We beg to refer our readers to page 45 Vol. 2. of our Miscel'any, for a full description of this remarkable monument of antiquity. REFLECTIONS PROPER TO (For the Cornish Magazine.) THE recurrence of annual epocha in the history of human life, scarcely fails to induce sober reflection on the past; and the formation of prudent resolves for the future. It certainly seems natural that we should indulge such a temper of mind, at these periods of our existence; for we are led insensibly to rove backward among scenes we shall behold no more! The last day of the year, steals upon us like the closing scene of a friendly visit; with a mournful presage that it will never return again;-or, like the last ray of the setting sun, after a day of thunder and lightning, of storms and tempests. It reminds us of the termination of our probation, and admonishes us to prepare for that state to which we are all rapidly advancing, and to which, our present existence is only the brief introduction. Nothing can be more natural when about to enter upon a new era of our history, than to look back on the previous career; to reflect on the wisdom that has guided us in our progress; to ascertain by what means it has been accomplished, and what impression, the various trains of influences operating on our minds may have had, to develope our principles and feelings. From such a habit of marking the course of events, and scrutinizing the nature of those effects they produce upon our opinions, arises the chief source of moral knowledge. Hence do we derive the wisdom of experience; and by thus carefully examining our actions and motives, we may obtain a tolerably accurate idea of their character and value. What mind accustomed to reflection does not perceive that the changing events of only a single year, produce extraordinary alterations in our condition, opinions, and conduct? It is true, that the gradual way in which these changes are often effected, may not forcibly arrest our attention; so insensibly, but powerfully, are we wrought upon by passing events. But at the same time, if we institute a comparison between our present circumstances, and those of the previous year, we are frequently led to wonder at the abandonment of former feelings and sentiments; and are surprised, that influences, so little perceived at the time of their operation, could have effected so entire a revolution in the state of our minds. But ours is a world of constant vicissitude, Fluctuation and decay are indelibly impressed on every object that meets our attention. Being constituted both mentally and physically, in conformity to a state of things so essentially varying, there appears to exist an almost necessary connection between the formation of our characters, the nature of those events we daily behold, and the influences to which we are continually exposed. It is not always, however, that these alterations in habit and opinion are gradually accomplished. No-for often the occurrences of a single day determine our future conduct; and give a complexion to our future lives. In the natural world change is continual. Instance the pleasing vicissitude of the seasons-or the change from day to night-which still more forcibly illustrates the remark, because the contrast is immediate, and becomes a painful emblem of the rapidity with which we are hurried to the termination of our mortal career. The sun may rise in an unclouded sky; but ere night spreads her mantle over wearied nature, the storm may arise and disfigure the landscape with many an unseemly scar. The mariner who traverses the trackless ocean, may, at one moment be proudly exulting in the swift progress of his bark, as she majestically plows up the liquid main ;—and in the next, may be cast a miserable wreck, upon an unknown shore! Or, overtaken by some sudden tornado, he may be engulphed beneath the foaming billow, and sink into a watery grave! There no monument marks the place of his repose, or records the deeds of valour he has performed, or the virtues which adorned his life. There, no friendly hand rears with care the cypress or the yew tree. There, no fond eye beams with mournful pleasure on the spot of his rest, or sheds the tear of anguish upon his hallowed grave. For alas! not a vestige may remain of all that was perhaps so excellent and valuable, to tell the sad tale of his sudden destruction. But greater events than these occur within the brief space of a single day. On the field of battle conflicting armies contend for victory, Tis won! It may have its good results. It may hurl a despot from his throne; and emancipate a people from the thraldom of barbarism and cruelty: But it may overturn a happy nation-it may deprive a virtuous monarch of his empire to become the slave of a tyrant. But were this all, the evil would be trifling, and the benefit incalculable. That