The sooner we come to an
understanding
the better.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v19 - Oli to Phi
The clever
pages, satirizing the follies of the day with searching yet kindly hu-
mor, were very warmly received: the suspension of Salmagundi with-
in the year was due to the publisher's refusal to pay the authors for
their services. The bulk of the papers was written by Paulding and
Washington Irving, William Irving's part being minor. In 1819 Paul-
ding put out another Salmagundi, written solely by himself; but-
perhaps because Irving's magic hand was missed-its reception was
comparatively cold. But in his other works- and his pen was pro-
lific-Paulding was decidedly a popular writer. The Diverting
History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan,' in 1812, ran through
many editions. For his best novel, The Dutchman's Fireside,' pub-
lished in 1831, and based on Mrs. Grant's descriptions of the manner
## p. 11196 (#416) ##########################################
11196
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
of the early Dutch settlers, he received the comfortable sum of
$1500: six editions appeared in a year, and the story was republished
in England and translated into French and Dutch. For the Ken-
tucky story of Westward Ho' (1832) he was paid the same sum.
Considering the time, these facts imply an established reputation.
As a poet he was less successful. His most elaborate metrical writ-
ing is The Backwoodsman' (1818), a study of emigrant life. The
'Life of George Washington,' published in 1835 and addressed to the
youth of the country, is his most important critical work.
In 1814 Paulding's brochure on The United States and England'
made him known to President Madison, and political preferment re-
sulted. He was appointed secretary of the first board of Navy Com-
missioners, and in Buchanan's administration served in the Cabinet
as Secretary of the Navy. That he was a conservative, not quick
to receive new ideas, is shown by his opposition to the introduction
of steam in ships, and by the fact that one of his latest pieces of
writing was a defense of slavery in all its workings. After retiring
from public life, Paulding purchased a residence near Hyde Park on
the Hudson River, and passed his concluding years in dignified ease,
writing occasional magazine articles. He died on April 6th, 1860;
his dear and long-time friend, Irving, having passed away but a few
months before. The Literary Life of James Kirke Paulding' by his
son William was published in 1867.
Paulding is most enjoyable for the present reader in his lighter
papers, and the literary skits of his early days. As joint author of
the Salmagundi papers he has a certain distinction which in literary
history will preserve his name.
PLINY THE YOUNGER
From The Dutchman's Fireside. ' Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
M*
ADAM VANCOUR was extremely fortunate in procuring a
most efficient auxiliary in the engineering of this her good
work, in the person of Master Pliny Coffin (the sixteenth),
whilom of Nantucket Island. Pliny was the youngest of nine
sons and an unaccountable number of daughters, born unto Cap-
tain Pliny Coffin (the fifteenth). Being called after his uncle,
Deacon Pliny Mayhew (the tenth), he was patronized by that
worthy "spermaceti candle of the church," as he was called,
and sent to school at an early age, with a view to following in
the footsteps of the famous divine. But Pliny the younger had a
## p. 11197 (#417) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11197
natural and irresistible vocation to salt water; insomuch that at
the age of eighteen months or thereabouts, being left to amuse
himself under the only tree in Nantucket, which grew in front
of Captain Coffin's (the fifteenth) house, he crawled incontinently
down to the seaside, and was found disporting himself in the
surf like unto a young gosling. In like manner did Pliny the
younger, at a very early age, display a vehement predilection
for great whales; to the which he was most probably incited by
the stories of his father, Pliny the elder, who had been a mighty
harpooner in his day. When about three years old, one of these
monsters of the deep was driven ashore in a storm at Nan-
tucket, where he perished, to the great joy of the inhabitants,
who flocked from all parts to claim a share in his spoil. On the
morning of that memorable day, which is still recorded in the
annals of Nantucket, Pliny the younger was missing, and dili-
gent search being made for him, he was not to be found in the
whole island; to the grief of his mother, who was a very stout
woman, and had killed three Indians with her own fair hand.
But look ye: while the people were gathered about the body of
the whale, discussing the mysterious disappearance of the child,
what was their astonishment to behold him coming forth from
the stomach of the huge fish, laughing right merrily at the prank
he had played!
But the truth must be confessed: he took his learning after
the manner that people, more especially doctors, take physic,-
with many wry faces and much tribulation of spirit. In fact he
never learned a lesson in his whole life until, arriving at his fifth
year, by good fortune a primer was put into his hand wherein.
was the picture of a whale; with the which he was so utterly
delighted that he mastered the whole distich under it in the
course of the day. The teacher aptly took the hint, and by
means of pasting the likeness of a whale at the head of his les-
sons, carried him famously along in the career of knowledge. In
process of time he came to be of the order of deacons, and was
appointed to preach his first sermon; whereby a great calamity
befell him, which drove him forth a wanderer on the face of the
earth. Unfortunately the meeting-house where he was to make
his first essay stood in full view of the sea, which was distinctly
visible from the pulpit; and just as Pliny the younger had
divided his text into sixteen parts, behold! a mighty ship ap-
peared, with a bone in her teeth, ploughing her way towards the
island with clouds of canvas swelling in the wind. Whereupon
## p. 11198 (#418) ##########################################
11198
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
the conviction came across his mind that this must be the Alba-
tross, returning from a whaling voyage in the great South Sea;
and sad to relate, his boyish instincts got the better of his better
self. Delirious with eager curiosity, he rushed from the pulpit,
and ran violently down to the seaside, like one possessed, leav-
ing Deacon Mayhew and the rest of the expectant congregation
astonished nigh on to dismay. The deacon was wroth, and forth-
with disinherited him. The people said he was possessed of a
devil, and talked of putting him to the ordeal; whereupon the
unfortunate youth exiled himself from the land of his nativity,
and went to seek his fortune among the heathen, who had
steeples to their churches, and dealt in the abomination of white
sleeves. Of his wanderings, and of the accidents of his pilgrim-
age, I know nothing, until his stars directed him to the Flats,
where there were no salt-water temptations to mislead him.
