The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-11-20 00:00:00

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augurated proved far from happy is too well
known to require us to follow the historian
through its numerous incidents. Within four
years after the marriage, Philip was again a
widower, and in his desire to retain his hold on
England, he, within a month after Mary's funeral,
made proposals for becoming the consort of Mary's
sister andsuccessor, our "virgin Queen" Elizabeth.
The Protestant sincerity of feeling and policy of
Elizabeth diverted him from this purpose, and in
less than four months after the demise of Mary
he was espoused by proxy to the Princess Eliza-
beth of France, a. charming girl only fourteen
years of age, and tWenty years his junior. On
the arrival of this Princess in Spain the royal
wedding was celebrated with great pomp, the
festivities extending over several weeks. These
festivities were enhanced by tournaments and
bull-fights ; and at Toledo, while the royal bride
and bridegroom were amused, as was the fashion
of the time and nation, with these rude sports, the
Holy Inquisition, to increase the piquancy of the
royal enjoyments, added the attraction of an
auto da fe, which, it is said, from the number of
the victims, and the quality of the spectators, was
the most imposing spectacle of the kind ever
witnessed in that capital!
In his fourth book, Mr. Prescott, after having
previously, to a considerable extent, advanced his
narrative beyond that point, goes back to incor-
porate another important thread in the tissue of
his historic web, the struggle of Spain to with-
stand the incursions of the Turks. This portion
of the work is instinct with life and spirit, and
includes the memorable defence of Malta by the
Knights Hospitalars, or Knights of St. John,
under their Grand Master Valette, against the
armada of Solyman. Among the dramatic mili-
tary incidents of the fierce struggle between that
heroic fraternity and the Moslem infidels, few are
more graphically detailed than

greatly tempted to yield. Instead of which, how-
ever, we content ourselves with recommending
the book itself to careful study. In its pages
will be found many admirable practical lessons.
In every portion of his career Philip presents a
singularly interesting aspect ; one portion of his
conuct offering a striking contrast to another
throughout the whole of his stirring life and
reign. Though the acknowledged and ostenta-
tious champion of the Romish church, he waged
fierce war against the Pope—the implacable
enemy of France, from considerations of state
policy, he wedded a French princess. Stimulated
by similar motives, having become the husband
of one English queen, he became the suitor for
the hand of another, the sister and successor of
that queen—refused, on religious and other
grounds the advantages of this second matrimonial
alliance with England, he attempted to invade
and subjugate the kingdom. By Philip, Spain
was raised to the highest point of glory which she
ever attained among the nations—by him were
also sown the seeds of her decay and present
abasement.

The Ballads of Ireland. Collected and edited by
Edward Hayes. Edinburgh : A. Fullarton

and Co.

As all ballad collectors and editors should be,
Mr. Hayes is deeply impressed with the impor-
tance of the task he has in hand, and feels the
full weight of responsibility attached to a due
discharge of his self-imposed office. The ballads
of a people have long been known as the best in-
dication of the general sentiment ; and their effi-
cacy in promoting a spontaniety of feeling, and
evoking the national spirit in times of difficulty
and danger, have been widely acknowledged.
The two volumes now under consideration, viewed
in the light referred to, would have been greatly
improved if half of their contents had been
omitted. That much spirit and much heated
temper may have found expression, and might
have safely found decent burial, in the ballads
deriving their existence from those wild ebullitions
of political animosity which resulted in the nota-
blerebellion of '4B, and found its culminating
absurdity in the classical cabbage-garden of the
Widow M'Cormick, may indeed be true ; but
that a republication of them at the present time,
and under present circumstances, is judicious or
wise, few will be prepared to admit. Such,
however, is in a great degree the character of
many of those now introduced to decent society
by Mr. Hayes. The evil becomes more flagrant
from the circumstance that the delinquent effu-
sions are introduced in good company, to the
manifest discredit of the latter. In the section
devoted to the "Ballads of the Affections," there
are numerous beautiful and thrilling strains.
The
.portion consisting of " Fairy Ballad," is
also marked by fine fancy and lively imagination ;
and it is impossible to contemplate the mistaken
notion which has incorporated, along with these,
the wild and passionate ribaldry in which excited
dislike found vehement utterance at such periods
of turbulence, without feelings of regret, often
rising to the verge of indignation. For enter-
taining fervid feelings it might be wrong to cen-
sure Air. Hayes ; but for allowing those feelings
utterance in a way which must tend to circum-
scribe the admiration he insists on for much
which he has collected, and, which is really de-
serving of admiration, he must be content to
underlie the charge of hasty and imperfect judg-
ment, even from those who do not incline to
visit his offence with heavier punishment. The
volumes are beautifully, indeed elegantly, got up,
and in their typography and general aspect they
reflect much credit on the resources and the taste
of Messrs. Fullarton's establishment.

