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Heaven? We have led out flocks to feed in the fame meadows; there is no harm in that. I have built a hut, you have taken pleasure in repofing in it; there is no harm in that. You flept upon my knees; I drew in your breath, and, that I might not lofe one gafp, I drew gently near you; there was no harm yet. It is true, that fometimes awakened by my careffes..." "Alas!" aid the fighing, "there was no harm n that."

It was in vain that they recalled to memory all that had paffed in the hut ; they faw nothing but what was natural and innocent, nothing of which any body had any room to complain, noching at which Heaven could be incenfed. "Yet that is all," said the shepherd; "Where then is the crime? We are coufins, fo much the worfe; but, if that does not hinder our loving, why ought it to hinder our marrying? Am I on that account lefs the father of my child, and you lefs its mother? Mark me, Annete! let them talk on: You depend on no-body, I am my own mafter; let us difpofe of ourselves; every one does what he pleases with his own property. We shall have a child? So much the better. If it be a daughter, fhe will be genteel and amiable ike yourself; if it be a boy, he will be alert and joyous like his father. It will be a treasure to us both. We will try who can love him beft; and, fay what they will, he will know his father and mother by the tender cares we fhall take of him." It was in vain that Lubin talked fenfe and reason; Annete was not at ease, and her uneafinefs redoubled every day. She did not comprehend the difcourfe of the Bailiff, and this very obfcurity rendered his reproaches and menaces more terrible.

Lubin, who faw her confuming herfelf with forrow, faid to her one mornng, "My dear Annete, your grief will kill me; return to yourself, I befeech you. I have this night thought of an expedient which may fucceed for

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were rich, the evil would be but half as great, and that by means of a good deal of money, coufins drew themselves out of trouble; let us go and find out the lord of the manor: he is rich, and not proud; he is a father to us all; with him a fhepherd is a man; and I have heard it faid in the village, that he likes that they should get children. We will relate our adventure to him, and beg him to affift us in repairing the evil, if there be any." "What would you dare? faid the fhepherdess..." Why not?” replied Lubin: “ My Lord is goodness itself, and we should be the first unfortunate creatures whom he would have left without fuccour."

Behold then Annete and Lubin directing their way towards the castle. They ask to speak with his Lordship, and are permitted to appear. Annete, with her eyes fixed on the ground, and her hands placed one in another over her round little waist, makes a modest curtfey, Lubin makes a leg and pulls off his hat, the fimple graces of nature.

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My Lord," said he, here is Annete big with child, faving your presence; and it is I alone who have done her that injury. Our Judge fays that we ought to be married, in order to get children; I defire him to marry us. He fays that is impoffible, because we are coufins; but I think the thing may be done, feeing that Annete is big with child, and that it is not more difficult to be a husband than a father. The Bailiff gives us to the devil, and we recommend ourselves to you." The good man who liftened to him was obliged to conftrain himself, to with-hold laughing at Lubin's harangue. "Children," fays he, "The Bailiff is right. But take courage, and tell me how the affair has happened." Annete, who had not thought Lubin's manner fufficiently touching, (for Nature teaches women the art of foftening and gaining upon men, and Cicero is but a novice to a young female petitioner) Annete then fpoke. "Alas, my Lord," faid fhe, " nothing is more plain or more

natura!

natural than all that has happened to us. Lubin and I from our infancy kept fheep together; we careffed one another while infants; and, when we fee one another continually, we grow up without perceiving it. Our parents are dead; we were alone in the world. If we love not one another, faid I, who will love us? Lubin faid the fame. Leifure, curiosity, and I know not what befides, made us try every method of teflifying that we loved one another; and you fee what has befallen us. If I have done ill, I fhall die with forrow. All that I defire is to bring my child into the world, in order to confole him when I shall be no more." "Ah, my Lord," said Lubin, bursting into tears, prevent Annete from dying. I fhould die too, and that would be a pity. If you knew how we lived together! you should have feen us before this old Bailiff ftruck terror into our fouls; it was then who should be gayeft. See now how pale and forrowful the is, the whofe complexion could bave defied all the flowers of the fpring. What disheartens her moft is, that they threaten her that her child will reproach her with its birth." At thefe laft words Annete was not able to contain her fobs. "He will come then," faid fhe, 66 to reproach me in my grave" I only ask of Heaven to live long enough to give him fuck; and may I die the inftant he has no need of his mother." At thefe words she covered her face with her apron, to hide the tears which overflowed it.