As one of the contemplated improvements of Madam Vancour
was the introduction of the English language among her pupils,
instead of the barbarous Dutch dialect, she eagerly caught at the
first offer of Pliny, and engaged him forthwith to take charge of
her seminary. In this situation he was found by Catalina, who,
as we have before stated, in the desolation of her spirit, resolved
to attempt the relief of her depression by entering upon the dif-
ficult task of being useful to others. She accordingly occasionally
associated herself with Master Pliny in the labors of his mission,
greatly to the consolation of his inward man.
He took great
pains to initiate her into the mysteries of his new philosophical,
practical, elementary, and scientific system of education, on which
he prided himself exceedingly-and with justice, for it hath been.
lately revised and administered among us with singular success,
by divers ungenerous pedagogues, who have not had the con-
science to acknowledge whence it was derived.
As Newton took the hint of the theory of gravitation from
seeing an apple fall to the ground, and as the illustrious Marquis
of Worcester deduced the first idea of the application of steam
from the risings and sinkings of a pot-lid, so did Master Pliny
model and graduate his whole system of education from the
incident of the whale in the primer. Remembering with what
eagerness he himself had been attracted towards learning by a
picture, he resolved to make similar illustrations the great means
of drawing forth what he called the "latent energies of the in-
fant genius, spurring on the march of intellect, and accelerating
the development of mind. " But as woodcuts were scarce articles
## p. 11199 (#419) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11199
in those times, he devoted one day in the week to sallying forth
with all his scholars, in order to collect materials for their studies;
that is, to gather acorns, pebbles, leaves, briers, bugs, ants, cater-
pillars, and what not. When he wanted an urchin to spell "bug,"
he placed one of these specimens directly above the word; and
great was his exultation at seeing how the child was assisted in
cementing B-U-G together, by the presence of the creature itself.
In this way he taught everything by sensible objects; boasting
at the same time of the originality of his method, little suspect-
ing that he had only got hold of the fag-end of Chinese emblems
and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
But pride will have a fall. One day, at Catalina's suggestion,
Master Pliny put his scholars to the test, by setting them to
spell without the aid of sensible objects, and by the mere instru-
mentality of the letters. They made sad work of it: hardly one
could spell «< ant" without the presence of the insect to act as
prompter. They had become so accustomed to the assistance of
the thing, that they paid little or no attention to the letters
which represented it; and Catalina ventured to hint to Master
Pliny that the children had learned little or nothing. They knew
what an ant was before, and that seemed to be the extent of
their knowledge now.
"Yes," answered he, "but it makes the acquisition of learning
so easy. "
"To the teacher, certainly," replied the young lady. In fact,
when she came to analyze the improvements in Master Pliny's
system, she found that they all tended to one point,—namely,
diminishing not the labor of the scholar in learning, but that of
the master in teaching.
I forbear to touch on all the other various plans of Master
Pliny for accelerating the march of mind. Suffice it to say, they
were all, one after another, abandoned, being found desperately
out at the elbows when subjected to the test of wear and tear.
Yet have they been revived with wonderful success by divers
illustrious and philosophical pedagogues abroad and at home,
who have brought the system to such perfection that they have
not the least trouble in teaching, nor the children anything but
downright pleasure in learning. Happy age! and happy Pliny,
had he lived to this day to behold the lamp which he lighted
shining over the whole universe. He however abandoned his
system at the instance of a silly girl, and soon after deserted the
## p. 11200 (#420) ##########################################
II 200
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
Flats: the same cause being at the bottom of both issues,— a
woman.
The evil spirit which influenced Master Pliny to run out of the
pulpit now prompted him to run his head into the fire. Pliny
was a rosy-cheeked, curly-headed, fresh-looking man, exceedingly
admired by the Dutch damsels thereabout, and still more by a
certain person who shall be nameless. He thought himself an
Adonis; and argued inwardly that no young lady in her senses
would turn schoolmistress without some powerful incitement. The
said demon whispered that this could be nothing but admiration
for his person, and love of his company. Upon this hint he began,
first to ogle the young lady, then to take every opportunity to
touch her hand or press against her elbow, until she could not
but notice the peculiarity of his conduct. Finally he wrote her
a love epistle, of such transcendent phraseology that it frightened
Catalina out of school forever. She did not wish to injure the
simple fellow, and took this method of letting him know his
fate. Poor Pliny the younger pined in thought, and soon after
took his departure for the land of his nativity, where on arrival
he was kindly forgiven by his uncle the deacon, and received
into the bosom of the meeting-house. Here he preached power-
fully many years, never ran after whale-ships more, and in good
time, by the death of his father, came to be called Pliny the
elder.
