that I lament his loss scarcely less than "Sir William now read the letter of Edward contained in the preceding as its envelope. It consisted merely of these words: Clarissa, you will learn too late that I know your proceedings, unhappy miserable woman; but I will not live to reproach you. Do you live and repent. Your abused miserable husband, EDWARD. 6 perhaps to you it may be more intelligible. || to you, Sir, the making you acquainted I had now, however, some clue, and by with all that I know, and it may perhaps following it I found that Edward had en- be some satisfaction to his friends to learn tered as a private into the regiment of Prince Orloff, and was immediately sent off for Otchzacow, where the Russian army was employed in besieging the Turks. I lost no time in making an immediate application to Court, and as my interest and influence were commanding, I obtained a positive order, addressed to the Prince himself, for the immediate release of Edward, and for dispatching him in the instant of his discharge to Petersburgh. In less than a fortnight I obtained a letter from the Prince, in answer to this order from the Court, the substance of which was, that Edward having been promoted to a Commission in the Russian army, had headed a sally against the Turks, and fighting as if he had no other object but to lose his life, he had fallen in battle, and so completely surrounded by the enemy that even his body could not be brought | off. I will not trouble you with any reflections upon this melancholy business; I have performed what I conceived a duty "What can be the meaning of this?" "I know not,' said the Doctor; ' I was about to ask you.' Have you ever shewn it to Clarissa?" "Never, and never intend it.' Certainly not,' replied Sir William, it would make her unhappy to no pur pose." [To be continued.] PERSIAN LETTERS. No. IV. FROM MULEY CID SADI, ONE OF THE SECRETARIES TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PERSIAN AMBASSADOR IN LONDON, TO OSMAN CALI BEG HIS FRIEND IN ISPAHAN. " LIVE and learn," says the Prophet and Poet Sadi; and well, my beloved friend, might he say so. This land of Infidels is as fertile in monsters of all kinds as the Arabian Tales. Bagdad of old did not deserve more celebrity than London, the city of dogs. Why does our Prophet suffer the existence of these Infidels? why does not all the Mahometan world arm I have been at one of the spectacles which they term Theatres: one of the paformances was laid in Persia, and another in Turkey. These dogs have no scruple to introduce on their stages characters of our Sultans and Muftis, and what is worse, imagining them to be such as themselves, they put the most inconceivable buffooneries in their mouths. Cali Beg, you are and avenge the crusades which were di- | accustomed to be at the right hand of our Sultan, and you know that life and death are in his nod; he makes the signal, and the object of it is stranged. In the Sultans on the British stage, a long speech is al rected against themselves in the time of Saladin?-If there be one just cause of war, it is religion; and if any religion, it is ours. Yet such is the apathy of the age, that these Infidels are suffered still toways made before his commands are execorrupt the air, and enjoy the light of cuted. I will not, however, deign to inHeaven, as if they possessed the sun in form these outcasts of Heaven, that a Sulcommon with the Mussulmen. tan of Persia, like some part of the British to pluck none. They are outlaws of nature and religion. Drowning is likewise a common death amongst the English. In some of the barbarous provinces of India, the Bramins drown their sick and aged, and thus anticipate the course of nature. In England, as far as I can make ouf the matter, they are not drowned by their neighbours, but drown themselves. When an Englishman is drunk, is jealous, is foolish, or is mad, he borrows a rope, or runs to a river. Constitution, is above reason, and never are The laws deeming these things necessary to the character of the people, pass them by, and it is one amongst the best of the English hberties and English privileges, that every Englishman may hang or drown at his pleasure. I am now afraid of asking for an absent English friend, lest I should be informed that he has hanged himself, or been found drowned. No wonder, however, you will say, that this should so frequently occur. Momen's must arie, in which the nature and conscience of these Englishmen must take the alarm, and finding they are not Musulmen, and therefore have no chance of the pleasures of a future life, they become the victims of a blind and furious despair, and precipitate their own fate. This is the only reasonable account I can give for their frequent suicides; for in England the rich and great, those who have every thing at their command, are most given to this practice. There may indeed be one other cause, and this may be, that the theatres, of which I have been speaking, give nightly examples of this habit. In some of their plays, I have seen no less than five dead men on the floor at once, and I understand that it is very usual in their tragedies for a whole family to kill themselves or be killed., I have told you, I believe, that the English women are handsome; they are so, only that they do not use betel roottheir teeth, therefore, are white instead of black, and they do not spit so as to cleanse their insides. The consequence is, that they are the less agreeable to me, in proportion as they want these Persian accomplishments. Farewel. From London, the city of Infidels, in the Month denominated March" [To be continued.] THE HISTORY OF THE OLDCASTLE FAMILY. AN ORIGINAL NOVEL. [Continued from Page 129.] SIR HARRY MIRABEL was exactly the || character described before; to the usual character of the rake he added a peculiar atrocity