Oldalképek
PDF
ePub

R. BURFORD'S PANORAMAS" OF ROME, AND THE COLISEUM. We were invited to a private view of Mr. Burford's Panoramas of Rome, and the Coliseum, on Monday last; and a real intellectual treat it was.

The painting in the Upper Circle, represents the Ruins of the Coliseum, taken from the third tier of arches; thus enabling the spectator to obtain a comprehensive view of the magnificent remains of this celebrated amphitheatre, he seems standing

i

"Within the Coliseum's wall, 'Midst the chief relics of almighty Rome;" and while gazing on this splendid wreck of "ruinous perfection," the mind is lost in awe and admiration. What a lesson it presents to the philosopher, the poet, and the historian! how forcibly it tells us, that "nations and empires rise and fall, flourish and decay;" not alone by Time, but as much perhaps by the ambition and mischievousness of Man! It is indeed difficult to describe! this truly brilliant picture, so replete with faithful scenes of sublime interest. The colouring is vivid-the effect of the whole enchanting.

In the Lower Circle is the View of Rome; taken from the Tower of the Capitol. This is also a painting that reflects the highest credit on Mr. Burford. We know not which to admire most—the gigantic fragments, and splendid monuments, telling us so forcibly of mighty Rome's former grandeur; or the defaced triumphal arches; its prostrate columns; or its porticos; all are so powerfully impressive, blended as they are with the architectural beauties of the magnificent palaces and other stupendous structures of this once Mistress of the World !-The "Eternal City!"-Imperial Rome !

[ocr errors]

The above two panoramas are, certainly, Mr. Burford's chef d'œures; and ought to be seen by every one; presenting, as they do, scenes of such vital interest. Doubtless they will prove great favourites, with the Public; as they richly deserve to be.

The Gatherer.

2

Inland Navigation. The navigable canals used for the transport of goods and produce in England alone, are estimated now to exceed 2,200 miles in length, while the navigable rivers exceed 1,800 miles, making toge ther more than 4,000 miles of inland navi gation, the greater part of which has been created or rendered available during the last 80 years. The whole extent of navigable canals at this moment available in Ireland, does not amount to 300 miles; and, including navigable rivers, the entire water communication does not exceed 400 miles for the whole island.

Extraordinary Egyptian Stone Coffin.— There is now on board of the brig Elizabeth Ann, Captain Ellis, lying at the north end of the Queen's-dock, a remarkably ancient Egyptian stone coffin, recently imported from Alexandria, in the vessel called the Hope, whence it has been transshipped, to be taken to the British Museum. It is eight feet six inches in length, measured outside, and three feet six inches in width. It is covered with curious carvings of human figures, hieroglyphics, and emblematical devices. It was discovered far in the interior of Egypt, and has been sent to England by our consul at Alexandria. The cost of its conveyance it is supposed will reach 1,000l., owing to the want of roads in Egypt, and the necessity of employing men, chiefly as carriers.-Liverpool paper.

Society. No one living thing in society watch-dog, which fawns on you or tears can be independent. The world is like a you to pieces.

The strong and growing disposition of the working-classes to provide against the ca, sualties of life, is evidenced in the rapid increase of deposits in the various Saving Banks. In the St. Mary-le-bone Bank, 2,888 new deposits were made in the last year: 11,278 deposit accounts remained open in November last; when upwards of £196,200 was invested with the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt; and the amount has since risen to £205,000, and is rapidly advancing.

Augustus, having ordered a purple robe,' complained to the maker, when he brought it, of the dullness of the colour." You will not think it dull," said the man, "if you will hold it up to a bright light.""What, then," said the emperor, "will it' be always necessary for me to sit in a bright light when I wish to appear well dressed ?"

[ocr errors]

Macrob. Sat. II. 4.~*

Edward Moore.-(Author of a periodical paper called The World.)-It is rather extraordinary, that though this gentlemam was totally ignorant of every language but his own, it has been universally allowed,, that few men wrote better in prose or verse,, in applications and allusions to them. or showed more knowledge ef the classics

Napoleon.--A stranger having entered the apartment where the Emperor Napoleon was shaving himself, when in a little town in Italy, he said, "I want to see your great Emperor-what are you to him?" The Emperor replied, "I shave him."

LONDON: Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset House); and sold by the Booksellers.-In FRANCFORT, CHARLES all Booksellers and Newsmen.-In PARIS, by all.