A WOMAN'S PRIVILEGE: AND THE CHARMS OF SNUFF-COLOR
From The Dutchman's Fireside. Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
How OFT from color of men's clothes
Is born a frightful train of woes!
OⓇ
UR heroine was a delightful specimen of the sex; born, too,
before the commencement of the brilliant era of public
improvement and the progress of mind. I could never
learn that she spoke either French or Italian, though she cer-
tainly did English and Dutch; and that with a voice of such per-
suasive music, such low, irresistible pathos, that Gilfillan often
declared there was no occasion to understand what she said, to
be drawn into anything. But in truth she was marvelously
## p. 11201 (#421) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
II 201
behind the present age of development. She had never in her
life attended a lecture on chemistry- though she certainly un-
derstood the ingredients of a pudding; and was entirely ignorant
of the happy art of murdering time in strolling up and down
Broadway all the morning, brought to such exquisite perfection
by the ladies of this precocious generation. Indeed, she was
too kind-hearted to murder anything but beaux, and that she did
unwittingly. Still, she was a woman, and could not altogether
resist the contagion of the ridicule lavished on poor Sybrandt's
snuff-colored inexpressibles. Little did she expect the time.
would one day come when this would be the fashionable color
for pantaloons, in which modern Corinthians would figure at
balls and assemblies, to the delight of all beholders.
Being a woman, then, she did not pause to inquire whether
snuff-color was not in the abstract just as respectable as blue
or red, or even imperial purple. She tried it by the laws of
fashion, and it was found wanting. Now there is an inherent
relation between a man and his apparel. As dress receives a
grace sometimes from the person that wears it, so does it confer a
similar benefit. They cannot be separated-they constitute one
being; and hence some modern metaphysicians have been exceed-
ingly puzzled to define the precise line of distinction between a
dandy and his costume. It was through this mysterious blend-
ing of ideas that the fortunes of our hero came nigh to being
utterly shipwrecked. Catalina confounded the obnoxious habili-
ments with the wearer thereof; and he too, for the few hours
that the party lasted and the young lady remained under the
influence of fashion, became ridiculous by the association.
By degrees she found herself growing ashamed of her old
admirer, whose attentions she received with a certain embar-
rassment and disdain, which he saw and felt immediately; for
Sybrandt was no fool, although he did wear a suit made by a
Dutch tailor. Neither did he lack one spark of the spirit becom-
ing a man conscious of his innate superiority over the gilded
swarm around him. The moment he saw the state of Catalina's
feelings, he met her more than half-way, and intrenched himself
behind his old defenses of silent neglect and proud humility.
He spoke to her no more that evening.
Though Catalina was conscious in her heart that she merited
this treatment, this was a very different thing from being satisfied
XIX-701
## p. 11202 (#422) ##########################################
II 202
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
with it. Gilfillan would not have behaved so, thought she, while
she remembered how the worse she used him the more lowly
and attentive he became. She mistook this submission to her
whims or indifference for a proof of superior love, and therein
fell into an error which has been fatal to the happiness of many
a woman, and will be fatal to that of many more, in spite of all
I can say on the subject. The error I would warn them against
is that of confounding subserviency with affection. They know
little of the hearts of men, if they are ignorant that the man
who loves as he ought, and whose views are disinterested, will no
more forget what is due to himself than what is due to his mis-
tress. He will sink into the slave of no woman whom he does
not intend to make a slave in return. It is only your fortune-
hunters that become the willing victims of caprice, and submit
to every species of mortification the ingenuity of wayward vanity
can invent, in the hope that this degrading vassalage may be
at length repaid, not by the possession of the lady, but by her
money. It must be confessed that the event too often justifies
the expectation.
Be this as it may, before the conclusion of this important
evening the company perceived evident signs of a coolness be-
tween the lovers; and Gilfillan, who watched them with the keen
sagacity of a man of the world, redoubled his attentions.
hardly necessary to say that our heroine received them with cor-
responding complacency,- for as I observed before, she was a
woman; and what woman ever failed to repay the neglect of
her lover, even though occasioned by a fault of her own, with
ample interest? "If she thinks to make me jealous, she is very
much mistaken," thought Sybrandt, while he fretted in an agony
of vexation.
The next morning Sybrandt breakfasted at home, saying lit-
tle and thinking a great deal,- the true secret of being stupid.
Mrs. Aubineau asked him fifty questions about the ball, and espe-
cially about Miss Van Borsum. But she could get nothing out
of him, except that he admired that young lady exceedingly.
This was a bouncer, but "at lovers' perjuries" the quotation
is somewhat musty. Catalina immediately launched out in praise
of Gilfillan, and made the same declaration in reference to him.
This was another bouncer. He amused her and administered to
her vanity; but the truth is, she neither admired nor respected
## p. 11203 (#423) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11203
him. Still, the attentions of an aide-de-camp were what no
mortal young lady of that age could bring herself voluntarily
to relinquish, at least in New York. Our hero, though he had
his mouth full of muffin at the moment Catalina expressed her
approbation of Gilfillan, rose from the table abruptly, and seiz-
ing his hat, sailed forth into the street, though Mrs. Aubineau
called after to say she had made an engagement for him that
morning.
