Diary and Chronology. Tuesday, April 13. St. Guinoch, Scottish bishop, d. A.D. 838.-Sun rises 11m after 5-sets 50m after 6. April 13, 1821.-Expired, in his 72d year, William Stevenson, F.A.S., an antiquary of some " note He was for many years proprietor of the Norfolk Chronicle, and followed the pleasant trade of a bookseller at Norwich. Mr. Stevenson was much attached to archælogical pursuits, and the study of ancient architecture, to which he contributed much by his valuable supplement to the edition of Bentham's Ely Wednesday, April 14, St. Benezet, of Avignon, d. A.D. 1184.-High Water 17m aft 5 Morn-40m aft 5 After. In the Rustic Calendar, this day is called Swallow Day, from its being the period of the arrival of those welcome harbingers of Spring, One of our poets thus describes the season and its phenomena : The Swallow, for a moment seen, O'er yonder pond's smooth surface, when I welcom'd her come back again. April 14, 1821.-Died Major Charles James, T. 56, a writer on military subjects, and a poet of some talent. His chief work is his Military Dictionary, which has passed through several editions. His poetical pieces appeared in two separate collections, one in 1789, the other in 1791; among these, his lyrical effusions possess much merit. His epigrams very frequently enlivened the columns of the Morning Chronicle. 1 Thursday, April 15 St Mundi, abbot, d. in 962.-Sun rises 7m after 5-sets 54m after 6. April 15, 1776.-On this day expired the Rev. James Granger, the learned author of that highly valuable work, the Biographical History of England.' He was seized with a fit while administering the sacrament on Easter Sunday, and died the following day, at his vicarage of Shiplake, near Henley, in Oxfordshire. The death of this divine was similar to that of Cardinal de Berulle, the almoner of Henry IV., which took place in 1629. Friday, April 16. St. Turibus B. of Astorga, d. A.D. 420.-Moon's Last Quar. 49m after 6 Mor. April 16, 1746.—Was fought the battle of Culloden, where the Duke of Cumberland obtained a complete victory. By the best calculation that could be made, it was thought the rebels lost 2000 upon the field of battle, and in the pursuit. Two hundred and twenty-two French, and 326 rebels were taken prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Howard killed an officer who appeared to be Lord Strathallan, from the seal and different commissions from the Pretender found in his pocket. All the artillery and ammunition were taken, and all their baggage as well as the Pretender's. The battle, which was exceedingly bloody, did not last above half an hour, during which time no quarter was given on either side. Upwards of 1000 of the rebels lay dead upon the spot, sud about 200 were killed and wounded on the King's side. Saturday April 17. St. Simeon B. of Ctesipson, m. A.D. 314.-High Water 6m aft 8 Morn -44m aft & After. April 17, 1790.—Expired at the advanced age of 84, at Philadelphia, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, one of the greatest promoters of the independence of the American colonies. The cool temper and sound judgment of the doctor, secured him from false views and erroneous expectations; he saw things in their real light, and predicted conse quences with almost prophetic accuracy. As a natural philosopher his fame is founded upon his electrical discoveries. He also displayed great ingenuity and sagacity upon other topics, particularly relative to meteorology and mechanics. Sunday, April 18. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. LOW SUNDAY. Less. for the Day, 16 chap. Numbers morn.-22 chap. Numbers even. For an account of Low Sunday see page 240 of our Third Volume. April 18, 1552.-Expired in a state of mental derangement, the famous antiquary John Leland. A few years before his death, he made a literary and antiquarian tour of England of amazing minuteness and research, by virtue of a commission from Henry VIII. -He also made large collections for a history of London, which he intended to have published, but before it was completed he fell into the unhappy state alluded to. Several of his papers were printed by Stow, the greater portion were lost and never recovered. Monday, April 19. *a** St. Elphege the Bald, bish. d. A.D. 713.-Sun rises 5h (m-sets Th Im. April 19, 1804.-Between this day and the 14th of the following May, 2,500 of the white inhabitants of St. Domingo were indiscriminately massacred by the ensanguined negroes, encouraged by their infuriate commander General Dessalines: and the dreadful destruction then ceased from necessity, for no more victims remained. Tuesday, April 20. St. James of Sclavonia, d. A D. 1485.-High Water 49m afeer 11 morn―0m Oh Afternoon, April 20, 1794.-This day records the surrender of the island of Guadaloupe and its dependencies to the British troops under the command of Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis. Illustrated Article. THE PHYSICIAN OF FRIBOURG; OR, A NIGHT OF TERROR. For the Olio. IN the year 1710, there lived in the large and handsome town of Fribourg, in Germany, one Berthold Kuffner, a physician of eminence, who was frequently consulted by the first men of the country. Kuffner was an aged man, of fine stature and pleasing manners, and was much esteemed by his fellow citizens. He had acquired a sufficient fortune to enable him to retire from professional duties; but so devotedly attached was he to the science of physic, that he preferred a life of study to a life of pleasure. He was a widower, and in remembrance of his wife, had since her decease constantly worn a black velvet cap and a mantle which fastened close under his chin. After much expense and trouble, he had collected one of the finest museums in Germany, which comprised some of the greatest anatomical curiosities, including 26-VOL. IV. Q a vast number of animals brought from remote regions, and