its first appearance, exercised the most powerful and enduring influence upon the youthful minds of England, namely, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.' Blessed as this country is with innumerable and inestimable works, which have conferred so many benefits on the minds of the young, that once famous nation in which the arts and sciences were early nurtured, which diffused the light of literature all over the then known world, and in which the language of the muses and graces was spoken, owing to the long and iron bondage it suffered under the Turks, is now altogether deprived of such auxiliaries to improvement and popular education. And would it not be a meritorious undertaking to assist in filling the void which so many years of slavery have created? Would not the translation of modern works, and especially those with which the English language is adorned, tend to promote knowledge, civilisation and happiness in that

"Land of lost gods and god-like men ?'

Yes! sure am I that every British Philhellene will concur with me in this respect. To place in the hands of young Greeks a book at once attractive, instructive, and moral, is the object of my present undertaking; but to attain this end I humbly solicit the subscriptions both of Greeks and the friends of Greece, who I hope and trust will readily render me their aid and cooperation in defraying the expense of publication, which is considerable, and thus enable me to send five hundred copies of this edition to be distributed gratis amongst the indigent children of unfortunate Greece. This edition will be embellished with illustrations, the price being fixed at five shillings each copy."

Our Tattler.

LONDON PENNYWORTHS. Having occasion, on a late return from a railway trip, to take the first penny boat which left London Bridge for the West End, we were much struck by the value and importance to the poorer classes of this novel accommodation. Some of our readers may have seen, if they ever indulge themselves in the luxury of early rising, the number of persons engaged in the business of selling fish in the streets, sitting at corners and crying live soles, and toiling from Billinsgate to their respective walks and stations under a load which tires them long before their regular and more profitable work commences. Now, we have a regard for fishwomen! They are a hard

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are, or

worked and much abused race; but if their language be at times of a very ancient and fish-like character, the fault is to be attributed to anybody but themselves. Ragged schools are, under Ashley patronage, the order of the day; why not fish-fag" schools, where the juvenile vendors of lobster, salmon, eels, and shrimps, may learn the proper use of the queen's English, and such other accomplishments as ought to be, comprised in a good English education. But we digress. Making our way from the railway station, and rushing wildly through the various lanes, dark entries, and alleys that led to where the penny boat was wrapped in a wreath of sombre smoke and white vapour, just about to start, we succeeded in effecting a footing on its circumscribed deck as the moorings were cast loose. Having recovered breath, we looked around, and found ourselves the centre of a singular group, the only blackcoat amongst fifty passengers, Without an exception, save ourselves, the boat was

occupied by fishmen and fishwomen, returning from effecting their purchases at Billinsgate, and who availed themselves of this new mode of transit to reach the West End, without having the barriers of Fleet-street, the hills of Holborn, or the other localities which have to be traversed to reach from the city to the quarters where they had their business and connection.

Now it was this picture, and a curious one it was, which suggested to our mind the subject of "London Pennyworths." Here was a large body of industrious working people, performing a journey which them considerably, not so much from the would otherwise have fatigued and harassed

distance as from the crowded state of the thoroughfares, easily, comfortably, for the small sum of one penny; by which meaus they not only saved the labour of carriage by land, but were enabled to rest from the hurry and bustle of the market. Here was a class brought within the reach of public conveyances that never before, perhaps, thought of using other than that which nature afforded them. Thus it is with everything. Come down to the level of the multitude in price, and the multitude will support and patronise.