The wife and virtuous mortal, whofe fuccour they implored, had too much fenfibility himself not to be touched with this affecting fcene. "Go, children," faid he; "your innocence and love are equally refpectable. If you were rich, you would obtain the permiffion of loving one another, and of being united. It is not just that your misfortune fhould be deemed a crime." He disdained not to write to Rome in their favour, and Benedict XIV. confented with pleafure that these lovers fhould be made man and wife.

X**XXXXXXX

From the UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE.

Narrative of all the late Proceedings relatine to the Affair of Mr. Wilkes.

N the meeting of the Parliament, the North-Briton, Number 45, was adjudged to be a feditious and dangerous libel, and Mr. Wilkes complained of a breach of privilege: but Samuel Martin, Efq; Member for Camelford, and late Secretary of the Treasury, thinking himfelf affronted by Number 37 and 40 of the North-Briton, and that Mr. Wilkes was the author of that abufe, took an opportunity, from what had paffed, of demanding fatisfaction; on which a duel enfued, and Mr. Wilkes received a dangerous wound in the belly with a piftol-ball.

Pursuant to the order of the House of Commons for burning the North Briton, on Saturday, the 3d of December, the greatcft mob affembled at the Royal Exchange that has been feen there for a long while, to be spectators of this scene. About half an hour after twelve, a man appeared with a large bundle of billet faggots, followed by Jack Ketch with a lighted link; on which the mob immediately began hiffing and hooting, &c. After the faggots were put on the ground, it was with great difficulty the mob was kept from feizing them from the Conftables, of whom there was a great number, who owed their prefervation to their refolution, which never was fo much exerted by any Constables as on this occafion. From this time to the coming up of the Sheriffs, there was one continued hustling of the Conftables, accompanied with fhoutings, hiffings, and pelting them with dirt. When Mr. Alderman Harley's chariot, which came first, approached the place, the horses were fo frightened at the noice, and the lighted link, that they could not be got to it; on which Mr. Harley stepped out of his chariot, and, attended by the City-marshal, Conftables, &c. came and read the order for burning the North

North Briton. All which time the noifes continued, and fome dirt fell on his head. When he had done reading, the North Briton was put on the link, but, before it began to blaze, it was knocked off by the mob, and fell on the ground. The Sheriff then retired to his chariot, and the mob, breaking in upon the Conflables, who furrounded Jack Ketch, eized the fhort billets, and began to fall foul of the Constables, who were glad to retreat. Many perfons were much hurt, and Mr. Sheriff Harley's frontglafs of his chariot was broke by a billet thrown at it, and himfelt flightly scratched on the head; on which he jumped out, and went to the Manfion-houfe, where, foon after, a young fellow was brought for being active in the riot, and, after being examined, was committed to Newgate (on the oath of one of the Conftables) by the name of John Franklin.

A Common-council of the city of London, being held hereupon, and fome other affairs, on the 9th of December, a motion was inade, "That the thanks of this Court be given to the Honourable Thomas Harley, and Richard Blunt, Efq; Sheriffs of this city, for their fpirited conduct in executing the order of both Houses of Parliament, and vindicating the honour and authority of the Magiftracy of this city, in the late dangerous riot in Cornhill on Saturday laft; and that Mr. William Huffey, this city's Sollicitor, do profecute John Franklin, now a pritoner in Newgate, for the infolent affault committed by him upon the faid Sheriff's in the execution of their duty."

Which, being feconded, was debated for fome time; after which a gentle man moved a previous queftion, Whether the faid motion fhould be put or no? And, after twice holding up of hands, the Lord mayor declared that the majority was again ft putting the main quef. tion; upon which a devifion was made; and, upon telling the numbers there appeared,

For putting the queftion: Aldermen, 2; Commoners, 36; Tellers, 2; in all 40.

Against it:

Alderinen, 2; Commoners, 36; Te lers, 2; in all 40.

The numbers being equal, the Lordmayor addreffed himself to the Court in a fpeech; and concluded with declaring his opinion that the main question fhould not be put.