a selection of the rarest and choicest minerals. He would frequently pass whole nights in his studio, poring over immense tomes of the sages of antiquity; notwithstanding his apartment, from the numerous skeletons, that occupied its shelves, was any thing but agreeable to a being of ordinary nerve. But, however attentive Kuffner was to his profession, he was not unmindful of the comforts of life, and not unfrequently indulged in those pleasures which he forbade others. Smoking was then quite the fashion in Germany, and Kuffner was one among the many devotees to the virtues of India's plant. A cold bitter evening in the month of January furnishes me with the subject of of my narrative. He was seated at the table in his studio, encircled by large piles of his favourite authors, closely perusing their contents, while he enjoyed the luxurious fumes of his favourite weed, and the rich juice of the Rhenish grape. The embers in the grate burned brightly and somewhat tended to relieve the sombre appearance of this receptacle of the 126 dead. A brazen lamp stood before him, whose rays were lost in the mass of books by which it was surrounded. The moon shone brightly through the latticed window, and shot its silvery light in the midst of some skulls, that lay in a heap in a corner of the room. "Walk in," said the aged philosopher to a thump at the door, which was immediately opened by his servant, who announced the name of Frederick Herskmeiff, a smart young painter of some note among his countrymen. "I thought my orders were to remain in quietude," said the physician, as he removed the spectacles from his nose; "but ask in my friend." "Doctor," said he, as he entered the apartment, "I am glad to see you, but bid me depart if I disturb your quiet." "Not so, my son; I've had hard work for these old brains of mine this evening, 'tis true, but thank my wits, my studies are at an end. I'm as glad to see thee, for methinks after this toil, nature requires some little pleasure wherewith to sweeten her labours; draw to the fire-side, and make yourself sociable;" saying which, he laid aside some of the voluminous works before him, and entered into conversation with the painter. "A dry study your's," remarked Herskmeiff. Ay, but a profitable one, young man, and not so dry, I wot, since," said he, exhibiting some fine specimens of Rhenish, 65 we moisten our toils with such medicines as these." Truly, a very palatable dose," said the other," and with such treatment, I shall be very glad to call myself your patient." "And be it so," said the physician, smiling, at the same time handing Herskmeiff a pipe of Knaster, and a cup of Rhenish." "I render ye my thanks, good master, and I pledge your best health," said the painter, as he emptied it of its contents. "How like ye that plant, my son,-is it not of marvellous virtue!" said the physician. "Trust me, father, it is the finest I ever smoked, and I give you many com pliments on your choice," said the other, as he sent forth a column of smoke from his pipe. They were both now enjoying themselves in right earnest; but the young painter could hardly reconcile himself to the terrific appearance of this Golgotha. He cast his eyes every now and then about the room, and saw nothing but bones, skulls, skeletons, and preserved animals of the most forbidding appearance; though, when the physician observed his movements, he judiciously affected to admire his collection. "A fine museum your's,” said Heṛskmeiff. "6 Ay, it is so," said the old man, looking stedfastly at the other's contour, "and since it creates so much ambition in Germany, it behoves me to watch it very narrowly, and I am never easy but when I am among its treasures." "No doubt, good sir, you would be very sorry to find your fears verified after the trouble and expense you have bestowed in forming the collection; though, to my mind, they are not of the value they possess," said he, with a smile. "Right, right, my son, I should never survive the loss, knowing mine can compete with any in Germany;" and here the worthy doctor exhaled a cloud from his pipe, and assumed an air of vanity as he uttered the conclusion of his remarks. The pipe and glass kept the physician and his guest in continual employ, and probably somewhat allayed the timidity of the painter, which at times overcame him. Indeed Herskmeiff, who at first felt rather awkward with a large male skeleton at his elbow, had by this time pretty well familiarised himself with Kuffner's sanctum; though, when his eyes unwillingly caught any of the hideous skeletons with which it abounded, he relapsed into his previous terror; nor could he banish it even with the good cheer that Kuffner afforded. "Come, my son, replenish your cup, and be merry, and I pr'ythee, give us a song.' With pleasure, father," replied the young artist, "if you will receive the will for the deed ;" and forthwith gratified the physician's request. The evening now was wearing late, and the old man frustrated his young friend's repeated attempts to depart by pressing the wine to his palate. The domestics had long since retired to rest as ordered, and the Doctor and his guest were left carousing by themselves. The clock from the beautiful church of Fribourg sounded the hour of midnight, and the melodious chimes followed. Still they relaxed not in their debauches, though by this time the spark ling wine had got the advantage of them both. The sight of the skeleton had now grown more formidable to the affrighted painter than ever, and overpowered as he was by the effects of the evening's debauches, he was unable to maintain his fortitude, and gradually sank under his fears; while visions too horrid for description flashed across the brow of poor Herskmeiff. Kuffner had observed the young man's glances round the room, which he mistook for admiration, and was glad enough to make him more acquainted with the history of his bony companion. 