The True History of Alexander,] 171
Patrick. By the Professor of An,'f.:
in. the College of St. Mango. C4'l"-
R. M'Nair.
This brochure,. which is very cleve„.l„bto-
is a satirical view of the " Scottish opor
tion, in which. the author, after the the
Swift, in his " Tale of a Tub," puts d t
ments on both sides in a clear ntfi
to
expressed point of light. The au
studied the subject deeply, an,
exposition a clear and logical in
able power of sarcasm, and, abo'
value, an unmistakeable power o.
illustration of fact and elimina
are felicitous and striking ; and
his varied powers to forward w
looks on as a just and righteo'
important cause. His aid is p
prove effective in keeping the nal
to that ardent desire for the red.
which has of late years taken
upon the mind of the Scottish re

Hand-Book of Natural Philosor
Lardner. Part 11. Londor
Maberly.
The second part of this
Philosophy manual maintains tl
indicated by the first, and goes
promise held out in the prospek
an elucidation, in popular lancru.
the most important principles
science, and illustrates these by
to all. To the practical mechan;le,
prove very amusing, as well as laxg,'l
It is profusely illustrated with we"'
cleverly executed wood-cuts, any
cheap, neat, and useful.

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111t11 QO, 1R55

,r,
,111„
Iles, „
"ne table before Madame Prevost.
cale,,il,,,'"onlan followed with her gaze the
ctif Ni' he disappeared in the .court of the
t°ll:lclßiNntilitn 'have the worth orrf his money,"
fit,tLl)le.`", in a determined tone, turning
ge
'
Lae time, from two bundles of flowers
Viet, addz,rd in the basket she arranged a
Ing toit an immense tuberose with
t •
°l' Oil' good lady," I ventured to observe,
iiNtleottainly kill with asphyxy the person
r 4 11 'the se flowers j-are intended.„
f°sl ,;1
4h4t 10 contrary," replied Madame Prevost,
N'lttrp:iititPreserve her from the pursuits of a
6 I tit,- littip7tinent man. Do not be uneasy ;
,°,4y,:t44- %at Madame de Melcy has of heart
t:4oe—tt q - 1.44,Y nerve—she will at once throw this
r„Pr It'et 410,(4 the window, and turn out of doors
"` allt,P1(1 Madame
to take it. What a clown,
bibf): delie'vladame de Melcy, who is so grace-
to 4tel Take this bouquet," she added,
t 4114'444 'boy seated near her, " with the
jllr, ad tire to Madame de Melcy.),
Olt on his commission, holding the
6"Nbmto tii"t two hands. He had thrown the
ea 4„e luidat of the tuberose. The name
``l,l;.°liettl,°.ll it was surmounted with an equivo-
,4444ttkie a count or baron.
ri; this ,Pleton." muttered Madame Prevost.
;4tili,e„Oterulereint
Nsited int a stoat young man, about
asghl
shop There was something
44 .411 d h his figure was so
111. heavy that the advantage lost.
o7tgon, however was
N't' who had . Was evidently superior to
just
, °ln him, thatwhile left the place, and so far
"4:it , the tall stranger was
(re province, he was a ,provincial de
€t
"
ki to ,41.1) he said, addressing Madame Pre-
The 'llla4„'''')a send a bouquet for me, this even-
left qow,'t:ttle de Melcy ?"
-dealer curtsied an affirmative, and
I 1°41%1' tb.
qc he. worth " observed the old lady,
Ither d
4ie, II h, him good nor ill. Madame de
tNti,'No've a bouquet similar to those usually
kliqk` frarllle handsome dahlias and flowers
Nte itial;ee—she can carry it in her hand,
left is her apartment. The person who
Otiqevet, neither a coxcomb nor a fool. He
Oh t 0 !Ilistaken, perhaps, in sending a
f°rV ;11s lad, who most certainly never
led
himl:qeddi for one but, however, I
e in his affairs, let him think and