«
Catalina," said Mrs. Aubineau, "do you mean to marry that
stupid man in the snuff-colored clothes? »
"He has a great many good qualities. "
"But he wears snuff-colored breeches. ”
"He is brave, kind-hearted, generous, and possesses knowledge
and talents. "
"Well, but then he wears snuff-colored breeches. "
"He has my father's approbation, and—”
"And yours? "
"He had when I gave it. "
"But you repent it now? " said Mrs. Aubineau, looking inquir-
ingly into her face.
"He saved my life," replied Catalina.
"Well, that calls for gratitude, not love. "
"He saved it twice. "
"Well, then you can be twice as grateful; that will balance
the account. "
"But he saved it four times. "
"Well, double and quits again. "
"But my dear madam, I-I believe-
love my cousin in my heart. ”
"What! in his snuff-colored suit? "
-
nay, I am sure that I
"Why, I am not quite sure of that, at least here in New
York among the fine red coats and bright epaulettes; but I am
quite sure I could love him in the country. "
"In his snuff-colors? "
"In any colors, I believe. To tell you the truth, cousin, I
am ashamed of the manner in which I received him after an
absence of months, and of my treatment at the ball last night.
I believe the evil spirit beset me. "
"It was only the spirit of woman, my dear, whispering you
to woo the bright prospect that beckons you. Do you know
you can be a countess in prospective whenever you please? "
## p. 11204 (#424) ##########################################
11204
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
"Perhaps I might; but I'd rather be a happy wife than a
titled lady. "
"You would! " exclaimed her cousin, lifting up her eyes and
hands in astonishment.
"Indeed I would. "
"Then you must be more or less than woman," cried the
other, panting for breath.
"Listen to me, my dear cousin. I know you meant it all for
my happiness in giving encouragement to Sir Thicknesse and
Colonel Gilfillan. But the truth is, I don't like either of them,
and I do like my cousin Sybrandt. Sir Thicknesse is a proud,
stupid dolt, without heart or understanding; and Colonel Gilfil-
lan, with a thousand good qualities, or rather impulses (for he
is governed by them entirely), is not, I fear,-nay, I know,
man of integrity or honor. "
a
"Not a man of honor! " exclaimed Mrs. Aubineau again, with
uplifted eyes and hands: "Why, he has fought six duels! "
"But he neither pays his debts nor keeps his promises. "
"He'd fight a fiery dragon. "
"Yes, but there are men, and very peaceable men too, whom
he is rather afraid of," said Catalina, smiling,-"his tradesmen.
The other day I was walking with him, and was very much sur-
prised at his insisting we should turn down a dirty, narrow lane
Just as he had done so he changed his mind, and was equally
importunate with me to turn into another. I did not think it
necessary to comply with his wishes, and we soon met a trades-
man who respectfully requested to speak with my colonel. 'Go
to the devil for an impudent scoundrel! ' cried he in a great
passion, and lugged me almost rudely along, muttering, 'An impu-
dent rascal, to be dunning a gentleman in the street! '"
"Well? »
"Well I know enough of these tradesmen to be satisfied that
they would not venture to dun an officer in the street if they
could meet with him elsewhere. The example of my dear father
has taught me that one of the first of our duties is a compliance
with the obligations of justice. "
"Well, Catalina, I must say people get very odd notions in the
country. What do you mean to do with your admirers? »
"Why, from the behavior of Sir Thicknesse last night I hope
I shall be troubled with him no more. If Colonel Gilfillan calls
this morning, I shall take the opportunity of explaining to him
w
-
## p. 11205 (#425) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11205
frankly and explicitly the state of my obligations and affections.
I will appeal to his sense of decorum and propriety for the dis-
continuance of his attentions; and if he still persists, take special
care to keep out of his way until the state of the river will admit
of my going home. "
And I, thought Mrs. Aubineau, shall take special care to pre-
vent all this. "But what do you mean to do with the man in
the snuff-colored suit? "
"Treat him as he merits. I have been much more to blame
than he; it is but just, therefore, that I should make the first
advances to a reconciliation. I shall seize the earliest occasion of
doing so, for his sake as well as my own; for my feelings since
our first meeting here convince me I cannot treat him with neg-
lect or indifference without sharing in the consequences. "
"Well, you are above my comprehension, Catalina; but I
can't help loving you. I can have no wish but for your happi-
ness. "
"Of that," said Catalina good-humoredly, "I am perhaps old
enough to judge for myself. "
"I don't know that, my dear. Women can hardly tell what is
for their happiness until they have been married a twelvemonth.
But what do you mean to do with yourself to-day? "
"I mean to stay at home and wait the return of my cousin.
The sooner we come to an understanding the better. "
"And I shall go visiting, as I have no misapprehensions to
settle with Mr. Aubineau. Good-morning-by the time I come
back I suppose it will be all arranged. But, my dear Catalina,"
added she, suddenly turning back, and addressing her with great
earnestness," my dear friend, do try and persuade him to dis-
card his snuff-colored suit, will you? "
"I shall leave that to you, cousin; for my part, I mean to
endure it as a punishment for my bad behavior to the owner. "
But Catalina never had an opportunity of acting up to her heroic
determination.