In no other metropolis can so much be done for a penny as in London. We will say nothing of penny publications, generally penny rubbish, we are sorry to say, since the "Penny Magazine" is dead. And here let us pause a moment, and say a word on cheap literature. There is, perhaps, no medium equal to it for educating, civilising, and improving the people. By means of cheap publications, great and lofty truths, a knowledge of men and things, of

thousands of facts and axioms, invaluable in life, can be carried into the meanest hovel; and the poorest may know things which, until of late, were within reach only of the rich. But like everything else, cheap literature is abused. While it confines itself to mere amusement, we have no right to quarrel; but when it is made the medium of infusing moral poison into families, it behoves every friend of religion and common decency to meet it with severe reprobation. We are quite satisfied that heads of families are acting with culpable and criminal negligence, who allow any work, however its cheapness may tempt, to be in the hands of their children, which, for the sake of pandering to depraved tastes, diffuses such vile and dangerous reading as the novels of Eugene Sue. In the " Mysteries of Paris," and "Matilda," this writer is immoral; in "Martin" he is disgusting; and yet, in order to gain an additional sale, this moral poison is crammed into we know not how many penny publications, into one, in particular, which ought to know better, and if it does not, ought to be at once taught, by being excluded from every decent family. Such pennyworths as the "Penny Magazine' we are sorry to see replaced by mere repertories for trashy and immoral French novels.

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How many a thing for consumption in the eatable and drinkable line can be found for the poor man for a penny in London! A loaf, a pennyworth of many a meat and pudding, a cup of coffee, and, despite the outcries of rabid temperance conventions, a half-pint of porter. A word with temperance. Its advocates talk, agitate, and preach against intemperance in the use of malt and spirituous liquors, nay, against any use whatever of God's good gifts; but they have yet to learn temperance in language and argument. No irate fishwoman could hope to equal their choice vocabulary, in which" hell" and "the devil" are words used when they draw it mild." The foul abuse which is launched forth by these clerical and lay firebrands upon anybody presuming to differ from them, has disgusted every sane and sensible man. We all know, none more than ourselves, that temperance is essential to the prosperity of every community, but we have yet to learn that total abstinence is the distinguishing mark of a temperate man. Nor would we, did we believe in the wisdom of the doctrine, recommend any man to make common cause with a society which is represented by men who have not the decency to control their intemperate tongues, nor as much charity to their neighbours as would fetch them a pennyworth of coffee. Talking of charity, amongst the London

pennyworths we may obtain a pennyworth of satisfaction at every turn; for despite much that is false and hollow in mendicity, we know not how much of happiness, and satisfaction, and comfort we may drop into the lap of poverty, with our little round piece of copper representing a coin of the realm, and so many of which go to form the sovereign. Perhaps we might find many another pennyworth to dwell on, but with this we are satisfied for the present.

ITALIAN OPERA.

A brilliant and successful season of this fashionable place of public amusement has just closed, and though there might have been some improvement in the way of singers, on the whole the result has been most satisfactory both to the subscribers and the manager. Mario, Grisi, Lablache, are of course unrivalled, but many other names might fitly have graced the operatic boards. The novelties of the season were "Nino" and "Lombardi" by Verdi, and "Don Gregorio " by Donizetti, while, in the ballet line, "Catarina," "Lalla Rookh," and "The Jugement de Paris." The stock operas and ballets would occupy too much space to notice, but this we must say everything has been done by Mr. Lumley to draw support, both in singers, dancers, and music; and we are quite sure that by procuring a few good novelties, both in men and music, the next season will prove equally remunerating and satisfactory.

ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.

that

The French plays at this theatre have deservedly met with a most unprecedented success. We wish Mr. Mitchell every good fortune on his next trial.

DRURY LANE.

Mr. Bunn opens on the 30th with a strong and effective company, and with promises of much novelty. We shall see.

MADAME TUssaud's.

Few exhibitions in London present so many varied attractions as this. The figures are so life-like, the costumes so splendid, the groups so interesting in subject, that we are by no means surprised at the great success which it has met with. Mr. Macready has been the recent addition.

STRAND THEATRE.

Henry Russell is, without exception, the most original vocalist of the day. His anecdotes of negro life are perhaps the most richly comic things we ever remember to have heard.

F. A. B.

CHAPTER VII.

THE LIVE OAK CREST.

