The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1849-11-16

studles at the college OF Louls-le Grand, s
pale, stern-iook man, wearing a cassock
summoned him from amongst his comrades
, and commanded him to follow him to tn,
clerical seminary Of St. Sulpice. The sen
tence was without appeal. He learned
9 from the superior that his family had de
J cided to prive him of his birthright, anc
J transferit to his younger brother.
And wherefore? asked the youth.
Because he is not cripple was the
cruel reply.
The words entered like iron into the vic
TINS soul; they changed his very nature
made the youth what the Prince de Talley.
rand afterwards appeared In proud and
bitter silence he donned the offered cas-
sock; and none may know what passed
within, for never, even to his most init
mate friends, did he allude to the subject
Now in his youth, as afterwards in mature
age, his resolution was taken and acted on
Immediately. He expressed neither greit
nor desire for the reversal of the decree;
he knew this would be vain. but, in APP
pearance at least, submitted patiently to the
strict rules of the house. Notwithstanding
his lameness, he possessed considerable
strength and activity of body; but among
his companions his usual weapon of defence
was his tongue. Young and old dreaded
his caustic, biting sentences, while the in
tluence and power which his master mind
asserted and maintained, were quite mar
velous. AT the seminary he became as
distinguished as at the college. There
still survive few old clergymen who can
recall the eloquent orations of the young
student at the weekly exhibitions at St
Sulpice. Some of these compositions have
been reserved; they are chiefly remarka-
bic for the artful manner in which the pas
sions of the auditory are enlisted against
the adverse side, and their sense ofthe lu-
dicrous excited atits expense.
AT the age Of seventeen, M. de Talley-
rand Quilted the seminary, in orderto com
pcte his theological studies at the Sor-
bonne. The few days which intervened
were passed by him at the family resi-
idtnce. Upto that period he had never
spent night beneath the parental roof
Well might Rousseau illuminate his burn
ing reproofs against that time, whom he
desgnatcs 'mercilcss stepmother,' M. de
Talleyrand was SO fortunate as to have for
his preceptor, an excellent man, not many
years older than himself A strong and
lasting affection subsisted between them.
His dear father Langlois, received from
him liberal pension till the end of his
days; and up to the year l828, the period
s,lI Loj l.,
ted figure, attired in the costume of the
preceding century, might have been con
stantly seen in the Prices splended recep-
ton-rooms, his huge snuff-box and colored
pocket handkerchief figuring next rich un-
forms and brilliant orders. When he
spoke, his former pupil listened with re-
spectful Difference. Indeed it is not too
much to assert, that whatever good was
mingled with the character Of the astute
diplomats, might fairly be traced to the
early instruction of the Able Langlois.
The young Able de Talleyrand's first
appearance in the gay society Of Paris, was
ut the hotel of Madame de Bligonole, who
was in the habit of receiving the very elite
IF the fashionable world, together with the
ions of the day, The young man seat him
self in a remote corner so as to observe the
passing scene without taking part in it
Soon a modest, retiring looking man came
md placed himself near him. This was
ohilidor, the celebrated chess-player who
oeing frequent visiter at the house, was
lble. and willing to point out the different
distinguished guests to his uninitiated ,
leighber. D'Alembert, Diderot, and 9th h
II great men were there, and Philidor was Is
commenting on them, for the II
,oung Abbe's edi6cation; when their quiet
omer was suddenly invaded by two young
lussar officers Captain and Lieutenant :;
n regiment especially favored by the ,
Unhappy Queen Marie-Antoinette, and al
o noted for the free and impertinent man /
ers of the young men who composed it. $
The two officers were laughing heartily at
ONE exquisite Jest between themselves.
Come into this corner said one, and q
II finish the story; the end oft must be !
eserved for your private ear'qoa 81" III
The corner is taken,5 replied the other; |
[ see Philidor there, talking to some young !,
aven just f1edged, and flown from the
eminary' t. .-t-. t.... .....-.,..ft $
They'll give up their places. I know i
'hilidor's temper; he'll submit, and the !
tbbe viii follow his example. So saying, {,
hey approached the two occupiers ofthe ii
orner, and with the coolest impertinence n
egan to annoy them by their words and
estures. Philidor' whose pacific and TIM
lcharacter was well known, Immediately :,
repaired to retreat He cast animplofing >
lance at the Able, complained ofthe heat
f the room, and finally rose and ghded
way. The Chevalier de Bouflers-7one o'
the officers took instant possession ofIla