## p. 11206 (#426) ##########################################
11206
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
SYBRANDT RECEIVES BACK HIS ESTATE-WITH AN INCUM-
BRANCE
From The Dutchman's Fireside. Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
[Colonel Sybrandt Westbrook, who loves Catalina and is loved by her in
return, has been thought to be dead, and reappears like a ghost upon the
scene. He has been disinherited by his uncle in Catalina's favor. There has
been a misunderstanding between the lovers, due to a miscarriage of letters. ]
W
THILE the reader has been traveling backwards, the pale
and gentle Catalina had been let into the secret of the
ghost story by her mother. At first she became paler
than ever, and could hardly support herself on her chair. Then
she turned red, and a rosy blush of hope and love beamed on
her cheek, where for many a day it had not beamed before. « I
will bestow it all on him again," thought she, and her full heart
relieved itself in a shower of silent tears.
That night a thousand floating dreams of the past and the
future flitted before her troubled mind, and as they reigned in
turn, gave birth to different purposes and determinations. But
the prevailing thought was, that her cousin had treated her un-
justly and unkindly, and that it became the dignity of her sex
to maintain a defensive stateliness, a cold civility, until he had
acknowledged his errors and begged forgiveness. She settled the
matter by deciding that when Sybrandt came the next day to
take his leave, she would deliver him a deed for the estate of
his uncle, which her father was to have prepared for her, insist
on his acceptance, and then bid him adieu for ever without a
sigh or a tear. In the morning she begged that when Sybrandt
came to call on her mother, she might be permitted to see him.
alone. Her request was acquiesced in, and she waited in trem-
bling anxiety his promised visit. He came soon after breakfast,
and Madam Vancour was struck with the improvement which a
military uniform, in place of a suit of Master Ten Broeck's snuff-
colored cloth, produced. After a somewhat painful and awkward
interview, Sybrandt forced himself to inquire after Catalina.
"She has had a long illness," said the mother, "and you will
scarcely know her. But she wishes to see you. "
"To see me? "
cried Sybrandt, almost starting out of his
skin.
## p. 11207 (#427) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11207
"Ay-you- her old playmate, and cousin. Is that so very
extraordinary? " replied Madam, smiling. "She is in the next
room: go to her. "
"Go-go-to her," stammered our hero: "surely you cannot
>>
mean
"I mean just what I say. She is waiting to see you in the
next room. I hope you don't mean to keep her waiting much.
longer. " And Madam again smiled.
"What can this mean? " thought Sybrandt, while he crept
towards the door with about the eagerness that a man feels who
is on the point of being hanged.
"I shall tell Catalina how anxious you were to see her. "
"They must think I have no feeling-or they have none
themselves;" and the thought roused his native energies. He
strutted into the next room as if he was leading his regiment
to battle.
"Don't look so fierce, or you will frighten my daughter," said
Madam.
But Catalina was frightened almost out of her wits already.
She was too much taken up in rallying her own self-possession
to observe how Sybrandt looked when he walked. He had indeed
been some moments in the room before either could utter a sin-
gle word. At length their eyes met, and the excessive paleness
each observed in the countenance of the other went straight to
the hearts of both.
"Dear cousin," said Sybrandt, "how ill you look. ”
This was
rather what is called a left-handed compliment. But Catalina was
even with him, for she answered in his very words:-
"Dear cousin, how ill you look. "
Pride and affection were now struggling in the bosoms of the
two young people. Sybrandt found his courage, like that of Bob
Acres, "oozing out at the palms of his hands," in the shape of
a cold perspiration; but the pride of woman supported Catalina,
who rallied first, and spoke as follows, at first in a faltering tone,
but by degrees with modest firmness:-
"Colonel Westbrook," said she, "I wished to see you on a
subject which has occasioned me much pain the bequest of my
uncle. I cannot accept it. It was made when we all thought
you were no more. "
She uttered this last part of the sentence with a plaintiveness
that affected him deeply. "She feels for me," thought he; «< but
then she would not answer my letter. "
―――――
-
## p. 11208 (#428) ##########################################
11208
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
Catalina proceeded: "I should hate myself, could I think for
a moment of robbing you of what is yours-what I am sure
my uncle intended should be yours, until he thought you dead. "
And the same plaintive tones again thrilled through Sybrandt.
"But she would not answer my letter," thought he again.
"Sybrandt," continued she, "I sent for you with the full ap-
probation of my father and mother, to make over this property
to you, to whom it belongs. I am of age; and here is the con-
veyance. I beseech you, as you value my peace of mind, to
accept it with the frankness with which it is offered. »
"What, rob my cousin? No, Catalina: never. "
"I feared it," said Catalina with a sigh: "you do not respect
me enough to accept even justice at my hands. "
“It would be meanness - it would be degradation; and since
you charge me with a want of respect to you, I must be allowed
to say that I am too proud to accept anything, much less so
great a gift as this, from one who did not think the almost
death-bed contrition of a man who had discovered his error, and
was anxious to atone for it, worthy of her notice. "
"What-what do you mean? " exclaimed Catalina.
