though with a beating heart and anxious mind, to encounter his fate with firmness, whatever the stars might predict.

At the period of which we speak, a belief in judicial astrology was generally entertained; and even some of the master-spirits of the age owned, in a slight degree, their partial belief in the science. It has been said that the queen herself, on one occasion, allowed her judgment to be influenced by the predictions of an astrologer: at least such is the assertion of the acute and entertaining Italian, whose history of her reign is in most respects a faithful one. A further proof may be deduced from the proceedings against witchcraft which characterized the reign of her successors, as well as from the numerous memoirs, public and private, which tend to illustrate the fact.

Though liberally educated, travelled, and super-abundantly endowed with the gifts of nature and the acquirements of art, the mind of the young man had not in this respect risen superior to that of the multitude; or, if so, it was but with a slight shade of difference, arising from the effect of education, which corrected, though it could not eradicate, the early impressions of superstition.

Arrived at the sage's dwelling, he knocked, and was presently admitted: the old man stood before him, and accosted him with the Eastern salutation of peace. "Salam Aleikum" was his greeting, as he bent his head, and once more welcomed the stranger to his abode. They ascended in silence into the upper chambers, where a great difference was now perceptible in the apartment, as well as in the dress, of the astrologer. The red-coloured garment which Al Seddik usually wore, was exchanged for a robe of pure white; the sleeves and hem of which were bordered by deep rows of Oriental writing, representing the ninety and nine mysterious names of Allah.

His cap was high and conical, and of the same colour; and a verse from the Koran was inscribed around it the same that is applied to the "wondrous night," which all Mussulmen hold in the deepest veneration. The purport ran thus: "May peace be upon this night, till the light shall dawn from the east!" His waist was encircled by the black and white skin of the serpent Arkam, known for its wisdom and its venomous qualities in the province of Turquestan; and on his breast he wore a triangular ornament of gold, the emblem of perfectibility. In his right hand he held an ebon wand, which was chased with a serpentine wreath of silver, from one extremity to the other.

The chamber was now brilliantly illuminated by long tapers of camphor, but the splendour of the light was not visible from without, owing to several thick folds of dark cloth which were suspended across the room, in front of the window, the lattice of which was also closed by heavy oaken shutters. The middle of the apartment was the centre of a large circle, accurately traced in chalk, and regularly divided according to the twelve signs of the zodiac, which marked the several houses. A small peeled wand was also laid at each division of the circle, composed alternately of the elm and aspin branches; the interior of the circle presented a barrier of a more formidable nature, being formed of skulls and bones, together with divers other more inexplicable objects.

"Behold, my son," said Al Seddik, these relics of mortality; they are the bones of the wise, who, like me, have toiled long and suffered much, to discover the grand secret of nature. Each fragment which you see there, was once an animated portion of the living frame of the sages who inhabited the city of Ain al Schams, the fountain of the sun, once the capital of Egypt and of the world. Alas for the wreck of time!-the city is desolate; and the bones of the wisest who dwelt within its walls, alone attest the past existence of that which was once the renowned among nations.

"These shining relics," he continued, pointing with his wand as he spoke, "were formerly among the gems which adorned the crown of Zein Algaman, the mighty founder of the city of Auberabad, in the isles of the Indian ocean.

"In the same circle, you may mark the various stones which possess the strongest power in conjunction with the planetary signs; from the pearl of the sea of Oman and the amber of Chaldea, to the turquoise of Istakhar, and that stone, more precious than all, which is found in the eyes of the stag, whose food is of serpents in the sandy deserts of Thibet and Cathay.*

"Nor are these alone sufficient to counteract the malignant influence of the planets which are in opposition to this night's work. I name them to thee, my son, that thou mayest see that the productions of the earth, the holiest, the most rare, and some the most ordinary, are alike needful to success. A wise man," saith the Hâkim Lokman, "neglecteth not the aid of the meanest of the creatures of Allah." Observe this vase of alabaster; it contains the crystallized tears of the dove of the sultan Mahmoud ben Sebekteghim, a holy bird, sent by the

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The bezoar stone.

prophet to his faithful servant from the river Kautser, in the garden of Eden, whose shores are of pure gold, and the sands of its shining bed are pearls and rubies. These crystal drops have power to disperse the noxious qualities of poison, and of all things hurtful to man.

