is the Rydal doubtless, familiar to his eye and mepoet's birthplace, and by a yet ten- mory.

We do not allude to Sir Harris Nicholas' recent volumes, which we esteem an invaluable addition to our Naval History; but to the original publication of Lady Hamilton's letters.

LEAVES FROM THE LIFE OF PRINCE TALLEYRAND,

PART III.

Conference of the Marshals at Fontainbleau-Talleyrand opposes an abdication in favour of the King of

Rome-Anxiety of Talleyrand-Interview of the Marshals with the Emperor Alexander–Talleyrand and Marshal MacDonald-Fall of Napoleon--Endeavours of Talleyrand to secure a liberal Constitution--His design frustrated-Senatus Consultum recalling the Bourbons- Talleyrand receives publicly the Count D'Artois on his entry into Paris-His address-Answer to it written by Talleyrand-Louis XVIII, at Compiègne-Interview with the Emperor Alexander-Talleyrand and Louis XVIII. at St. Omer-Hostility of the Royalists to Talleyrand—Talleyrand named Minister of Foreign Affairs---Benefits secured to France by his negotiations-Goes to the Congress of Vienna-Result of his negotiations there---Displeases the Emperor Alexander–Festivities at Vienna—Talleyrand's Letters to Louis XVIII.-Negotiations respecting Murat-Return of Napoleon from Elba-Attacks against Talleyrand for his public conductDefence set up for him—Talleyrand and Louis XVIII. at Mons after the battle of Waterloo-The Duke of Wellington's opinion of Talleyrand—Fouché and the Duke of Wellington-Opposition of the Emperor Alexander to Talleyrand-Cabinet formed by Talleyrand-M. Pasquier and Louis XVIII.-Talleyrand and M. Pasquier-Proclamation of Cambrai-Louvre stripped of its works of art-Remonstrances of Talleyrand-His retirement from office-His last interview with the king--Is named Grand ChamberlainHis account of his ceremonial duties--Ilis speeches in the Chamber of l'eers- Events preceding the revolution of July-Gambling on the Bourse-Day of the 29th July-- He predicts the fall of the Bourbons Louis Phillippe hesitates to accept the crown-Consults Talleyrand-Decides to accept, and is proclaimed king.

a

re

son.

The first explicit declaration in fa- To parry such a project, emissaries vour of the Bourbous came from the were sent to tamper with the Imperial Council General of the Seine. This generals and the proclamations of the was followed by addresses to the pro- provisional government were scattered visional government from all the con- among the soldiers. In this state of stituted bodies, such as the Avocats, things the Marshals held a conference the Cour de Cassation, the Council of at Fontainbleau, and some being inState, &c. In all these there were fluenced by a sincere opinion of the strong expressions hostile to Napo- impossibility of effectual resistance, leon, and in some of them allusions, and others shaken in their fidelity by more or less direct, to the restoration the emissaries of Talleyrand and the of the ancient line of kings.

provisional government, it was Notwithstanding these manifesta- solved to endeavour to induce the tions favourable to the project advo- Emperor to abdicate in favour of his cated by Talleyrand, the allied so

It is well known that this step vereigns had still a vague and unde- was taken. It was received by those fined horror of the very name of Na- who were then regarded as leading the poleon, nor did they venture to give public opinion differently. Talleyrand that cordial co-operation to the party and his colleagues in the provisional of the Restoration which might have government opposed it, favouring the been expected. Napoleon was still restoration of the Bourbons, and surrounded by 30,000 proved troops, Caulaincourt and the Marshals of the including the celebrated Imperial army advocated it with a regency Guard. Besides these, the corps under Maria Louisa. The Marshals, commanded by Marmont and Mor- commissioned by Napoleon to notify tier amounted to 20,000, making a his abdication to the allies, arrived in total of 50,000 fighting men, enthu- Paris in the midst of the greatest dissiastically devoted to their leader, quietude and apprehension, as well on and that leader incontestably the the part of the population as on that greatest captain of the age. Who of the allies themselves. People could tell the effect of a levy en masse, doubted the result. The sudden reand the insurrection of the Faubourgs? appearance of Napoleon was Besides, might not a junction be ef- stantly feared by some and hoped by fected with Soult and Suchet in the others. Those who had taken the south, and with the aid of Eugene Beau- part of the provisional government harnais in Italy, the re-appearance of wavered. The salons of M. Talleythe hero of Austerlitz, at the head of rand were comparatively deserted. 180,000, was far from being impos- The looks of the sovereigns and their sible.

generals were gloomy and serious, and

a

conanswer.