But Mr Alderman Blunt, one of the Sheriff's of London, received a letter from the Speaker of the Honourable Houfe of Commons, containing the unanimous thanks of that House for conducting himself (jointly with Mr. Alderman Harley, the other Sheriff) with proper fpirit and vigour in the execution of the order of the Houses of Parliament for burning the North-Briton, Number 45.-Mr. Harley, the other Sheriff, is a Member of the Houfe of Commons, and in that cafe, unless the gentleman for whom this honour is intended be at a distance, it is usual for the Speaker to thank him, viva voce, in the Houfe.

Whilft these things were depending concerning the burning of the NorthBriton, one of the most interesting points of civil liberty was on Tuefday, the 6th of December, determined in a cause in Weftmintter hall, before the truly Patriotic and Right Honourable Lord Chief Justice Pratt, and a special Jury of Gentlemen of the county of Middlefex, wherein John Wilkes, Elq; was plaintif, and Robert Wood, Efq; Member of Parliament for Brackley. and late Under Secretary of State was defendant (for feiz ng Mr. Wilkes's papers, as the fuppofed author of the North-Briton, Number 45.) when after a hearing of near fifteen hours, and many learned arguments on both fides, and a moft masterly, pathetic, and eloquent charge, given by his Lordfhip, and the Jury withdrawing for half an hour, a verdict was given for the plaintiff, with one thoufand pounds damages, with full cofts of fuit.

The Council for the plaintiff were Mr. Serjeant Glynn, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Stow, Mr. Dunning, Mr. Wallace, and Mr. Gardiner; and, fqr

the

the defendant, Sir Fletcher Norton, his Majefty's Sollicitor-general, Mr. Serjeant Nares, Mr. Serjeant Davy, and Mr. Yates. The Attorneys were, for the plaintiff, Mr. James Philipps, of Cecil street; and, for the defendant, Philip Carteret Webb, Efq; Sollicitor for the Crown, and Mr. Secondary Barnes. It was thought there was the greatest concourse of people in Weftminster-hall ever known, who thewed the profoundest attention to the difcuf fion of a cause that, in the highest degree, affected the most facred and inviolable rights and liberties of English men; and, immediately after the verdict was pronounced, there were the loudeft acclamations that can poffibly be imagined. A large body of the people went to Mr. Wilkes's house in Great George-ftreet, with French horns, crying out, Pratt, Wilkes, and Liberty for ever." And they afterwards proceeded to Lord Halifax's.

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By this important decifion, every Englishman has the fatisfaction of feeing, that his houfe is his caftle, and is not liable to be fearched, nor his papers pried into, by the malignant curiofity of King's Meffengers, and an utter end is put to this unconftitutional practice; and it may be truly faid, that no queftion was ever agitated in a Court of Judicature of more interefting confequences to Society.

The following Gentlemen composed the Jury on this important trial, viz. Plukenet Woodroffe, of Chifwic, Efq; William Baker, of Ifleworth, Efq; William Clarke, and James Gould, of Edmonton, Efqrs. Stephen Pitt, of Kenfington, Efq; Nathaniel Turner, of Hampstead, Efq; Jonathan Richardfon, of Queen's-fquare, Efq; John Wefton, Harry Blunt, Henry Bostock, John Boldero, of Hatton-garden, Efqrs, and John Egerton, of John street, Efq.

The cause against Philip Carteret Webb, Efq; was put off, at the request of his Council, till the first fittings after next Term.

This trial was immediately followed by a very remarkable incident, which

appears beft from the annexed letters, &c.

SIR, London, Dec. 7, 1753. I should not do my duty if I did not acquaint you that the young Scotch Officer, that wanted entrance at your houfe, is a villain, and his intentions are of a blackish dye. I had been in his company for near four hours. That part of our converfation that relates to you, confifted chiefly of his intentions of maffacring you the first opportunity, and that there was thirteen more Gentlemen of Scotland of the fame refolution, and confederates of his, who was refolved to do it, or die in the attempt. Last night, when your trial was over, the Gentlemen at the coffee-house quitted the room that I was in (on account of the fhouts in the hall) and left the Scotch hero and I together; but I abruptly left the room, and went after the people to Great George-street, and, on hearing a noife at your door, I went up, and to my great furprise, saw the Scotchman trying for entrance; I knocked, and had admittance, which enraged the hero fo much, that he swore revenge against the servant, and was very troublefome; when I went out, I heard a Gentleman taking him to task upon his vowing revenge on you or your fervant, upon which I told the Gentleman a small part of what I knew, and he put him in the hands of two watchmen, and ordered him to the Round-house; but at the corner of Great George street, I am told, he was refcued, and ran away. There was conversation paffed between him and the company that is not fafe to communicate by letter; his principles and zeal make it unfafe for fuch an abandoned wretch to be at large. Your own difcretion, I hope, will guide you to prevent any thing that may be intended.