"It needs not to describe more of the precious fragments which have been collected, to heighten the force of the charm I am about to assay; nor is it needful to inquire how all these powerful auxiliaries have been procured: enough, that a long life of toil and pain have enabled me to discover their mysterious attributes; soon I trust to lead to the accomplishment of the grand object of existence, the attainment of knowledge and powers beyond that of Soliman ben Daoud, whose slaves were the genii of the elements.

"Before, however, we enter within the limits of the circle, to invoke the presence of the spirits of the elements to embrace your demands; first tell me the precise hour and minute of your birth, that I may complete the horoscope I have already prepared." As he spoke, Al Seddik drew from his bosom a broad sheet of parchment, on which was accurately depicted the table of the twelve houses of life. Receiving the required document, he examined it attentively, and seated himself upon the floor, while he proceeded to make the necessary calculations. His companion observed him with interest. In a short time the old man spoke :

"My son," he said, "I was not deceived; "the stars are the willing interpreters of the decrees of fate: the lines of your hand agree but too well with the destiny which is inscribed in the heavenly spheres. In the first house, which is that of Life, I see where Jupiter enters direct into the sign of Al Gedi, or the ram; believe me, that ere long the bright course of your fortunes will begin; they will be brilliant and successful: still further in the same planet, predominant in the eleventh house, where dignities, and the favours of princes, are profusely strewed; but, again being retrograde in Taurus, it is clear that the house of life is endangered, in the midst of the highest sweep of fortune. Thy career will be eminently prosperous, but its end will assuredly be sudden !

"Behold where the planet Zohair, which is Venus, enters into the balance with the sun in the ascendant; as surely does it be token the love of woman, and the dangerous favours which she bestows. Bear then in mind the words of the poet Dah ban, to 'mistrust four things-the friendship

of princes, the caresses of women, the smiles of enemies, and the warmth of winter, for none of these things endure. Rely on this saying, for that which follows assures its truth.

"The Sun being retrograde in Taurus, denotes, that, though the prospect of marriage may seem to offer the surest means of happiness, it will never be successful. In the tenth house, Mars entering direct into Cancer, repeats the prediction of danger and violent death; and Venus being in conjunction, declares, that from woman will the danger ensue.

"There are three occurrences which will mark your future life, all in themselves productive of honour, but linked to a fatal termination-the first will speedily arrive, and open the road to fame and fortune; the second will be occasioned by the death of a dear friend, whose end you will yourself accelerate, and almost gain the topmost round of ambition's ladder; the third will go near to raise you to the pinnacle of human greatness, but your opposing fate will quickly reverse the picture. The horoscope tells me no more; and more if you wish to know, must be demanded of agency no longer mortal."

"I cannot pause," the young man replied, " in the acquisition of knowledge which holds out such splendid lures, though accompanied by terms which might appal a less resolute querist. I need not repeat, Ben Saad, that I seek to know all that can be told, and I care not what may be the means employed."

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Propose, then, your questions in writing, before we enter into the circle, where, by the uninitiated, neither must word be uttered nor sign made." The stranger mused for a moment, then rapidly wrote down a series of questions, which he gave to the astrologer.

"It is well," he said: "approach, then, and bare thy feet, for the dust whereon you are about to tread is sacred-'tis the sand of the island of Gezirat, far, far away beyond the giant mountain of Caf, where reigned the pre-adamite sultans before this nether world was created. Take, also, this mantle, once worn by the wise AbouMaascher, and cast it over your own garments, before you enter this mystic circle, the true emblem of eternity."