which rather belonged to the ruffian. Seduction was not always his sole means, he had not scrupled occasionally at something like force. "It is not for a little," he would say to himself, " that a woman educated in the habits of modesty, would consent to undergo the interrogatories of a court; and it is no bad policy in warfare to give the enemy an excuse for surrender." cabinet of a French nobleman is to be sold," said he; "and some of the contents are very curious, and will go cheap." Miss Beachcroft eagerly accepted the offer, and as Lady Beachcroft joined her, it was necessary for Agnes to comply. "But I am so poor," said Lady Beachcroft, "that I shall expect to be treated, Sir Harry; and shall insist upon having whatever I may take a fancy for." Sir Harry bowed; the coaches were ordered, and they departed. Agnes had suffered Sir Harry to assist her into the coach, and was waiting to be joined by Lady Beachcroft, when coming to the coach door that Lady said :-" Sir Sir Harry no sooner saw Agnes than he fixed upon her for his victim. He resolved to spare no attentions to procure her favour, for in the present case he conde-Harry, I shall for once trust you with this scended to think this necessary. In the mean time Agnes was somewhat surprised with the conduct of Sir George. He had lately appeared as negligent as he had hitherto been eager to promote the union between Agnes and his son. From some circumstances in his character which had fallen under her observation, Agnes could not but impute this to design. In' the circumstance of any refusal to this union on the part of Agnes, the will of Lady Priscilla gave the whole of three hundred thousand pounds to be divided in the family of Sir George. A suspicion of this design, with a desire to avenge herself on its treachery, added to the silence of Mr. Beachcroft on the subject of his love, preserved Agnes silent upon her secret purpose. Sir George thus appeared fully to understand that Agnes and his son were equally prepared to complete their union, but for his own interested purposes he resolved at least to delay, if not wholly and treacherously to prevent it. young lady, as Sir George is going with me in the other coach." Before Agnes, astonished and almost offended, could answer, Sir Harry was in the coach seated by her side, and in his usual style of compliment, congratulating himself on his good fortune. The coaches at length drove forward. "Beautiful Agnes," said Sir Harry, "how truly lovely you are." Offended by this abruptness, Agnes was about to answer, but Sir Harry prevented her by continuing in the same strain. - " I know you will be offended," said he, "but I cannot sacrifice my happiness to this fear. I will allow that there may be something in my character against me, but I must flatter myself that I am not wholly without excuse, nor beyond a cure. I see my errors, I acknowledge them, I have suffered for them, and if the gates of reform are open I am willing to enter them." Agnes, as the best reply, appeared wholly inattentive, and occasionally asked questions with regard to the names of the streets through which they passed. Sir Harry answering her questions, and resuming his subject, thus continued: "I was uncontrouled master of myself and my estate at the age of twenty-three; you will allow that it would have required a judg Sir Harry called on the morning following their visit to the theatre. Agnes was farther confirmed by his conversation that he possessed an understanding suited to far better things than to shine as a coxcomb in the world of fashion. He invited them to attend an auction at Christie's. "Thement more than usually steady to have No. IV. Vol. I.-N. S. Z Agnes thought it had but little delicacy, and therefore bid for nothing. made a tolerable choice as to my future || you." This might be fashionable, but course of life at an age like that. Pleasure opened all her stores before me, -is it a subject of surprise that I gave her the preference, and wanted the virtue to imitate the better judgment of a Hercules? What is your opinion?" " I have really no opinion upon the subject, Sir," said Agnes, coldly. In the meantime Sir Harry had taken the arm of Sir George, and was talking earnestly to him at one of the windows. Agnes could not avoid listening, when she heard her own name, in some curiosity."She is under me as her guardian," said Sir George. -" And you have no objec "I confess, indeed," continued Sir Harry, "that my subject is somewhattion," returned Sir Harry.-" Absolutely abrupt." "Loveliest of women, why this contempt?" "Sir, if you proceed in this manner, I must order the coachman to stop, for I will not suffer under your impertinence," said Agnes. "I know not under what cause you can justify this impertinence." "You have an admirable spirit," said Sir Harry, with the determined assurance of the undaunted man of the town; "but it is of such advantage to your beauty," continued he, "that you owe me some thanks for calling it into exertion." If it should appear a subject of surprise that Sir Harry should thus address a young lady of equal fashion and independence with himself, let it be remembered that he was one of those libertines which within these last ten years have become too frequent characters. The essential ingredient of this species is an hearty contempt of the understandings of women, a gallantry alternately fawning under a secret sneer and open rudeness. Agnes listened to him with equal surprise and indignation; she was offended that Lady Beachcroft had put her under the protection of so professed a libertine. Lady Beachcroft bid for many of the articles at the sale, and called to Mirabel to pay their prices. Sir Harry purchased a diamond cross for three hundred guineas, at which Miss Beachcroft threw a glance of desire; but Sir Harry, without offering it to