The Sun.
London, England, 1865-07-29 00:00:00

POULTRY.

Geese, 5s Od to Gs Od each ; goslings, 4s 6d to 6s Gd ;
ducks, 2s Od to 8s 6d ; ducklings, 2s Od to 3s Od ; tame
rabbits, is 3d to 2s Od ; wild do., is to is 2d ; pigeons,
Os Gd to Os 8d ; leverets, 2s Od to 40 Od each ; Surrey
fowls, 9s Od to las Od ; do. chicken; 7s Od to 9s 6d ; barn
door fowls, 8s 6d to 68 Od per couple ; English eggs, 8s 6d
to 9s Od ; French do., 6s 6d to is 6d per 100 ; Ostend
fresh butter, is to is ld ; English, is Id to is 3d per lb.

LITERATURE,

Harrison Ainsworth's New Work.

The Spanish Match. By W. Harrison Ainsworth.
Three Vols. Chapman and Hall.

Mr. Ainsworth is peculiarly happy in the selection
of themes for his romances. He delights in depict-
ing History, but it is History in her most romantic
aspect, and in her most picturesque 'attire. Thus
the by-gone wonders of " Old London Bridge" and
" Old St. Paul's" flourish again in his pages, with
" Windsor Castle" and "The Tower of London"—
appropriate theatres for the romantic and chivalrous.
In a like spirit " The Lancashire Witches" have
cast their spells over him ; as have also the marvels
of " The Admirable Crichton"—nay, even the
Highwayman and the Housebreaker have in their
turn arrested his attention, when their true histories
were so much interwoven with the romantic, as in the
instances of Jack Sheppard and Dick Turpin. The
Romance of history is Mr. Ainsworth's forte, and
assuredly no historical episode offers more tempta-

tion to the novelist than the chivalrous and, at that
epoch, unparalleled, expedition of Charles 1., when
Prince of Wales, and the famous Duke of Bucking-
ham to the Court of Spain to arrange the marriage
of the Prince and the Infanta. The after
misfortunes of Charles, the tragic position
which he holds in English history, the
sad, serene countenance with which Art has made
us familiar, enhances, by the force of contrast, the
fascination of his early knight-errantry. To pic-
ture Charles I. " bright with the freshness of
youth," gay with the companionship of Bucking-
ham, throwing aside Court etiquette and the for-
malities of his station, to undertake in disguise an
enterprise so rash and hazardous that the wise and
prudent were dismayed, and even Folly was
alarmed—as witness the famous remark of the
j ester Archie when consulted by his Gossip—presents
indeed a startling contrast to the after tragedy of
Whitehall ! This famous expedition has before
now attracted the pen of the fiction writer, but the
Prince's brief stay ix Paris, where he first caught
a glimpse of his future Queen, the Princess Hen-
rietta Maria, and where Buckingham was fatally
fascinated by the young Queen, Anne of Austria,
has hitherto been the favourite point of considera-
tion. Mr. Ainsworth, however, has taken the
Spanish Court for the principal scene of his story.
We have a passing glimpse of King James, with
the all-powerful " Steenie" and "Baby Charles"
wresting from him an unwilling consent to their
departure upon their extraordinary expedition.
We glance briefly at the brilliant court of
Louis XIII., and make acquaintance with the
charming Queen and youthful Princess, and then,
on the wings of eager anticipation, our travel-
lers hasten to Madrid. The court of Spain is
very vividly described—the chivalrous Philip
IV., the wily Olivarez, the jealous Don Pompeo,
the gallant Don Christobal, and the Duke of
Cea, with the coquettish Donna Flor, and the
charming Donna Casilda, to say nothing of the
peerless Infanta and the treacherous tire-woman,
all these and their companion actors are grouped
together as skilfully and portrayed as power-
fully as might be anticipated from that con-
summate Court Portrait Painter—the happy
delineator of fair dame and gallant chevalier—
the author of " Crichton." The admirers of
that brilliant novel will delight in the scenes
of chivalry to which Mr. Ainsworth again intro-
duces his readers in this Spanish story. As a
specimen of the animated style of the naration, and
the characteristic descriptions with which the story
abounds, let us give this picture of the Bull-fight,
and imagine ourselves to be one of the group in
Burgess's famous painting :

" VIVA TORO."

"Again the trumpets sounded, and three cavaliers, each
armed with a lance, drove into the arena. Those were the
Duke de Cea, Don Antonio Guino, and Sir Richard
Graham. They posted themselves on tho right of the
toril, which faced the royal gallery, at intervals of twenty
yards from each other, the young duko boing nearest the
toril, and Graham farthest from it.