EPULSED

once, the gang, which lay in the woods seek.

ing the des

truction of the

Eagle's Nest, was little likely to attempt any renewal of the attack, until favoured by the dark canopy of night; and the garrison of the strong hold having, as stated in the previous chapter, taken every important precautionary measure, occupied themselves in the minor details of backwood warfare-casting bullets, preparing patching, filling powder horns, &c. As Edward had none of these duties to perform, and was, moreover, anxious to continue his acquaintance with Alice, he strolled towards the little garden, and stood at the gate.

society of one so very different to what backwood life generally affords, and Edward appreciated the opportunity. He was however heart whole, though he had been much interested both by the pleasing manners, graceful mind, and lovely form of the outlaw's daughter.

Love at first sight is to us an imaginary creation of a poetic mind, or if not, it is one of those freaks of the human heart which should be indulged in as little as possible. No love can lead to happiness which is not founded on mutual esteem and knowledge of one another's character. A solitary meeting will at best tell us, if the lady have pretty ankles, or what is the colour of her eyes or hair, with a glimpse of her nose and chin, and such like small circumstances, which have a very trifling effect upon the whole.

Edward paused when about to raise the latch, as he heard voices, but recognising them as those of the fair Mexican fugitive, whose dazzling beauty had not escaped his notice, he hesitated no longer, but pushed the gate open, and entered.

NO. 1336.

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VOL. XLVIII.

presents to the straw-coloured tints of the white-it is not the golden streak of day, at early dawn, which captivates the senses, but its beauty as relieved against the dull sky above-it is not the mere lovely and delicate hue of the blushing rose, but the contrast which its petals bear to all around— it is not brown or black, auburn or golden hair-it is not the blushing charms, rosy, pink, and lovely, which burst on woman's cheek, but the gentle contrast to the marble brow which excites so much of pleasing emotion in our bosoms. So with woman on the whole. It is the comparison of one style of beauty with another-it is the fact, that no two of God's fairest creatures are alike, that makes the whole so bright and beautiful.

As he caught sight of them, Edward hardly knew which to admire most-the gentle, fair, and lovely Alice, all retire ment, modesty, and blushing beauty; or the proudly handsome and womanly Mexican, who moved with the majesty, which, on paper, is usually given to queens, but which belongs, without regard to station, to peculiar form, figure, and feeling. They were conversing in Spanish, a language which, in its corrupted form, is familiar to every good Texan.

"I hope, signora, I do not intrude?" said Edward, approaching.

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"Say rather that you feel you are doing us a favour, in deigning to throw away your time upon two forlorn damsels," said Margaretta, such was the Mexican's name in a gay and open manner, such as an English woman would scarcely have assumed after seven years' intimate ac quaintance.

"Mr. Brown is a visitor like yourself," interrupted Alice, quietly, making way for him at the same time upon the seat, "and hospitality requires that we make him free of our castle; the favour, however," she added, with a smile, “is on our side, as this garden is rarely open to visitors."

in a state of siege which I can scarcely see the end of."

"Indeed," said the Mexican somewhat eagerly, "shall we then be kept here so long. Do these terrible outlaws seem so determined?"

"Were we beleaguered a week, aye, a month, it would little surprise me," replied Edward.

"Nay, perhaps, three months," exclaimed Alice, "for though the gang may not be in sight all the time, they may prowl about until the depth of the winter drives them to the lower settlements."

Margaretta took no notice of these replies, and it was impossible to tell whether she were pleased or not at the prospect of being shut up for so long a period in this wild and sequestered spot.

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'But," said she, after a pause, desirous to change the conversation, "what of my party, where is Don Juan?"

"The old gentleman, your worthy father," replied Edward, "was taken very unwell just now. He has, apparently, overexerted himself."

"Then show me where he is, I will go to him," said Margaretta, rising.