"The letter I sent you," replied he proudly. "I never meant
to complain or remonstrate; but you have forced me to justify
myself. "
"In the name of heaven, what letter? "
-
"That which I wrote you the moment I was sufficiently recov-
ered of my wounds-to say that I had had a full explanation
Colonel Gilfillan; to say that I had done you an injustice;
to confess my folly; to ask forgiveness; and—and to offer you
every atonement which love or honor could require. "
"And you wrote me such an one? " asked Catalina, gasping for
breath.
"I did: the messenger returned; he had seen you gay and
happy; and he brought a verbal message that my letter required
no answer. "
"And is this-is this the sole - the single cause of your sub-
sequent conduct? Answer me, Sybrandt, as you are a man of
honoris it? "
"It is. I cannot you know I never could-bear contempt
or scorn from man or woman. "
"What would you say, what would you do, if I assured you
solemnly I never saw that letter, or dreamed it was ever writ-
ten ? »
―――――
## p. 11209 (#429) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11209
"I would say that I believed you as I would the white-robed
truth herself; and I would on my knees beg your forgiveness
for twice doubting you. "
"Then I do assure you, in the singleness of my heart, that I
never saw or knew aught of it. "
"And did - did Gilfillan speak the truth? " panted our hero.
She turned her inspiring eye full upon the youth, and sighed
forth in a whisper, "He did," while the crimson current revis-
ited her pale cheek, and made her snow-white bosom blush rosy
red.
"You are mine then, Catalina, at last," faltered Sybrandt, as
he released her yielding form from his arms.
"You will accept my uncle's bequest? " asked she, with one
of her long-absent smiles.
"Provided you add yourself, dearest girl. "
"You must take it with that incumbrance," said she; and he
sealed the instrument of conveyance upon her warm, willing lips.
"What can they have to talk about all this time, I wonder? »
cogitated the old lady, while she fidgeted about from her chair
towards the door, and from the door to her chair. As she could
distinguish the increasing animation of their voices, she fidgeted
still more; and there is no knowing what might have been the
consequence, if the lovers had not entered the room, looking so
happy that the old lady thought the very elixir of life was in
them both. The moment Sybrandt departed, Catalina explained
all to her mother. "Alas! " thought the good woman; "she will
never be a titled lady: yet who knows but Sybrandt may one
day go to England and be knighted? " This happy thought rec-
onciled her at once to the whole catastrophe, and she embraced
her daughter, sincerely wishing her joy at the removal of all her
perplexities.
## p. 11210 (#430) ##########################################
11210
C
PAUSANIAS
(SECOND CENTURY A. D. )
BY B. PERRIN
HIS name stands for no distinct and heroic personality like
that of the great Spartan victor at Platæa, but for a col-
lection of interesting items about the antiquities, history,
geography, mythology, and religions of ancient Greece. All these
items interest us; but they evidently interested the author of the
collection for special reasons. He had certain leanings towards
special classes of objects among the antiquities; towards special
phases and periods of history, mythology, or religion. He has there-
fore omitted many items which would have interested us far more
than many which he offers. His selection is often tantalizing or
aggravating. But he seems to have begun his work for himself
more than for others; and only after his selections and collections
were made, did he attempt to give his work a literary dress which
should appeal to lovers of literary form. His work is therefore, more
than works composed primarily and wholly for effect upon others,
an expression of himself. And this is fortunate, at least on this
account, that we know absolutely nothing of the author except
what may be inferred from his work.
He nowhere mentions his own name. He may have done so in an
introduction or a conclusion to the work, which, if they ever existed,
have been lost. But his book is cited by later writers as the work of
Pausanias; and they call it, what he never expressly calls it himself,
a Guide to Greece. ' He himself calls it rather a 'Commentary on
Greece. '
The beginning is abrupt, the close is even fragmentary; and he
has not fulfilled the desire which he expresses (i. 26) of "describing
the whole of Greece. " He has commented on the antiquities, history,
mythology, geography, and religious cults of Attica and Megara, the
Argolis (Corinthia), Laconia, Messenia, Elis, Achaia, Arcadia, Boeotia,
and Phocis. That is, he has started with Athens, and proceeded
through the Isthmus of Corinth and around the Peloponnesus, then
crossed the Corinthian gulf, and begun with the territories north of
Attica and Athens. What he would have included under his term
"Greece," and how much longer his collection was designed to be,
## p. 11211 (#431) ##########################################
PAUSANIAS
II 2 II
cannot be inferred from him. His work breaks off abruptly with a
legend about the building of the temple of Esculapius at Naupactus.
Various phrases of the author imply that he was a Lydian; but
whether Magnesia or Pergamum or still another city was his birth-
place or home, he does not clearly show. His work was prepared
slowly and published gradually. At least, the first book was issued
before the other nine; and he more than once feels moved to supple-
ment deficiencies in the first. The material which he gives us on
Elis is divided into two books. The charmed number of the Muses
is thus abandoned for no apparent reason. The other titles corre-
spond each with a book. This division into books may not be due
to Pausanias himself, but a younger contemporary cites his work in
the divisions which have come down to us. The work was prepared
between the years 140 and 180 A. D. , as internal evidence indirectly
shows. The author was therefore happy enough to see Hadrian,
Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius on the imperial throne. He was
contemporary with Justin Martyr, Herodes Atticus, and Lucian. He
witnessed that last renascence of all that was good in the ancient
world, which characterizes the great age of the Antonines.