" While these dispositions were made, the vast assem-
blage became perfectly silent. Expectation was so highly
raised that scarcely a breath was drawn.
" Amid the silence, the alguacils rode towards the tribute
occupied by the corregidor, and, baring their heads, be-
sought permission to open the toril.
" In response, a large key, ornamented by ribands, was
flung to them by Don Juan de Castilla. It was caught in
a hat, and delivered to a varlet of the ring, who ran with
it towards the toril, while the alguacils galloped out of the
arena as fast as they could, amid the shouts and jea' of
the beholders.

" Trumpets were then blown, the red gates of the toril
were thrown wide open, and quick as lightning a bull
rushed forth. At the moment of his entrance a little flag
was planted in his shoulder, bearing the device of the
Duke de Cea. He was a splendid animal brought from
Andalusia, where the best bulls are bred, and soon gave
proof of courage and activity. His colour was a shining
black; his horns sharp and crescent-shaped; his eyes fierce
and wild in expression. For a moment he seemed bewil-
dered by the shouts that greeted his appearance, and the
thousands of faces that met his gaze, but after a short
hesitation, during which he bellowed savagely, and lashed
his sides with his tail, he precipitated himself on Do Cea,
who, lance in hand, awaited his attack.
"At a bull-fight of the present day, the horse of the
picador, generally a wretched animal destined to the
knacker if he should survive the conflict, has a thick ban-
dage over the eyes to prevent him from perceiving the
onset of the bull. Moreover, the picador's legs aro sheathed
in iron greaves covered with leather. But at the period of
which we write, when nobles and cavaliers were picadors,
no such precautions were taken, and as good horses were
used in the bull-ring as in the tilt-yard.
" Thus De Cea's noble steed, though conscious of his
danger, remained motionless until the bull was close upon
him, when, obedient to the will of his rider, he turned
slightly aside, and the furious brute, missing his mark,
rushed on, not, however, unscathed, for he received the
point of De Gee's lance deep in his shoulder. The shaft
of the lance was broken by the blow, but another weapon
was instantly handed by a chulo to the duke, who ex-
pected the bull to renew the attack. •
" Instead of wheeling round, however, the beast west
on, and, again couching his head, made a dash at Don
Antonio Guilt°. This time batter success attended the
charge than bad done that on the young duke. Shivering
the lance with which Don Antonio struck him, the furious
brute gorod the horse deeply in the chest, rendering the
animal unmanageable, and while ho was struggling with
Don Antonio, the bull returned to the attack, and this time
plunging his horns into the horse's body near the girths,
lifted him and his rider completely from the ground.
" This feat was greatly applauded by the spectators, and
cries resounded on all sides of Bravo toro ! buen tore !
gentil toro !'
" Amid these shouts, Don Antonio disengaged himself
from his steed, from whom the blood poured forth in
torrents, and vaulted over the barriers. At the same
time, the chulos advanced towards the bull and fluttered
their mantles before hint to distract his attention
from the fallen steed, on whom he was still venting his
rage. His attention being thus diverted, the bull turned
to his now opponents, who, having succeeded in drawing
him towards the centre of the ring, took to flight, and made
for the barriers.

"All escaped but one, who slipped and fell, and his fate
seemed certain. A thrill of horror pervaded the assem-
blage as the bull, who had rushed past him, turned and
lowered his blood-stained horns. But deliverance was at
hand. Ere the vengeful monster could transfix him, his
own side was pierced by the lance of Graham, who had
dashed to the assistance of the prostrate chub. Bellowing
savagely, the bull turned turned upon his now foe, but
Graham avoided the attack, and, profiting by the oppor-
tunity, the chub sprang to his feet and cleared the barrier.
"Meanwhile the bull wheeled round and again assaulted
Graham, but he had now met with an antagonist whom it
seemed impossible to touch. Rapid as were the monster's
movements, frequently and furiously as he charged, he did
not once succeed in touching Graham, so admirably did the
young man manceuvre his steed.

" In this manner the bull was conducted to that part of
the arena which was nearest to the royal gallery, when the
animal, fatigued by his ineffectual attempts, desisted from
further attack, and stood still, staring in angry wonder-
ment at his opponent.

" Charmed by the remarkable skill displayed by the
young man, the spectators applauded loudly, and a thou-
sand voices called out, Viva el Cabalero Ingles ! viva
Don Ricardo ! viva!'

Apparently indifferent to the bull, Graham bowed in
reply to these acclamations. But he had scarcely made the
movement, when the bull, who had been stealthily watch-
ing him, again made a charge. This time the horns of the
brute slightly grazed the side of the horse, who snorted
with pain, but remained perfectly under his rider's control.
" Thinking the conflict had endured long enough,
Graham resolved to put an end to it. With this design
he flung away his lance, and drew his sword. Allowing
the bull to make two more charges, he avoided them dex-
terously, but on the next assault ho plunged his rapier up
to the hilt between the animal's shoulders.