'laid than done. Madame de Melcy
„,-ecand bouquet, smaller than the first,
-‘o A
tifiti. re tastefully arranged.
e,ts having been despatched, I was
when I saw glide into the shop a
man of eighteen or twenty ; but
timid, and modest in his manners,
d have imagined he was entering
llee of the lady of his thoughts.
' said he, in a low tone, and with
tic/1 of manner, “would you be so
PA some flowers, without saying,
"Y came, to Madame de Melcy ?,
dthese words he offered a golden
41Prevost, who, somewhat as-
s third visitor on the same errand,
doe change, exclaiming as he left,
ttioli
st
the best for this customer. He
:111e, retiring, and modest, and he
known who sends the flowers.
14004 certainly, have my protection."
tt 144(1/Ilan at once arranged the bouquet,
Iveet er, a few wild flowers, very simple,
thoUrs, and delicious fragrance it

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was soon prepared, and seemed as if it had been
gathered from a meadow in the month of June.
By a sudden caprice, she placed in the centre a
sprig of wild thyme in blossom.
Observing that I was watching her proceedings
with great eagerness, she explained what appeared
to be somewhat of a mystery.
" It is impossible that Madame de Melcy can
choose any bouquet but this, out of the three
I have prepared for her this evening. The
first is vulgarly made of large red flowers, which,
if a lady took into a ball-room, would give her
the appearance of having been drinking. The
second bouquet is too white for a young, pale, and
languishing beauty, like Madame de Melcy. This,
which I hold in my hand, on the contrary, is
beautiful, animated, and unassuming, therein
differing from the others. I have not the slightest
doubt it will be worn this evening. Do you not
share my sympathy, and approve my protecting
this young suitor ?'
" Most certainly. Adieu, until to-morrow."
" And what are you going to do this evening ?"
" I am bound to the Opera ?"
" May you be amused there. But take a
bouquet with you—a real one—to present to
Mademoiselle Taglioni."
That evening Mademoiselle Taglioni, that sylph
of the air, was to take her farewell of Paris. We
were about to lose, if not for ever, at least for a
very long period, this charming creature, whose
lightness and pace could not be surpassed. All
the capital seemed to be flocking to the theatre'
to see and applaud once more the beloved idol. ,

The Opera-house was densely crowded. I was at
my post at an early hour, and took my place in
a second box on the left. I was reflecting on
the great loss we were about to suffer, when sud-
denly the door of the box next to mine was
opened, and two ladies—one very young, and the
other of elderly appearance—entered and took
their places in front, while three gentlemen, who
seemed to belong to their party, seated themselves
behind—the two eldest close to the ladies, and

the youngest in a corner at the back, where he
was quite concealed from observation.
My surprise was great on observing that they
were the very persons I had seen at Madame
Prevost's a short time previously. The tall man
was noisy and affected ; his stout companion ap-
peared reserved ; while the younger stranger, in
his retirement, was indulging in silent enjoyment
of his thoughts, for his countenance was radiated
with pleasure ; but the secret of this was soon
betrayed. The elderly lady held in her hand the
red bouquet, while the younger had attached to
her breast the wild flowers, with the fragrant
sprig of thyme in the centre.
She seemed to have been made for the sweet
flowers, which had also found upon her /heir
most appropriate resting-place. The paleness of
her complexion set off their beauty, and from
time to time she inhaled with delight the frag-
rant bouquet.
I would willingly—had it been possible—have
made known to the young suitor of Madame de
Melcy his good fortune ; and said to him, "My
friend, be happy. You have two rivals near you,
who have each sent a bouquet to the lady of your
affections. The first, Madame de Melcy has in-
flicted on her companion ; the second, she has,
probably, kept to adorn her chamber ; but yours
is worn near her heart. You are the successful