The stranger obeyed implicitly the mandates of the sage; for, though his own faith taught him to doubt much the efficacy of all the relics which were thus arrayed, yet, impressed with the idea of the learning and skill of the Eastern magi, he gave involuntary credit to much that was said, from the

imposing manner in which the old man uttered his words, and the peculiarities of time and place which surrounded him.

They entered the circle together, and Al Seddik carefully retraced the outline over which they had passed. He then proceeded with the mystic ceremony. He first prostrated himself towards the east, and remained for a few minutes apparently absorbed in prayer; then, rising, he drew from his vest the magical volume that was written by the celebrated Bazur, containing all the rites and ceremonies necessary to be observed in the progress of the incantation. He then slowly paced the circle, following the direction of the sun, and pausing at each of the twelve divisions, to repeat the formula of adjuration.

When the circle was encompassed, he took a small crucible, and, pouring into it a dark liquid, he lit a taper, and bent it downwards to the vessel, the contents of which instantly ignited, and a bright flame sparkled far and wide. Ben Saad next produced an Oriental drug reduced to powder, which he scattered over the flame, and a dark vapour arose, as gloomy as that which floats perpetually above the well of Hendskar. The mist gradually extended itself throughout the chamber, and the lights were well nigh extinguished, all but the flame from the crucible, which still burnt fiercely, and cast a red glare over the persons of the astrologer and his neophyte.

This action was accompanied by a solemn invocation to the terrific powers of darkness; and presently was heard a rushing noise, like the sound of the deadly blast as it sweeps over the sands of Egypt. A dusky form was then descried, pacing with impatient gestures the circumference of the magic ring. Al Seddik gazed fixedly on the apparition; but the stranger shuddered with an undefined sensation of dread, as he endeavoured to discern the imperfect form and features of the shadow, which seemed alike impalpable and ever-changing.

The old man was the first to break the appalling silence: "Slave of Eblis, dark spirit of futurity," he exclaimed, " pause in thy circling flight, and obey the power of him whose spell has called thee from the realms of Ginnistan to the regions of upper air.'

The figure remained in one spot, while, with expanded wings, it still seemed hovering as a bird before it rests itself on earth. A deep harsh voice was heard. "What wouldst thou?" was the question; "speak, and be brief." " Demrouset Nere," said the sage, "for such I know thee now: hearken to the words of one as potent as Tahmuras

of yore, and reply with the voice of truth to that which I shall demand of thee."

"What fate awaits the querist whose foot is even now on the threshold of life?" "His fortunes shall prosper till his age is doubled," was the corresponding reply. "Shall he experience happiness in his career?"

"Mortals toil eagerly in pursuit of pleasure and ambition, he shall have enough of both."

"Will he be successful in love?"

"It shall raise him to the pinnacle of greatness,-shall hurl him from the giddy height,-shall betray him while living, and mourn over him when dead."

"Who will prove his greatest foe?"
"His fairest friend.

"When shall he die, and how?"

"Four hours have not elapsed since he saw the spot where he shall yield up his last breath,-let him beware the axe.'

"What shall occasion his death?"
"The treachery of woman."

"What is the name of her whose destiny is linked with his?" A pause ensued,the spirit appeared moody, and unwilling to answer further.

"Speak, foul spirit," cried Al Seddik, "I conjure thee, by the powerful seal of Noe, in the name of the mighty Senkidah I command thee!"

"Seek for the name beneath the sign Sunbulah," replied the voice, "I may not tell thee more."

"Sunbulah,” exclaimed Ben Saad, “'tis the sign of the Virgin; perchance a regal one! say, once more, shall this favoured son of fortune ever wear a kingly crown?"

"His sway shall be that of royalty," was the final answer of the voice, as the figure became more and more indistinct amid the thickening vapour.

"Enough," said the astrologer to his companion; "more it profits not to inquire." In a few moments the apartment was again clear, and the lights burned brightly as before.

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"What think you, my son," said Al Seddik, are you satisfied with the prospect of your future lot?"

"It is more than the fondest dreams of my imagination could have pictured," replied the youth, "how shall I thank you, my father, how express my gratitude?"