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Nay, he sleeps, and 'twould be pity to disturb him. Let us rather discuss how we are going to employ ourselves. I suppose if not fighting all the time, we may manage to have one or two dances, and as you ladies sing, and there is a guitar, a little concert may be expected. I, faith, do not think we shall do so very badly. We poor sailors are exposed to much more hardships than that."

"You are naval then," said Margaretta, raising her eyes inquiringly.

“I hold a commission in the navy of the young republic, for which I was foolish enough to give up one in the British service."

"A-a-an officer, of course?" remarked the Mexican, hesitatingly.

"Of course," replied Edward; rather glad in his somewhat rough costume to be able to explain his rank. "I have the honour to be an officer, and a gentleman, though but a poor one."

"In Texas that is the case of too many to be any drawback," observed Alice; "and as long as you can sport, hunt, and fish, for your own existence, you rank equal with the president himself."

"But we are wandering from the ques

tion," said Edward, gaily, "I was planning amusement for you, and you run off to discuss the economy of Texan life."

"Allow me to run a little farther," added the Mexican; "I wish to understand the probabilities of our sojourn, and, in the first place, would ask who is Blackhawk?" “A who indeed,” said Edward, becoming suddenly grave.

"I can give little explanation," answered Alice, who saw that she was appealed to, "save that less than a year ago, a band, composed of the refuse of the white and Indian population, appeared on the fron tiers of the country, doing deeds of robbery and murder. This chief, whose name is Blackhawk, is said to be a terrible fellow, without heart or conscience."

found in their sight. He heeded them not however, being fully occupied in seating his fair companions. The dinner was profuse and excellent, as usual in the backwoods, indeed more so than seemed wise with a siege before them.

"I think, Mr. Stevens," remarked Edward, "that considering we are likely to be confined here some time, this ample store would have been better somewhat husbanded."

"Nay, you would not have me stint my guests," rejoined the other gaily, "especially with such a store as I have to back me. Think not I have been taken unawares; I have foreseen some such contingency, and provided for it."

"There! there!" cried Jones, with a

Once, a year ago, and again last night. On the first occasion, as Captain Harry Coulter, he robbed me of all I had, while insensible, and in the felon chief I recognised the same personage."

"Captain Harry Coulter!" said Alice, in a faltering voice. "I have heard him spoken of. When we were in New Orleans, Mr. Stevens, that is, my father, had some connection with him, but they quarrelled, he having tried to rob my father. I never saw him, however."

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the gentlemen to know that you expected anything of the kind."

"Don't talk at random," replied Philip, with ill-disguised irritation, "mind your dinner, and leave us to converse as we please. You must excuse him, Mr. Brown, but in his youth he had a fright which he has never recovered. It has rendered him timid ever since."

Alice turned pale at these words, which were said with a calm and bitter sarcasm, which Jones quailed before, and he continued his meal without further remark.

"To the walls!" shouted a sentry from without at this point of the meal, which cry being followed up by a discharge of gunshot from half a dozen commanding points, the whole garrison rushed to defend the works, leaving the women sole tenants of the apartment.

On reaching the open air, Blackhawk and his gang were found to have occupied every available position round the Eagle's Nest. Behind the smouldering trees-on

"Mr. Brown is very gallant," added Margaretta, merrily, "to say that the presence of a lady reminds him of a bandit."

"Mr. Brown," exclaimed the full rich voice of Philip Stevens, "dinner is ready; if the ladies be at hand tell them as much." The summons was obeyed, and the whole party were speedily congregated together, with the exception of Don Juan, while Cephas Doyle and Jones stood apart as Blake entered, eyeing him with a scowl which showed how little favour he had

clear they had crept, for though after the first discharge, not a living being could be seen, yet the body of a sentry, riddled with musket shot, showed how near and how numerous must have been the volley.

Blake gazed with horror on the bleeding corpse. It was his first sight of blood, and his impression was of a character, which at once raised his feeling to a pitch of wild excitement that he had never known

before.

"Keep close every man," said Philip, sternly; "this bloody work is begun in