" Pierced to the heart, with tho sword still sticking in
his body, and blood mingled with foam gushing from his
mouth and nostrils, the bull dropped on his knees before
his conqueror.
" The Whole amphitheatre rung with plaudits, and

shouts again resounded on every side of Viva el Cabal-
lero Ingles "
Another example, of a different character, we will
take from the more historical portion of the tale.
The arrogance of Buckingham is peculiarly dis-
tasteful to the Spanish nobility, and even to the
King, who, at the instigation of Olivarez, invites the
Prince to a meeting of the Council without
inviting his companion and attendant the Duke of
Buckingham. The Duke insists upon accompanying
the Prince, and does so with the following result :

"SO 311TH FOR BUCKINGHAM !"
" Era many minutes the king made his Appearance,
and after saluting Charles with his wonted cordiality,
turned to Buckingham, whose obeisance he had not deigned
to notice, and said, coldly :
" I did not expect to find your grace hero.'
" My presence appeared indispensable, sirs,' rejoined
Buckingham, 'as I understood that certain now articles
connected with the marriage-treaty wore to be discussed.'
" I could not have attended without the duke, sire,'
said Charles.

"'I should have thought your highness might have
fully confided in the wisdom and experience of the Earl of
Bristol,' said Philip, scarcely able to conceal his displea-
sure. Since the Duke of Buckingham has taken part in
these consultations, frequent disputes and interruptions
have occurred, which I hoped might be avoided on the
present occasion.'

" Sire,' said Buckingham, 'I trust I shall not offend
your Majesty if I say that I have a right to be present at
these councils.'

" Ha! since your grace takes that tone,' said Philip,
sharply, ' I must inquire by what title you claim to be ad-
mitted to the meetings ?'
"' I claim it, sire, as the guardian and adviser of his
highness the Prince of Wales,' replied Buckingham, proudly,
' who has been intrusted to me by his royal father. I claim
it also as first minister of the English cabinet, without
whose full approval this marriage-treaty cannot be con-
cluded. And let me state. at once, in order to save time and
prevent disputes, which I dislike as much as your majesty,
that I object to add any new articles to the treaty, and, on
the prince's part, decline to discuss them. The treaty
must be taken as it stands. If additions are constantly to
be made to it, it can never be completed.'
" my lord duke ! you proceed too fast,' interposed
Olivaroz. We cannot submit to dictation, especially from
ono who has no right to a seat in our councils. Had the
Earl of Bristol objected to those articles, we should have
listened to him with respect, but you have no title what-
ever t. a hearing. If you have a commission from his
Majesty King James, produce it. If you have credentials
from the English council, lay them before us. But if you
have neither commission nor credentials, be silent.'

" Why was not this demand made before ' said Buck-
ingham. I have attended many councils without excep-
tion being taken to my presence.'
" Consideration for his highness the prince has induced
us thus far to tolerate your interference, my lord duke ;'
rejoined Olivarez ; but our patience is now exhausted.
In the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Ashton his highness
has able and judicious counsellors, in whom he mg con-
fide. lie can dispense with your grace.'
" Then my place is no longer here,' said Buckingham,
making a movement to depart, and glancing at the prince
as if he expected him to withdraw likewise.
" But Charles took no notice of the signal.

" ' A moment, my lord duke' said Philip, in a tone that
recalled the haughty favourite to his senses, and made him
sensible of his indiscretion ; a word before you quit our
presence—never to re-enter it. Your appearance at our
councils has been irregular and unwarranted, and we have
brooked language from you to which we are wholly unac-
customed, but we have borne it out of love to the prince.
Now, mark well what I say. You yourself are the main
hindrance to the fulfilment of the proposed alliance between
tho Infanta and the Prince of Wales. Even if every other
obstacle were removed, and all we could desire agreed to,
the position you occupy in regard to his highness would
present an insurmountable difficulty.'
" How so, sire ?' demanded Buckingham.
" Your influence over the prince wodld be prejudicial
to my sister,' replied Philip. I cannot expose her to the
risk.'

" ' We entirely approve of your Majesty's determine
tion,' said the whole of the council, with the exception o
Gondomer.

" Sire,' exclaimed Buckingham, I know not why your
majesty has conceived this ill opinion of me, nor can I do
more than conjecture who has poisoned your mind, but
this I know, that the Infanta—should the prince be fortu-
nate enough to obtain her hand—will not have a servant
more faithful and devoted than myself. Thus much I dare
avouch, and I will maintain it with my life, that not one
of your grandees—not even the Conde-Duque—could servo
her more faithfully than I would. The prince, who knows
my sentiments, will confirm what I say. In retiring from
your councils, in which, it appears, I have improperly in-
truded, I must entreat your majesty's forgiveness, and the
foregiveness of these noble lords, for any hasty expressions
I have used. I should indeed regret it, if I could be sup-
posed wanting in due respect to her majasty, or in consi-
deratioU to them.'