66

little calculated to reassure those who * must consider how many persons, had hastily committed themselves to relying upon your word, have already the Restoration.

been compromised in this matter. The commissioners of the Emperor The pledge given by your majesty, to presented themselves to Alexander. treat henceforward neither with NapoHe addressed this act of abdication to leon nor any of his family, has operated the allies, without alluding either to upon them, and governed their conthe senate or the legislative body, or duct. Your majesty ought to rememto any of the constituted authorities. ber that the Regency will be only the The anxiety of Talleyrand, who stood reign of Napoleon continued.” The so deeply and irretrievably committed, embarrassment of the Czar was ex. during this interview, can easily be treme, and he only escaped from it by conceived. He intercepted the Mar- the subterfuge, that he was not acting shals in the ante-room before they alone, and must consult the King of communicated with the Czar, and Prussia. He told the deputation that showed them how many persons would in a few hours they should receive his be compromised if they succeeded in their mission. You will ruin,” said The Marshals left the Czar, and he, “all those who have entered this waited in the antechamber, where they salon. Remember that Louis XVIII. entered into a lively altercation with is a principle, and everything else is the supporters of the provisional goonly an intrigue.” He produced, how- vernment, accompanied by loud words. ever, no effect.

The Marshals were Talleyrand, who had remained with faithful to their mission, and unanimous Alexander, came out and said for a Regency:

“ Messieurs, if you

wish to dispute, It was one in the morning when the pray descend to my apartment; you deputation was received by Alexander. are in the antechamber of the Emperor Marshal M.Donald opened the con- of Russia.” ference. - We have full powers, so

“ That will be useless,” replied far as regards the army, the regency, M‘Donald ; “ my comrades and I and France,” said he. “ The Em- are determined not to acknowledge peror Napoleon has expressly sorbidden the provisional government." us to stipulate for himself personally." M. Talleyrand and other members " That does not surprise me,” replied of the provisional government then Alexander, pensively, and with a returned to Alexander, and resorted countenance full of admiration for the to every means of persuasion to decide fallen greatness alluded to. " Your him against the propositions of the majesty," continued M‘Donald, “will deputation. not forget your old friendship for In fine, a reply was given, through Napoleon. The military glory of Talleyrand, to the envoys of NapoFrance also merits some consideration. leon, that nothing would be accepted It would be baseness in us to abandon by the allies but unconditional abdithe race of him who has so often led cation, and the well-known treaty of us to victory. Your majesty will not Fontainbleau was signed on the ilth forget the declaration of the allies, April by Marshal Ney and M. Cauthat they did not invade France with laincourt on the part of Napoleon, and the intention of imposing a govern, MM. de Metternich, Stadion, Nessel. ment upon her." Marshal Ney and rode, and Castlereagh, on behalf of M. Caulaincourt supported the propo- the allied powers. Napoleon thus be. sals of M‘Donald, and the latter espe- came sovereign of Elba, whither he cially availed himself of the confidence was accompanied by four hundred which he had formerly enjoyed with men of his guard. the Czar, to urge the interests of the In all the proceedings taken by family of Napoleon.

Talleyrand to produce the recall of The eloquence and military frank. the Bourbons to the throne of France ness of the Marshals had shaken his great object was to couple their Alexander, who had besides a linger- return with conditions which should ing spark of his old regard for Napo- secure to the nation a liberal constituleon still unextinguished. Talleyrand

tion. Of this he never for a moment had arranged that General Dessolle lost sight. In his negotiations with should take up the other side of the the allied sovereigns and their agents, question. “Your majesty," said he, in his discussions with the leading