JUGEL.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][merged small][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][merged small][graphic]

LONDON AND CROYDON RAILWAY, FROM NEW CROSS, DEPTFORD.

THE LONDON AND CROYDON

RAILWAY.

"WHEN we look upon the many and important changes which have been wrought upon the externals of the world, and consider the mighty elements of power and knowledge which are rifely active in their existence, and extensively engaged in modifying the face of society, we are almost compelled to reflect upon the means by which they act, and the amount of good which they have already accomplished. However great the ridicule may be which has been thrown upon the hackneyed expression of the "march of mind," we cannot observe these changes, or think upon these elements, without allowing it to possess much meaning, and to represent that which is always amazing, and sometimes astounding, in its effects. To inquire into the principles by which it has been impelled, is not our present business, we have now only to contemplate one of its results. One, it is true, but one so fraught with important consequences, and so necessary to the general advancement, as almost to be looked upon as a cause, rather than an effect, of national greatness. And, indeed, what is so likely to exalt a people collectively in acquirement and virtue, as that frequent, nay, almost constant attrition of mind, which is invariably produced by facility of intercourse. Man is naturally gregarious; he is made for community and fellowship; and experience has proved, that wherever there is constant or continual association, there, just in an equal proportion, will high and noble, and valuable qualities, prevail.

Never were these observations more strikingly illustrated, than by the progress made in this country and in America during the last twenty years, by the introduction of railways and steam carriages. So rapid has been the advance within that period, that we can with difficulty suppose what is the fact, that it is nearly two hundred years since the principle, thus influential, was first brought into notice, and applied to the purposes of

life.

When once the impetus had been given to the public mind, and the advantage of transit by railways made apparent, schemes for their construction almost inundated the public press. The activity which had been excited in commercial enterprise, by the over-trading of the years 1823-4 and 5, doubtless contributed very much to awaken a desire to promote these novel plans of conveyance, by apparently providing the means for their execution; and, though the matter was certainly not nearly so well understood as it was soon afterwards, yet sufficient was known of it to enable practical men to calculate the results and depend upon the profit. That railways would early become remunerative investments, was readily believed; for it was a

common conviction, and not unfounded in fact, that those ways which had been instituted for the convenience of private concerns had paid a high rate of per centage.

At length the idea of forming railways of considerable extent was seriously taken up, and, in 1825, the first result appeared in the Stockton and Darlington Railway. On the 17th of September, in that year, this great undertaking was opened to the public, and, after a few months, sufficient indication was given, that the experiment was likely to prove in every way satisfactory. The excessive cost was counted as nothing, for the intercourse which had existed between the two towns prior to the opening of the railway was more than quadrupled. The benefit which the successful termination of this undertaking occasioned was soon felt, and its influence became perceptible in the increased activity of those who were maturing even far more extensive schemes.

The wild propositions which were put forth for public approval were, doubtless, both injudicious and injurious; and many a broken heart, while mourning in secret, bore testimony to the fatal worship of the moloch of wealth. Yet were they, nevertheless, productive of this great good, that they turned the powers of intellect to the concoction of plans of public good, which were speedily brought into effect.

The object of railways was the easier conveyance of weighty goods, and, for the period we have named, the facility afforded by the use of the plain way of a wood or iron rail, instead of the rough friction of a bad road, had sufficiently answered the purpose. Expedition, as well as facility, however, or rather a higher degree of facility, was now required, and it was discovered that if the railway were laid upon a sufficient descent, the use of animal power might be altogether dispensed with."

The first act which passed for the forming of a railway, was carried through parliament in 1801, and, with the exception of a very few sessions, one act or more has been passed every year since, progressively increasing in number up to 1838.

Our embellishment to this Number is a Vew of that part of the London and Croydon Railway, from the deep cutting made through the hill at New Cross, Deptford, looking towards Greenwich Railway, with its unparalleled viaduct, composed of upwards of a thousand arches, and part of the mighty metropolis of England in the distance; forming, upon the whole, a picturesque and ani

mated scene.

It is expected that the London and Croydon Railway, of which Mr. J. Gibbs is the engineer, will be publicly opened in May next.

"From "Gilbert's Railways of England and Wales." 1833.

SUPERSTITION AND CRUELTY.