"Reserve it, my son, till you have better learned to appreciate the nature of what you have just heard. A time may come when your thoughts may change,-meanwhile live well and wisely. Forget not, that though the stars rule the destinies of men, they themselves are but the agents of the all

Who is there to whom the prosperous career and unhappy fate of the unfortunate Earl of Essex, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth, are unknown? They are recorded in the pages of history, and inseparably connected with the annals of the maiden queen. Yet there are few, perhaps, who are aware that the predictions of which we have spoken were actually made, and that they came to pass almost according to the letter.

In the year 1585, he accompanied the Earl of Leicester to Holland, where he obtained the rank of general (though so young, being barely eighteen); and where he behaved with distinguished bravery at the memorable battle of Zutphen. On his return from the Low Countries, he made his first appearance at court, where he immediately attracted the notice of the queen, who in an incredibly short time loaded him with dignities and rewards; conferring upon him the office of Master of the Household, Grand Marshal, and Chancellor of the

University of Cambridge. Her personal regard, also, accompanied these high honours, being permitted to wear in his hat a glove from her right hand; "a favour," says a contemporary historian, "the greatest that a mistress could bestow on an accepted lover."

The influence of Leicester, whose friend he was, was not at once eclipsed; they continued to divide the favours and councils of Elizabeth, till by degrees the star of Leicester sank before that of his more youthful rival, who forgot the ties of friendship in the lures of ambition; and eventually became the concealed enemy of his former friend, whose death has by some been ascribed to poison, and by others to a broken heart, owing to his having lost the friendship of the queen; which circumstance it is well known, was caused by the intrigues of Essex.

On Leicester's death, he became lord paramount, and bore the title, at court, of "the EARL" par excellence. The viceroyalty of Ireland, while it kept the word of promise to his ear, yet broke it to his hope; and though it put into his hands the possession of an authority in every respect that of a king, was yet, through the treachery of his friends, the final cause of his disgrace.

The last act of his power was his des

perate attempt to secure the person of the queen, which, so fatally for his fortunes, was unsuccessful. From that period, till his final condemnation, the transition was most rapid; and when, in the last extremity, he transmitted Elizabeth's ring by the faithless countess of Nottingham, and awoke the remorse of Elizabeth, whose spirit bowed beneath it till she sunk in the grave, the term of prophetic events was completed, which verified the predictions of the astrologer. February, 1829. D. C.

TREASURE FOUND BY THE FRENCH AT ALGIERS.

THE reports which had been current respecting the magnitude of these treasures, have been exaggerated; but the amount actually found, shewed that it was not entirely an Oriental fiction, though previously alleged to be so by the adversaries of the expedition. Authentic accounts had been received of its existence before the arrival of the troops, and perhaps the eclat of its capture constituted one of the motives for the enterprise. To see waggons loaded with ingots of gold drawn from Toulon to Paris, was no trifling temptation to ministers, who had a design to dazzle the minds of the people, in order the more easily to abridge their liberties. On taking possession of the Casauba, an immediate search was made for this treasure, which had been said to amount to 200,000,000 of francs, or 8,000,000l. sterling. The Dey had kept no account of his treasure; there were found no exchequer receipts, no registers of revenue or expense. The money, which was the fruit of taxes, tribute, or plunder, was thrown into a room by the treasurer of the regency, without being counted. It was deposited in different boxes or coffers, and taken out on an order signed by the Dey and his council. The French found in all, the large sum of 48,684,527 francs, or nearly 2,000,000l. sterling, in ingots of gold and silver. Of this sum, upwards of 43,000,000 of francs were packed up in boxes, nailed, and sent home by the ships of war. Upwards of 5,000,000 of francs, or 200,000l. sterling, consisting of coins current in that country, were reserved for the expenses of the army. This sum, though large, had fallen so much short of what had been expected, that the treasurer of the Dey was put to the strictest examination. He, however, swore that the Regency had no further resources; that he would engage to lose his head, if any money was concealed; that the people had been always deceived respecting the treasures of the palace; that for the last

twenty years the expenses of the government had exceeded its receipts; and that, during the three years of the blockade, these receipts, either from prizes or commerce, had been reduced almost to nothing.