victory, the source of exultation to a nation, proud of her heroic Sons, may be the means of sending into eternal exile thousands of our fellow creatures, and hurry them unbidden before the presence of God. That victory may break many a parent's heart, and cause the widow's tears to flow; that victory may tear asunder the dearest friends, perhaps for ever;-rupture ties which bound kindred hearts together, and which nought but death could sever-and that victory may deprive children of their parents, and cause them to become orphans and outcasts from society! Desolation may attend a glorious conquest-and ruin may stretch forth her terrible arm o'er lands once the abode of prosperity and peace. In a day a king may expire-or a great statesmen breathe his last sigh. A nation may thus be visited with dire calamity or involved in a sanguinary revolution. Days may do more than years-but how little are they heeded! Days, are indeed important portions of time; but how little are they valued! It is asked how can such things as these affect our characters? How? Can they be regarded with indifference? Can we rise from the contemplation of them without feeling that we have deeply partaken of their spirit? We do not look upon nature's aspect unmoved. When adorned in all her loveliness we regard her with inexpressible pleasure, and feel delighted as we survey her inexhaustible glories, or trace the unerring wisdom of her laws. These feelings are awakened to a still higher exercise, when we see her moving forth in all her majesty. She varies her aspect-she sometimes comes before us in all the magnitude of her vastness. The storm collectsthe lightning glares-the thunder rolls-the mountain torrent, receiving the tribute of inferior waters, rushes wildly down the steep descent, and carries destruction along with its progress. But soon the roar of the tempest ceases, and anon all is calm and tranquil. The clouds pass away-and the luminary of day again lights up the world. The astonished mind "looks through nature up to nature's God;” “who holds the winds in his fists, and the waters in the hollow of his hand." An impression may be made never to be forgotten; and under its influence we are irresistibly compelled to adore the Supreme Being; the manifestations of whose power are appalling; but the exhibitions of whose goodness are full of the elements of divine mercy.Thus, we perceive, that, our minds are likely to imbibe the spirit of the various events which our history records; and we necessarily adopt different principles varying in strength and energy, proportioned to the variety and force of those influences to which we are subjected. It is surprising how trifling a matter may produce considerable effect on us; and therefore we ought, with no small care, to watch the progress of our minds. And perceiving the results which are accomplished by those causes whose operation we can detect, it is manifest, that we may obtain a sufficient knowledge of those principles which are most likely to increase our virtue; and consequently their influence should be diligently cultivated. We are called upon, by our arrival at the present period, carefully to review the past, that our future course may be shaped accordingly. Not, that we can lay down the precise direction we shall pursue-for that, in a considerable measure is hid from us; but it is our duty and privilege to profit by the experience of our previous knowledge. It will be seen from the nature of the foregoing remarks, that, although changes are perpetually recurring in the limited sphere of our own observation, yet they are necessary. It is true these changes often become the source of painful anxiety; but upon the whole, it is equally evident, that when properly improved, they are calculated to advance our happiness. They frequently tend to remove the asperities of our disposition, and teach us to be submissive to the controul of infinite wisdom. Although a consideration of the events which have happened to ourselves, may appear to argue the existence of more evil than good; yet if we enlarge the boundary of our contemplation, we shall be satisfied that a gracious Providence is over all the Creator's works, that goodness and mercy to man, are the prominent features which distinguish the government of the great Supreme. It becomes then, a matter of proper inquiry for us to pursue-What is the influence which the occurrence of the past have had on our character? Have they had a beneficial tendency on our minds, to reform our improper dispositions, and renovate our impatient spirits? Have they pointed out to us the errors we have committed, and convinced us that the practice of virtue, is man's highest interest? If not, our experience is of little value; and if no salutary effect follows the instructions we have received, we shall find that our education has been