IN noticing Dr. Rogers's second lecture on the Mythology of the Ancients, (comprising the Religious System of the Greeks and Romans,) we referred to a previous lecture, which related to the mythology of the earlier nations.* Both of these lectures have since been repeated at the Marylebone Institution, Edward-street, Portman-square; and have called forth the following testimonial from the secretary; a testimonial which confirms the remarks we made on the occasion alluded to:" I have the pleasure of informing you that, at a meeting of the committee held last evening, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to you, for your highly-interesting lectures on the Mythology of the Ancients, delivered at this Institution." From the first of these lectures we have culled some passages, which we think will interest our readers.

Human Sacrifices.

The most ancient of the Canaanitish idols, was Aglibolus, or Baal. The meaning of the word "Baal," is "Lord;" and refers to the sun. Another idol was Malachbolus, or Moloch; a male personification of the moon. To both these idols human sacrifices were

offered. Before entering Canaan, the Israel. ites received the strongest possible injunctions, to preserve them from adopting these abominations. Death was denounced against those who should imitate the idolators by offering their children. But notwithstand ing these threatenings, the kings of Israel set their people the example of conforming to these horrid rites. Solomon built a temple

to Moloch on the Mount of Olives; and Manasseh reared altars to Baal, and "made his son pass through the fire." It is believed that the children were sometimes obliged only to pass between fires, or to leap over them. Generally, however, there can be no doubt they were really sacrificed. So infamous did the valley of Tophet become, on account of these barbarities, that the prophet Jeremiah declared it should be called "the valley of slaughter."

Mr. Croker, in his "Fairy Tales and Legends of the South of Ireland," gives an account of some curious relics of the ancient

eve,

worship of this deity. He says that May-day is called "the day of Beal's fire;" and May"the eve of Beal's fire;"-from having been, in heathen times, consecrated to the god Beal, or Belus; whence, also, the month of May is termed, in Irish, "Mina Bealtine." He goes on to observe that the ceremony practised on May-eve, of making the cows leap over lighted straw, or faggots, has been generally traced to the worship of that deity. It is now vulgarly used in order to See The MIRROR" for December 1, 1838, (No. 923, Vol. 32, page 355.)

save the milk from being pilfered by "the good people," as the fairies are called.

Moloch, according to the Jewish Rabbies, was an idol of brass, with a calf's head, and seated on a brazen throne. It was hollow, and divided into seven compartments. In the first compartment was placed meal; in the second, a turtle; in the third, an ewe; in the fourth, a ram; in the fifth, a calf; in the sixth, an ox; and in the seventh, a child. The idol was then heated; and the whole of its contents were consumed together, amid the noise of shouts, and warlike instruments. Milton thus notices some of the particulars we have mentioned :

"First, Moloch!- horrid king - besmeared with

blood

Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears;

Though (for the noise of drums and timbrels loud) Their children's cries unheard, that pass'd through fire

To this grim idol.

The wisest heart Of Solomon he led, by fraud, to build His temple, right against the temple of God, On that opprobrious hill; aud made his grove The pleasant vale of Hinnom ;-Tophet, thence, Aud black Gehama, called,-the type of hell!"

The grand object of worship among the Carthaginians, was Saturn; and the rites performed to his honour were of the same horrid character as those of Moloch. The statue of this idol was of brass; with its arms extended, and so inclined, that whatThe most respectable authors of antiquity ever was placed on them rolled into a fire. unite to assure us, that to this deity infants were sacrificed; and those who had no children of their own, purchased those of the dant priests were clothed in scarlet-fit poor for this dreadful purpose. The attenemblem of their bloody office! Their sacri fices were always attended by drums, and other noisy instruments; in the same manner as those of Moloch previously, and of the Hindoos to this day. When Agathocles was approaching to beseige Carthage, the inhaby neglecting the proper sacrifices; and two bitants imagined they had offended Saturn, hundred children, of the first families in the city, were publicly immolated.

Worship of Animals.