lover."
The spectacle commenced. But what can I
say of Mademoiselle Taglioni that has been left
unsaid ? The multitude were ravished and en-
chanted. On this evening in question, I was,
however, undecided whether to give the preference
to Mademoiselle Taglioni, or. Madame de Melcy.
Mademoiselle Taglioni was so graceful, hut Ma-

IY9

dame de Melcy possessed surpassing beauty. The
former seemed to float in the air ; but the latter
was close to me : her magnificent figure displayed
to full perfection !
Meanwhile, the three gentlemen who occupied
the same box were variously occupied, according
as their dispositions prompted them. The tall
one, anxious to appear a profound critic, made a
great noise in applauding, and fired a regular vol-
ley of bravos. His stout and lethargic companion,
profiting by the enthusiasm of his friend, whis-
pered a few insipid compliments into the .ear of
the younger lady ; mere words, which have either
too much sense, or none at all ; while the favoured
youth in the corner, immersed in his pleasant re-
veries, sat mute and concealed.
The lady conducted herself towards her three
male attendants, as every woman of wit,, who does
not possess too much heart, should. Now and
then she applauded Mademoiselle Taglioni, then
listened for a moment to the stout gentleman, or
gave a side glance at the young man behind her,
who, however, could not observe her features from
where he was seated. She contrived even to
give me, seated close to her, a few of those uncer-
tain looks which imply neither attention nor
indifference ; after which she played with her
bouquet with a kind of infantine enjoyment. She
was decidedly beautiful, with features regular,
transparent, and placid ; large, lustrous eyes,
black eve-brows and hair ; a small hand ; lips
almost red ; and teeth of pearly whiteness.'

I could easily understand why the young man
was in love, but I could not account for his si-
lence. Of the three suitors near me, there was
not one, who, like myself, really concerned him-
self about this splendid creature ; for 'I saw with-
out looking at her ; heard, without speaking
to her; and I found her lovely without telling
her so.

But to resume : -Mademoiselle Taglioni had
danced—with that exquisite grace every one has,
or ought to have, beheld—the admirable last step
of La Sylphide, when, suddenly, all the specta-
tors rose up as with one accord, while hands,
'feet, hearts, and voices were mingled in unani-
mous applause. The feeling was irresistible :
every lady who had a bouquet in her hand, or
pressed against her heart, threw it on the stage,
until it was covered with a perfect avalanche of
flowers. And yet, what mute prayers and tender
vows had, probably, been impressed upon those
tendrils of nature ! What enthusiasm to throw
at the feet of a dancer so fragrant a harvest,
every leaf of which contained a hope or a
souvenir I But such was, nevertheless, the
case ; and the same ladies who had cast them
away, would have thiown their diamonds and
pearls at the departing sylph, if the thought had
occurred to them. Perhaps the only one, how-
ever, amidst the whole multitude, who had guarded
previously her little bouquet, was Madame de
Melcy. Unhappily, however, the young lover,
who had remained until then motionless and
dumb, either awakened by the acclamations ,
around him, or from a wish to let every one know
that he had seen the ballet, from which he had
been completely hidden, rising suddenly from his
seat, commenced crying and applauding like the
rest. _

I then noticed Madame de Melcy hastily detach
the bouquet from her breast, inhale its fragrance
once more, and then cutting with her teeth the
sprig of thyme into two pieces, throw, with her
delicate white hand, the dearly-cherished flowers
at the feet -of Mademoiselle Taglioni.
At this moment Madame de Melcy was ad-
mirable. No sooner had the bouquet fallen on

,he stage, than she regretted it, and turning
,owards the gentlemen who accompanied her, she

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