But no
word betrays his personal feelings or relations to the great figures
or events of his time. The guide-book has wholly absorbed the
guide.
Pausanias was by no means the first to write an antiquarian guide-
book. The titles of a large number of such works are known to us,
and sparse fragments of the works themselves have been embalmed
here and there in the citations of lexicographers or grammarians.
As the many religious sanctuaries of Greece increased in wealth and
ceremonial tradition, a class of local professional guides and scribes
grew up, intimately associated with the official registrars of the differ-
ent shrines and precinots, whose records are among our most valuable
primary sources for the history of the country. These local guides
took the visitor all about a sacred precinct, explaining the edifices,
monuments, and cults, just as modern cicerones do. The mass of
local information thus accumulated and imparted orally to visitors
was also reduced to book form for circulation and study. We know,
for instance, of a 'Guide to the Acropolis of Athens,' among many
similar works, by Polemon,-a learned antiquarian and geographer
of the second century B. C. There were likewise guides to Sparta,
Delphi, Olympia, Sicily, Macedonia, as well as to particular sanctua-
ries like the Heracleia of Thebes. This literature had increased to an
enormous mass in the time of Pausanias, owing largely to the inter-
est which the conquering Romans took in the treasures of the land
they plundered so freely, and also to the natural tendency to classify
and catalogue that which has ceased to reproduce and transmit itself
## p. 11212 (#432) ##########################################
11212
PAUSANIAS
by its inherent vitality. But all this literature of antiquarian infor-
mation has perished, except for fragments. The work of Pausanias
-the most comprehensive, but apparently by no means the best, of
which we hear is all that has come down to us; a compilation
instead of original material.
The author tried to condense many bodies of local antiquarian
lore into one comprehensive and yet compact work. He was evi-
dently burdened with excess of material, and often embarrassed in
his choice. He insists over and over again that he is selecting and
describing only what he deems most memorable. His work is there-
fore like the modern traveler's Handbook of Europe,' as compared
with special guides to Italy, France, Rome, Paris, or St. Peter's. But
it is noticeable that as he goes on with his work, he becomes less
and less able to resist the pressure of his material. The first book
reads in many places like a mere catalogue, and a partial one at
that. It is true that nowhere is the wealth of material so overwhelm-
ing. But in the later books-that containing the description of
Delphi, for instance- the author seems to give himself freer rein, as
though aware at last that he could not restrict himself within the
limits first set. It is true of Pausanias also, in yet greater degree
than of Herodotus and Thucydides, that as he advances with his
work, his workmanship improves. Both method and expression grow
better.
But it is not only the works of Greece which Pausanias purposed
to describe. The words of Greece, in explanation of those works, he
also plans to give; and the words even more fully than the works.
He mentions what he thinks most worthy of mention among mount-
ains, rivers, cities, countries, sanctuaries, and monuments. He adds
in the form of introductions or digressions whatever will help the
reader's understanding and appreciation, drawing his materials from
historical, geographical, mythological, artistic, or scientific lore. His
principle of arrangement is mechanical. It is at first purely topo-
graphical. He passes in his survey from one country of Greece to
the next adjoining; from the main or central city of that country in
radiating lines through the rest of the land; and in local descriptions
from one monument to another conveniently near. His phraseology
of transition from work to work would be unendurably monotonous
were it not for his illustrative digressions. But neither history,
geography, mythology, architecture, nor sculpture is treated in any
progressive or consecutive order of details. Evolution is lost sight
of in mere juxtaposition.
Pausanias did not write a systematic treatise, then, but a practical
aid to a traveler following a route laid down for him, to be used on
the spot, in the presence of monuments or ceremonies. He has been
## p. 11213 (#433) ##########################################
PAUSANIAS
11213
happily called a Bädeker, not a Burkhardt. Like Bädeker, he points
out what is most worth seeing; and supplies in convenient form the
current opinions or literary judgments about these sights. He eman-
cipated the traveler from local professional guides, as Bädeker does.
After the first book on Attica, and gradually as his work progressed,
he gained a sort of literary education, which shows itself in a tend-
ency to group into general introductions, at the beginning of the
great topographical divisions of his work, materials which at first he
was inclined to scatter amid the brief mention of monuments or
localities. That is, he gradually passes from the manner of a cata-
loguer or annalist to that of the ancient logographers, who grouped
about a certain city or country, however prominent, the collective
history of a people or of the known world. But Pausanias never
rises to the level of a philosophical, artistic, scientific historian, like
Polybius, Thucydides, or Herodotus. And he never achieves a good
style, although his style improves from beginning to end of his work.
His book seems to have given him all the education and literary
training he had.
Pausanias shows no special national sympathies like Herodotus, no
social predilections like Thucydides, no political antipathies like Xeno-
phon. In all these matters he is colorless. Even in religious matters
he reveals no partiality for the ceremonial or devotional growths
from Asiatic sources, as might be expected from his own origin.