66 That," said he, "is the skeleton of Broofner, a notorious freebooter of some score years ago, and is one of the most perfect models of nature I ever beheld; I can set no value on it, and I am wrong if I did not observe you admiring it my young master," said Kuffner, as he gladly anticipated a favourable reply. "By St. Anthony," said the young man, as he turned from the sight of the ghostly figure, "it is not now the season to be in company with the dead; and I assure you I am not one to admire such subjects at any time." Kuffner eyed his young friend and smiled, then drawing a column of smoke from his pipe, and tapping him on the shoulder, exhorted him to be firm. "Courage, my boy! courage," said the old man, never fear a few skulls and bones; I that am always among them do not, and wherefore should you betray those childish emotions ?— Come, my son, see what this cup will do it will banish thy timidity I warrant thee," continued the physician, goodnaturedly, endeavouring to suppress the painter's fears by handing him a full cup of the enlivening Rhenish. It was needless for Kuffner to eulogize the quality of the wine, which was too evident from the trembling of his hand, and the inclination of both for dozing. The effects of the wine grew still more forcible as the night advanced; but the physician, notwithstanding, pressed the cup on his guest, perhaps for the very ingenious reason of the sooner replenishing it for himself. Herskmeiff already found that he had followed the physician's advice too closely-the medicine opera ted very powerfully, and a few minutes found them both in the arms of Morpheus; from which, however, the physician was presently aroused by some ignited tobacco dropping from his pipe (which he had laid on the table) on his silken hose. "By St. Gregory, but you had like to have had employment for yourself, there doctor," said Herskmeiff, with a smile, who was also disturbed from his nap by the accident.. The hilarity of the evening recommenced, nor did it terminate until exhausted nature once more demanded repose. But the hideous objects in the apartment had made such a fearful impression upon the poor painter, that his sleep was rendered wretched by the most frightful dreams and fantasies too numerous to describe, and of the most revolting nature, magnifying the reality tenfold. At times he imagined the reptiles and animals had descended from their stations to assail him, and "suiting the action to the word," threw his hands about a la Gaynor at the expense of "mine host's" glass bottles, which he floored triumphantly in succession; ne. vertheless, the physician was not aroused from his slumber by the attack. The servants, of course, were aroused from their beds by this hot engagement, and hurried into the study to ascertain the cause of disturbance, where they found the victorious Herskmeiff pacing to and fro, ready to brave any future attack; and so dark was the apartment, that the moment they entered, the young hero renewed the conflict, (thinking they were a fresh reinforcement of enemies) and obliged them to cry for quarter. The truth now soon came out a light was procured, and the confusion discovered; skulls, bones, animals, reptiles, all were scattered about the room in "most admired disorder." A little inquiry, however, soon accounted for the mysterious occurrence. It appeared that in waking from his sleep, Herskmeiff had, when "stretching his legs," disturbed the wires of the skeleton, (which was used by the physician in giving anatomical lectures to his pupils) and had put it in motion as above described. A hearty laugh followed the discovery, in which Herskmeiff could not avoid participating; but he resolved by every thing sacred, never again to spend another night in the study of the PHYSICIAN OF FRIBOurg. THE BONNY OAK. W. The church clock at this moment struck three, succeeded by its harmonious chimes. At this juncture, Herskmeiff, either from having sufficiently refreshed his weary limbs, or from being disturbed by the bells, woke from his stupor, threw his arms and legs about as usual, when he was instantly seized by the skeleton at his elbow, (who had hitherto remained motionless) who grappled him so tight by the throat, that the poor panic-struck painter could with difficulty disentangle By HENRY BRANDRETH, jun. Author of himself from his grasp. His teeth gnashed bitter vengeance on his terrified victim, as if avowing the severest punishment for thus violating the repose of the dead. The unfortunate painter was so completely paralysed by this unexpected attack, that it was some time ere he recovered his senses, which indeed had been greatly impaired by the inordinate potations of wine he had taken during the evening. Herskmeiff's courage gradually returned-he seized and grappled with his ghastly antagonist, and in the scuffle he dislodged the dexter arm bone of the. skeleton, which proved an admirable weapon of defence for the painter, and with which he belaboured his bony competitor to the heart's content. In wielding it about, however, he unintentionally struck the still dosing physician a merciless blow on his cranium, which levelled him to the ground, and left a purple memento of the dead;-the fire having gone out, and the oil in the lamp being nearly exhausted, rendered the assault excusable on the part of the half distracted painter. Herskmeiff still manfully followed up the charge, and in a very little period completely put to the rout the whole of his very formidable enemies on the shelves, and gained a memorable victory over his multitudinous and odious opponents. "The Garland," &c. Of all the various trees that fall That in the forest grow, Nor heed the raven's croak, But oh! be mine the Oak ! 'Tis sweet, when glows the sultry noon, Still dear to us our acorn bowers, Still dear the lordly Oak. |