painfully expensive. But to the future. With what feelings of seriousness ought a rational immortal being to regard that state of existence which is subsequent to the present? No one can review his history without being sensible that much of impropriety has marked his conduct. What effect, then should such a thought have on our determinations for the future? A resolve to do as we have done? No! but rather to follow virtue whither she leads. To tread the paths of piety, that we may arrive at that state which bespeaks a preparation for the eventful disclosures of eternity. The great error committed by mankind, is the formation of an incorrect estimate of the comparative value of temporal and eternal good. Were the present confined sphere of action the only theatre of our being, such a preference would be just. But when we reЯect, that the unbounded extension of a state of existence too vast for the human eye to measure, is to be the future destiny of man, and that happiness can only be enjoyed there, by those who are virtuous here, surely the ordinary standard of propriety in conduct is imperfect and fatal. May the importance of this sentiment lead the reader to adopt such a course of action, as will manifest an ardent desire to attain the undying and unspeakable felicity, connected with a blissful immortality. JUNIUS. ODE ON CORNWALL. Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine cunctos The region of health and friendship and pleasure O! sweet thy remembrance, and holy thy hope; Bat sweeter and holier thy pastures to see, Thine are the scenes of the old and the brave, Thon bosom of Britain's unquenchable spirit; The stern Druid prophets have hallowed thy cave Our eldest of ancestors kiadled thy merit. The Romans, the Saxons, the Danes, & the French Still trampled o'er Albion and ravished her glory; But never, ah never from thee could they wrench, Thy falchion of vict'ry all crimson and gory. Thy oaks were the shelter of spirits as high, Thy rocks were the fortress of heroes as frowning; Thy heavens as blue as thy damoisels eye, Toy flow'rets as fair as the ringlets they're crowning. Thy air was all patriotism, chivalry, love, Thy warriors were fated to conqner or perish, And thy virgius adoring their Parent above, When far from thy breast and the seas roll between, And I muse on the nations and wonders of earth, Were worship'd below by the hearts they Thy image will glance o'er my volatile dream; wonld cherish. These periods are o'er, but the dream of the past Stilllingers and languishes over their slumbers; And softly thy beauties by memory clasped, F'oat o'er the charm'd fancy like poesy's numbers. E'en now in these ages of iron and art When natnre is banished and weeps in the vale, E'en now thy immacnlate feelings will start And still thon repeatest thy glory's warm tale; When I gaze on thy youths that are valiant and free, Their full joviallanghter that revels in gladness; And their firm manly sense and their noble degree Oh ne'er shall thy virtues be clouded by sadness. When I pore on thy danghter's bright farflashing eyes; And read in their pages soft extacy's story; And the eloquent glow oftheir cheeks purple dyes, No, No! thou wilt never relinquish thy glory. Still rises the peak of thy blue shaven mountain, Still sinks thy green valley in verdure and bliss, Still murmurs the lapse of thy clear gnshy fountain Still zephyr thy roses will fragrantly kiss. Here blossoms the myrtle thro' winters drear hour And lillies and daffodils earliest are secu; Here the billowy Atlantic extends his bland power, And flings o'er thy bosom bright mantles of green. When I wauder alone on thy desolate shore, And list to the rush of tumultuons ocean, Mid the dread moody panses of that deep roar What beauty of horror excites the emotion! When I stand on the cliffs that overshadow thy wave, Which bellows & bounds on their terrible forms; Now opening the jaws of a fathomiess grave, Now leaping to heaven and joying in storms. How noble the spirit exults in the battle, The battle of elements glory ing in strife; How riots the heart in the thundering rattle, How kindles to transport each instinct of life. O! such is the scene where thy wild poets glow, While fiercely the blasts of thy hurricanes blow, Oh Cornwall, dear Cornwall! thou land of my heart, To me e'en thy desert is charming and dear; Whatever the reason-we never can part, But that parting is hallowed by sigh and by tear O! sacred and beautiful land of my birth! Then never may guiltiness evils or sorrow Distress thy wild genius or darkle thy bright; But every fair day bring a fairer to-morrow, Till you smile in one beaming elysium of light. Let joy peace and innocence kindle around thee, Thy children be beautiful virtuons and gay; The generous affections have amiably crown'd thee, And thy deep glowing passion exult in their play. |