" ' Sire,' said Charles, rising, and speaking with great
dignity, 'it would be grievous at this juncture,when there is
every prospect of the negotiation being speedily concluded,
that an interruption should occur. I am certain that his
grace of Buckingham, as indeed he has assured your ma-
jesty, is sensible that he has been far too hasty, and that
he will not so offend again, if he be permitted to occupy a
plc° in the councils. As to the apprehension which
your majesty has expressed in regard to the Infanta, I can
without hesitation declare it to be groundless. The Duke
of Buckingham would be utterly unworthy of the favour
ho enjoys from the king my father—he would bo utterly
unworthy of my favour if he could be other thana devoted
servant of the Infanta. Unhappily, in arranging this
treaty, religious questions have been chiefly discussed,
and these discussions have not always been conducted, on
the duke's part, with befitting temper, but I trust all diffi-
culties may now be reconciled, so that no further disputes
can arise. Wo will make every possible concession, and
yofir majesty will not ask more than we can fairly yield.'
" I trust we may come to an entire agreement, prince,'
said the king, with a certain significance. The Duke of
Buckingham must now be convinced that the violent
opposition he has hitherto offered is injudicious and injuri-
ous ; and in the persuasion that he will henceforth adopt
a different course, wo will overlook what has passed, and
waive the objections that have been raised to his remaining
in the council.'

" At this intimation of hie majesty's pleasure, the whole
of the council arose and bowed in assent. Buckingham
threw himself on his knee before the king, and while kiss-
ing the hand graciously extended to him, protested unal-
terable devotion to his majesty and tho Infanta.

- -
" As he arose and took the seat he had heretofore occu-
pied at the council-table, and which was on the right of
Charles, Olivarez observed, in a low tone to the king,
Your Majesty has gained your point. Ile will no longer

oppose the prince's conversion,'
" I think not,' replied Philip, in the same tone.
" If they corld have seen into Buckingham's heart, they
would have thought otherwise. At that ♦ery moment he
was meditating revenge for the humiliation ho had under-

gone.
" I will break in pieces the fabric I have put together
with so much trouble,' ho mentally ejaculated. The
match shall never take place.' "

As Horace Vernet has with his potent pencil illus-
trated the modern history of France, so with his
brilliant pen has Mr. Ainsworth contributed a
whole gallery of illustrations to the student of
history. In this work, besides authentic por-
traits of the Kings and Princes who take part in
it, not only is Olivarez, the Minister, but even the
exiled Duke deLerma presented to us at full length.
Of the story interwoven with the historical romance,
of the love of the English knight and the Spanish
lady, of the exploits of the brigand El Cortejo,
we will say nothing—commending them to the atten-
tion of those readers who, undeterred by the fate of
Louis Philippe, may be willing to undertake another
" Spanish Match."

ROWING FEAT BY A YOUNG LADY.—On Friday
evening a Worthing young lady went to sea alone in a
small skiff and rowed to Brighton. The distance is
reokoned to be ten miles, and she accomplished it, pulling
against tide, in about two hours. The water was very
calm at tho time ; but the exploit, nevertheless, has created
some astonishment.—West Sussex Gazette.

ARRIVAL OF MAJOR-GENERAL BRECKENRIDGE AT
SOUTHAMPTON. A Southampton correspondent,
writing yesterday evening' says :—" Among the passengerh
who have landed hero from the West India mail packet
Shannon is the famous American rebel Major-Gen. Breck-
enridge, for whose apprehension a reward of $25,000 has
been offered by the United States Government. Ho was
with Jefferson Davis two days before the latter was cap-
tured, and escaped from Texas in an open boat to Havana,
whore he took his passage for Southampton. His family
found a refuge in Canada. Ile is a tall, handsome man,
about 45 years of age. lie admits that the Confederate
cause is irretrievably ruined. Major-General Breckenridge
was Vice-President of the United States under President
Buchanan. lie is a Kentuckian by birth.
TRIAL FOR MURDER.—On Thursday, at the Maid-
stone Assizes, Thomas Jones was tried for the mur-
der of his child at Woolwich. It was proved that the child
had been given to the prisoner alive and well, and that it
was found in the Thames dead and with a weight tied to
it to prevent its floating. Other evidence was given which
all tended to show that the prisoner was guilty of murder.
In his defence it was urged that perhaps the child had died
in a fit, and that he threw the body into the river to avoid
the expense of burying it. So confident was every one in
court that Jones must bo found guilty that the black alp
had been placed within reach of the judge to be put
on
when he passed sentence. To the astonishment of every
one the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. The prisonr
was so much affected that he fell down in the dock insen
Bible.

HER MAJESTY.

OSBORNE, July 28.
The Queen, accompanied by Princess Helena,
drove out yesterday afternoon.
Major-Gen. the Hon. A. Hood was in attendance.