One of the most remarkable features of the

Egyptian Mythology, was the worship of animals. They imagined that some animals partook of the nature of their celestial deities; and were therefore entitled to divine honours. Thus when the worship of the moon had become established, and her increase and diminution superstitiously considered, it was thought to bear some analogy to the dilating and contracting pupil of the cat's eye; and puss was accordingly deified. In the same manner, the asp and the beetle became sacred; because they were supposed to exhibit some faint images of particular

deities. The hawk was dedicated to Osiris; the ass. the crocodile, and the hippopotamus, to Typho; the serpent, or dragon, to Nephthe. Every element was laid under contribution; and men, women, bulls, cows, rams, goats, dogs, cats, snakes, crocodiles, frogs, beetles, and innumerable others, were all included in the sacred catalogue. Ophilatria, or serpent-worship, was very famous; and was celebrated with the most horrid rites. To this animal human victims were immolated. Richardson, in his researches in Egypt, discovered a tomb at Biban al Melook, in which there is a representation of six men sacrificed at one time. The walls of their tombs are frequently covered with representations of this idol; as may be seen by consulting the volumes of the " Library of Entertaining Knowledge" devoted to " Egyp tian Antiquities," and Dr. Taylor's recently published work on the subject.

The bull was sacred to Osiris; and was called Apis. It was to be black, with a square piece of white on the forehead. Many years sometimes elapsed, before an animal could be found exactly answering this description. When Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, (called, in Scripture, Ahasuerus,) invaded Egypt, he desired the priest to show him their god. They immediately, with much pomp, led Apis before him. Cambyses, enraged at their stupidity, drew his dagger, and thrust it into the animal's thigh;-of which wound poor Apis died. The priests were shocked at his profanity; and predicted the most direful calamities in consequence. Some time afterwards, Cambyses, in drawing his sword, wounded his own thigh; and, like the bull, died of the injury. The priests, of course, did not fail to represent it as a judgment on his daring crime. Dr. Prideaux, in relating this occurrence, actually coincides with the priests; and thinks that God punished the king for his contempt of their religion, though that religion was idolatrous. For so eminent a man, and a Dean of the Church of England, such an opinion appears a little extraordinary. N. R.

APOPHTHEGMS.
(From the Persian.)

A SAGE, whose eyes and hands were lifted up towards heaven, offered up this prayer to the throne of mercy:"Great God, have pity on the wicked; for thou hast done all for the good, when thou hast made them good."

A man is born, he begins to build, and dies; another is born, who also begins to build, and dies likewise. Thus generations succeed each other; everything is begun: nothing is finished. Happy the man who has gained on earth the prize of goodness: his reward awaits him in the other life.

W. G. C.

MODE OF EMPLOYING SERVANTS
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,

[ocr errors]

(For the Mirror.)

The Azamoglans, in Turkey. AZAMOGLANS, Agemoglans, or Agiamoglans, the meaner uses of the seraglio. They are are under-officers, or servants destined for of the Tartars, but more commonly the sons sometimes captives taken in war, or bought of Christians, taken from their parents at the age of ten or twelve years, being seldom the from the increase of the poor Christians in the sons of natural Turks, but yearly collected Morea of Albania; the yearly number of those thus collected, amounts to about 20.000,— who are brought to Constantinople, presented before the vizier, and by him placed in divers situations, either in the seraglio's of Galatæ, Okmedon, or Adrianople; others are put brought up as seamen, and many are placed forth to learn different trades in the city, where they are made to serve in the stables in the great seraglio at Constantinople, and kitchen, to dig in the gardens, to cleave wood, and to do whatever service they are commanded by the superiors set over them,

who are called the odabaschees.

signed for the grand signior's seraglio, are Those of the Azamoglans, who are dethe choicest of the whole number, possessing the strongest bodies, and most promising aspects. The discipline they undergo is very severe; so that they are taught obedience and readiness to serve; with watching, fasting, and other penances. Their clothing is of coarse blue cloth, made at Salonica-their caps of felt, after the form of a sugar-loaf, of hair colour, Some of them are taught to read and write, who are esteemed as the most acute, and fit

for instruction; but the greater part are exercised in running, leaping, wrestling, throwing the iron bar, or other agilities. Their lodgings are pent-houses, or sheds built under the walls of the seraglio-their diet flesh and rice, sufficient, though not luxurious. Out of those belonging to the seraglio, none are drawn out for jannissaries. but are sometimes preferred for the service of bashaws, according to their fidelity or good conduct. The Azamoglans who are distributed into other quarters than the seraglio, are principally designed, as they grow up, for jannissaries in the place of those deceased of that body. Their names, with the places where they are distributed, and their pay, which is from two to five aspers a day, are written in a book, which book is signed by the grand signior and teftendar, who pays their salaries every three months, being obliged at that time to inquire who is dead or removed, and to make a true report to the grand signior.

C. P. S.

« ElőzőTovább »