any one, conveyed it into his pocket. Agnes refused to bid for any thing though desired to do so by Lady Beachcroft. none, my good friend; win her and wear her; call upon me in the morning, and you shall know more." Agnes was fixed with surprise at this conversation; she in vain endeavoured to comprehend its meaning. Whilst she was reflecting upon this subject, Mr. Beachcroft joined their party. He addressed Agnes with unusual earnestness, and appeared eager to speak to her; seeing at length an opportunity:-" Will you pardon me," said he, " if I address you as an adviser; if you value what the town can say, give it no opportunity of fixing upon you as the object of its scandal." "What do you mean?" said Agnes, much alarmed. "I mean that there is society of such notorious, such reputed profligacy, that it is almost the loss of reputation to be seen with them." "For Heaven's sake explain yourself more particularly," said Agnes. "I mean, then," said he, "that profligate Sir Harry Mirabel. By what accident did you appear with him alone in a hackney-coach driving through the Park and round the ring?" "He only accompanied me to Christie's from Sir George's house," said Agnes. "Then why did he drive around the ring? why not drive directly there?" said Beachcroft. "Indeed I know not," said Agnes; "but your sister, mother, and Sir George were in their own coach immediately behind us." "You are mistaken, Agnes, you were alone when I saw you in the Park." Agnes, lost in astonishment, knew not what to reply. The circumstance, indeed, "Bid for what you like, girls," said was as related by Mr. Beachcroft. AvailLady Beachcroft; "I have no money, ing himself of Agnes's ignorance of the but I see twenty fellows who shall pay for || town, to lengthen his opportunity, Sir Harry had ordered the coachman to drive round the ring, in which diversion from the road to the auction Lady Beachcroft did not think it necessary to accompany him. Upon their return to their coaches after the conclusion of the auction, Mr. Beachcroft took the hand of Agnes, and conducted her to his mother's carriage. Sir Harry bowed, and retired with an air of pique. When Lady Beachcroft had taken her seat, she turned to her son:-"George," said she, "I cannot ask you to dinner today, because we dine at Mr. Lovel's," Mr. Beachcroft bowed and retired. Agnes looked surprised, as she had heard nothing of this dinner party. "I am compelled to make this excuse," said Lady Beachcroft, "for George is so grave that he seldom suits my parties. Besides, Mirabel dines with us to-day, and George and he do not so well agree. And, do you know, Agnes," continued she, "that you have absolutely captivated the heart of Mirabel?" "He is the last man in the world, madam," replied Agnes, "of whom I should wish to know more than I do at present." "Nay, I must not allow you to despise your conquest," said Lady Beachcroft; "for let me tell you that Mirabel is one of a thousand; he is a Baronet of a clear estate of seven thousand per annum; and to do the fellow justice has no other fault than that of being a terrible rake; he is very good natured, as generous as a prince, and without a rival in the beau monde. I can assure you the happy she will be envied who shall catch him at last by the matrimonial hook. It is said too that he is at length resolved to marry and reform. It would be worth the trouble to endeavour to tame him, and bring down his proud spirit to the restraints of domestic life." Mirabel appeared at the dinner hour, and was the only stranger present. Sir George, taking Agnes by the hand, introduced her more formally to him, and on the other hand addressing himself to her "Sir Harry Mirabel," said he, "a particular friend of mine, and whom I must beg you to receive according to his merits." Agnes, surprised at this curious introduction, curtsied in some confusion. After the dinner was removed, and the servants had disappeared, Sir Harry, producing his purchase, presented it to Agnes, who refused it with a displeasure scarcely concealed. Sir George, in an authoritative tone, desired her to take it. Agnes arose from her seat, and, with a spirit unusual to her, retired from the room. She was soon after followed by Miss Beachcroft, who censured her with her usual volubility for refusing so valuable a present. "What signifies what you thought of the man, when his present was so beautiful? I would as soon take a present from a man I hate as froin a man I love. Why, who do you think give me this wreath of pearls?" " I know not," replied Agnes. "Why, a man old enough to be my great grandfather," replied she. "You must know the old blockhead fell in love with me; and as I heard he was as wealthy as a nabob, I encouraged him till he made me this present, and then, within a few days, wondered at his assurance, and dismissed him. Lord bless me, child, I care not how many lovers I have, for I know they can none of them become my husband without my own consent. However, you have lost nothing by it, for I have taken it for you." "I am sure you are perfectly welcome to it," said Agnes. "You mistake me there," replied she; " I have taken it for you and not for myself. I have taken it under the express condition of keeping it until I can prevail upon you to accept it." "Then, indeed, you may keep it long enough," said Agnes. "Well, I don't believe that," said Miss Beachcroft; "for Sir Harry is not very abominable, though, to be sure, the wretch is very conceited; but be that as it will, the coach is at the door, and mamına is waiting for us to accompany her to the Opera." Lady Beachcroft soon entered the room, and they all departed together for the Opera. Agnes saw with pleasure that Sir Harry did not attend them. The Opera was a most execrable composition; the Italian such as is spoken in the lowest bagnios in Italy; a most absurd Z2 |