SINGULAR DISORDER.

PEARCE, in his entertaining work on Abys sinia, says, "The diseases of Abyssinia are of a very virulent, and, in some instances, of a very singular kind: it fortunately happens, that the native medicinal herbs are of peculiar potency, and applicable to most of the diseases which occur. There is one disease, however, which, it would seem, like the bite of the tarantula, only yields to music. It is called the tigretier." He thus describes it:

"There is a holy water at the church Oun Arvel, which is greatly esteemed for the cure of persons afflicted with evil spirits. This is a very wonderful disorder, which I cannot pass over in silence, though the reader may think it fabulous and ridiculous; yet we have accounts of something of the kind in the New Testament, which the priests and learned men of Abyssinia believe to be the same complaint. This complaint is called tigretier; it is more common among the women than among the men. The tigretier seizes the body as if with a violent fever, and from that turns to a lingering sickness, which reduces the patients to skeletons, and often kills them, if the relations cannot procure the proper remedy. During this sickness their speech is changed to a kind of stuttering, which no one can understand but those afflicted with the same disorder. When the relations find the malady to be the real tigretier, they join together to defray the expenses of curing it. The first remedy they in general attempt is, to procure the assistance of a learned doctor, who reads the Gospel of St. John, and drenches the patient with cold water daily, for the space of seven days an application that very often proves fatal. The most effectual cure, though far more expensive than the former, is as follows. The relations hire, for a certain sum of money, a band of trumpeters, drummers, and fifers, and buy a quantity of liquor; then all the young men and women of the place assemble at the patient's house, to perform the following most extraordinary ceremony.

"I was once called in by a neighbour to see his wife, a very young woman, and of whom he was very fond, who had the misfortune to be afflicted with this disorder; and the man being an old acquaintance of 2D. SERIES, NO. 18.-VOL. II.

mine, and always a close comrade in the camp, I went every day, when at home, to see her; but I could not be of any service to her, though she never refused my medicines. At this time I could not understand a word she said, although she talked very freely, nor could any of her relations understand her. She could not bear the sight of a book or priest, for at the sight of either she struggled, and was apparently seized with acute agony; and a flood of tears, like blood mingled with water, would pour down her face from her eyes. She had lain three months in this lingering state, living upon so little, that it seemed not enough to keep a human body alive; at last her husband agreed to employ the usual remedy, and, after preparing for the maintenance of the band during the time it would take to effect the cure, he borrowed from all his neighbours their silver ornaments, and loaded her legs, arms, and neck with them.

"The evening that the band began to play, I seated myself close by her side as she lay upon the couch; and, about two minutes after the trumpets had begun to sound, I observed her shoulders begin to move, and soon afterwards her head and breast, and in less than a quarter of an hour she sat upon her couch. The wild look she had, though sometimes she smiled, made me draw off to a greater distance, being almost alarmed to see one nearly a skeleton move with such strength; her head, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet, all made a strong motion to the sound of the music, and in this manner she went on by degrees until she stood up on her legs upon the floor. Afterwards she began to dance, and at times to jump about, and at last, as the music and noise of the singers increased, she often sprang three feet from the ground. When the music slackened, she would appear quite out of temper, but when it became louder, she would smile and be delighted. During this exercise she never shewed the least symptom of being tired, though the musicians were thoroughly exhausted; and, when they stopped to refresh themselves by drinking and resting a little, she would discover signs of discontent, which nothing but a renewal of the music could overcome, and nothing but its continuance prevent from returning.

"Next day, according to the custom in the cure of this disorder, she was taken into the market-place, where several jars of maize or tsug were set in order by the relations, to give drink to the musicians and dancers. When the crowd had assembled, and the music was ready, she was brought 162.-VOL. XVI.

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