a ferocious combination that good taste would certainly have avoided.

It has been usual in most countries, for monarchs to have been distinguished by appellations expressive of their character, country, or personal qualities. We have had Edmund Ironside; William the Norman; William Rufus, from his red hair; Richard Cœur de Lion; Henry Beauclerc, from his learning, &c. The French, Philip le Bel; Lewis le Debonnaire; and, above all, Lewis the Twelfth, who was dignified by the glorious title of Father of his People.

ANGER.

EXCESSIVE anger, or what is vulgarly called passion, is a weakness to which most, on very provoking occasions, are subject, and which it is the earnest endeavour of the wise to restrain.

Besides the prohibitions of the law that enjoins meekness and patience, many have been the means adopted to subdue this propensity, which attacks so suddenly as to leave scarcely any time to oppose it. I remember reading a fairy tale, many years ago, in which one of these imaginary beings is said to have contrived an ingenious expedient for checking the sudden bursts of anger habitual to a young monarch, who, though he had humanity and good intentions, was continually led into serious

errors by this one fault, which took him, as may be said, by force, without giving him leisure for one moment's reflection. The fairy knew that was all that was wanting, as he sincerely wished to correct this defect. She therefore appointed, by her supernatural power, that whenever a gust of passion was rising in his bosom, a crystal vase, filled with pure water, should be wafted to his mouth, by four winged, rosy boys, and that he should sip three times of the water, resting a few moments between each sip. This gave the hasty prince an interval for reflection, and when he had time to listen to reason, he found no difficulty in subduing the enemy.

A very extraordinary method was chosen for the same purpose by an honest cooper, whose death was announced some time ago in the Monthly Magazine. This man found great difficulty in repelling the risings of anger, and was determined to find some means that should effectually restrain the consequences of his passion; he therefore provided a coffin, which he kept a long time ready prepared to receive his remains whenever he should want it, and as often as a fit of passion came on, he laid himself down in it, till the awful thoughts that this situation suggested, cooled his violence; and when he became calm, he rose and returned to his busi

ness.

Could any one in the utmost height of passion, be fully sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of life, and the small importance the matter that vexes him will have, in a period not far distant, there are few that would

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not instantly come to their senses, and at least keep their anger within the bounds of moderation.

It is a great misfortune when two persons between whom there is any subject of dispute, are angry at the same time. One of the two, at least, should be reasonable; and he shows his superior wisdom, who, instead of irritating his adversary, endeavours to appease him.

A married couple, of considerable consequence, were once playing at piquet: the luck ran against the lady, who was very passionate, till she lost all patience, and forgetting her rank, the delicacy of her sex, and the affectionate respect she owed her husband, she rose hastily and gave him a box on the ear. Astonishment was

the first emotion he felt, but subduing the sensations of anger which naturally followed, he immediately threw the cards into the fire, saying, they should never again interrupt their harmony; then, with an irresistible look of tenderness, he took her in his arms, and gave her a kiss.

She must have been of an obdurate nature, if she had not been won by such kindness. Her fault appeared to her in its true light. She was overwhelmed with confusion, and falling on her knees, besought him to forgive her. A reconciliation soon followed, which might justly be attributed to his coolness and condescension. Had he resented the insult she had offered to him with equal warmth, it is very likely that a separation would have ensued. In the commerce of life there is no quality more valuable, than such a command of temper as gives the greatest advantage to the possessor in every con

test. This rare attainment must be cultivated in youth, before the passions are grown too strong to be curbed, or there will be very little prospect of success. A generous nature often accompanies warmth of temper, which has made too many people who are subject to this defect, satisfied with themselves, by the idea that it is more amiable to be passionate than sulky or malicious; but these are only comparative evils, and the nature of passion is not altered by such false reasoning. In the momentary paroxisms of this mental disease, how many, by one rash action, have laid the foundation for years of sorrow.

The unfortunate earl Ferrars, who, in the prime of youthful manhood, forfeited his life to the laws of his country, was brought into that dreadful situation by a gust of passion, in which he shot his steward. Many other instances might be collected of the fatal consequences of this dangerous propensity; but enough has been said to prove, that he who suspends the use of his reason but for a moment, may lament the consequences to the end of his days.

MUNGO PARK.

THE world is apt to place enjoyment in riches, grandeur, honours, and the indulgences of a voluptuous life. Nice observers of their own feelings, however, will perceive that comfort is to be derived from many other

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sources, which, though less glaring, are not the less solid, and lie more within the attainment of the great bulk of mankind. The best gifts of heaven are generally health, light, air, fresh water, and a view of the visible creation, which are blessings daily enjoyed by millions of all ranks and circumstances. The same principle governs with respect to intellectual pleasures. Great talents are the portion of a few, but the satisfactions that arise from a well regulated mind, are open to all who are not rupted by bad example, or an ill-directed education. Amongst these pure sources of happiness, may justly be estimated an habitual trust in the protection of Divine Providence which will serve as a shield in the most trying moments of distress; and a taste for the beauties of nature, which tends to illustrate his wisdom, power, and goodness. These united have formed the consolation of many wise and good persons, in solitude, old age, and obscurity; which shows the advantage of cultivating these dispositions in early youth, as a means for providing a store against that period, in which pleasures of a grosser kind lose their zest.

As I love to confirm the truth of my remarks by some example, I shall conclude this paper with an anecdote extracted from the travels of Mr. Mungo Park, who attempted to explore the uncultivated parts of Africa, in order to gain a knowledge of their inhabitants, and open a way for their civilization.

At a moment when he seemed bereft of all human help, he drew consolation from a train of reflections, of which the origin would appear, to many thoughtless, inattentive persons, trifling and insignificant. He had