I am, with all refpect, Sir, your's,

To Mr. Wilkes, Great George-ftr.

M. DARLY. Cranborn-alley, Leicester fields.

Thursday morning at 9 Mr. Wilkes received the letter which follows: SIR, London, Dec. 8, 1763. As I have fomething of confequence

to

to communicate to you, I fhould be glad to know what time would be most convenient for me to call upon you this day; I called once before, and was refused admittance. Be fo good as fend me an answer by my fervant, who will wait for it. Lieut. Orchard of dragoons, who is now in Scotland, defires his compliments to you for the many civilities fhewn him when he was quartered near your country-feat; you may be affured, that many of the Scotch have ftill a regard for you, and none of them more so, than your most humble and obedient fervant,

Alex. Dunn.

Direct to me at Mr. Whyte's, peruke. maker, Lieutenant of marines.

feveral very rude and violent endeavours to come into the house of the faid Mr. Wilkes; and upon his being refused by this deponent, threatened revenge to Mr. Wilkes, and alfo to this deponent, and, by the best description aud information which this deponent has been able to collect, he believes the faid perfon's name is Alexander Dunn.

And this deponent Mathias Darly for himself faith, That he this deponent did yesterday write to Mr. Wilkes the letter hereunto annexed (fee it above) the contents of which are true, and that the Scotch officer therein alluded to is the faid Alexander Dunn; and this deponent further faith, That he is not moved by any malice or refentment against the faid Alexander Dunn, but thought it his duty, as a member of fociety, to make the above intimations to Mr. Wilkes, in order that he might concert the neceffary measures for his perfonal fafety. And therefore the faid John OHN WILKES, of Wilkes craves fureties of the peace a

To John Wilkes, Efq;

This matter now appearing to be too ferious to be neglected, the following affidavit was made the fame day (Thursday)

In the King Aylesbury, in the coun- gainst the faid Alexander Dunn, not

ty of Bucks, Efq; Matthew Brown, fervant to the faid Mr. Wilkes, and Mathias Darly, of the parish of St. Ann, Soho, in the liberty of Westminster, engraver, severally make oath; and first, the faid John Wilkes for himself faith, That he this deponent verily believes that he is in danger of his life, from the wicked, malicious, revengeful, and unprovoked menaces of one Alexander Dunn, who (this deponent is informed) is a Scotch officer; and between eleven and twelve of the clock laft tuesday evening demanded entrance into this deponent's houfe in Great George-street, Weftminster, and threatened violence to his perfon; and this deponent further faith, That about nine of the clock

out of hatred or malice, but merely for the preservation of his life and person and from danger.

John Wilkes,
Matthew Brown,
Mathias Darly.

The deponent John Wilkes fworn at his houfe in Great George-ftreet, Westminster, he being indifpofed the 8th day of December, 1763, before me,

W. Mapeliden, by commiffion. Matthew Brown and Mathias Darly fworn in Great Ormond-street, the 8th day of December, 1763, before E. Wilmot. Upon which Mr. Juftice Wilmot granted the following warrant.]

this morning he received the letter here, England, W

unto annexed (fee it above) which, this deponent is informed, and verily be dieves, is of the hand-writing of the faid Alexander Dunn.

And this deponent, Matthew Brown, for himself faith, That he faw a perfon at the time firit above-mentioned make VOL. III.

to wit.

E. Wilmot, L. S. Hereas I have received information on the oath of John Wilkes, Efq; Matthew Brown, and Mathias Darly, That one Alexander Dun, between eleven and twelve o'clock on Tuesday evening last, demanded entrance into the house of John Wilkes, and threatened violence

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