Beyond a reverential fondness for the great Eleusinian worship and
doctrines, he declares no religious allegiance. Neither can he be
classed with any of the great schools of philosophy. He takes no
distinct attitude, as Plutarch and Polybius do, on the great questions
involved in the relations of the Roman Empire to subject Greece.
Compared with Plutarch, his elder by only a few years, or with
Lucian, his brilliant contemporary, he seems to be in the great world
but not of it. He shows no contact with any great tendency of the
age.
He is unaware of the existence of Christianity. He is a reli-
gious antiquary.
The kernel of his work, and of each division of it, as has been
said, is an enumeration of the notable "sights. " His language here
either expressly claims or at least implies personal visitation and
observation on his part,-"autopsy. " There is no good reason to
doubt the direct claims at least, though some of the phrases which
merely imply autopsy are doubtless literary mannerisms taken from
his sources. He must therefore have traveled over those nine great
divisions of Greece which he describes. But he evidently had trav-
eled farther and seen more. The greater part of Asia Minor, Syria,
Phoenicia, Palestine, Egypt, even the oasis of Zeus Ammon in the
desert of Sahara, Rome and her neighbor cities Puteoli and Capua, he
## p. 11214 (#434) ##########################################
11214
PAUSANIAS
speaks of having seen.
pages, satirizing the follies of the day with searching yet kindly hu-
mor, were very warmly received: the suspension of Salmagundi with-
in the year was due to the publisher's refusal to pay the authors for
their services. The bulk of the papers was written by Paulding and
Washington Irving, William Irving's part being minor. In 1819 Paul-
ding put out another Salmagundi, written solely by himself; but-
perhaps because Irving's magic hand was missed-its reception was
comparatively cold. But in his other works- and his pen was pro-
lific-Paulding was decidedly a popular writer. The Diverting
History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan,' in 1812, ran through
many editions. For his best novel, The Dutchman's Fireside,' pub-
lished in 1831, and based on Mrs. Grant's descriptions of the manner
## p. 11196 (#416) ##########################################
11196
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
of the early Dutch settlers, he received the comfortable sum of
$1500: six editions appeared in a year, and the story was republished
in England and translated into French and Dutch. For the Ken-
tucky story of Westward Ho' (1832) he was paid the same sum.
Considering the time, these facts imply an established reputation.
As a poet he was less successful. His most elaborate metrical writ-
ing is The Backwoodsman' (1818), a study of emigrant life. The
'Life of George Washington,' published in 1835 and addressed to the
youth of the country, is his most important critical work.
In 1814 Paulding's brochure on The United States and England'
made him known to President Madison, and political preferment re-
sulted. He was appointed secretary of the first board of Navy Com-
missioners, and in Buchanan's administration served in the Cabinet
as Secretary of the Navy. That he was a conservative, not quick
to receive new ideas, is shown by his opposition to the introduction
of steam in ships, and by the fact that one of his latest pieces of
writing was a defense of slavery in all its workings. After retiring
from public life, Paulding purchased a residence near Hyde Park on
the Hudson River, and passed his concluding years in dignified ease,
writing occasional magazine articles. He died on April 6th, 1860;
his dear and long-time friend, Irving, having passed away but a few
months before. The Literary Life of James Kirke Paulding' by his
son William was published in 1867.
Paulding is most enjoyable for the present reader in his lighter
papers, and the literary skits of his early days. As joint author of
the Salmagundi papers he has a certain distinction which in literary
history will preserve his name.
PLINY THE YOUNGER
From The Dutchman's Fireside. ' Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
M*
ADAM VANCOUR was extremely fortunate in procuring a
most efficient auxiliary in the engineering of this her good
work, in the person of Master Pliny Coffin (the sixteenth),
whilom of Nantucket Island. Pliny was the youngest of nine
sons and an unaccountable number of daughters, born unto Cap-
tain Pliny Coffin (the fifteenth). Being called after his uncle,
Deacon Pliny Mayhew (the tenth), he was patronized by that
worthy "spermaceti candle of the church," as he was called,
and sent to school at an early age, with a view to following in
the footsteps of the famous divine. But Pliny the younger had a
## p. 11197 (#417) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11197
natural and irresistible vocation to salt water; insomuch that at
the age of eighteen months or thereabouts, being left to amuse
himself under the only tree in Nantucket, which grew in front
of Captain Coffin's (the fifteenth) house, he crawled incontinently
down to the seaside, and was found disporting himself in the
surf like unto a young gosling. In like manner did Pliny the
younger, at a very early age, display a vehement predilection
for great whales; to the which he was most probably incited by
the stories of his father, Pliny the elder, who had been a mighty
harpooner in his day. When about three years old, one of these
monsters of the deep was driven ashore in a storm at Nan-
tucket, where he perished, to the great joy of the inhabitants,
who flocked from all parts to claim a share in his spoil. On the
morning of that memorable day, which is still recorded in the
annals of Nantucket, Pliny the younger was missing, and dili-
gent search being made for him, he was not to be found in the
whole island; to the grief of his mother, who was a very stout
woman, and had killed three Indians with her own fair hand.
But look ye: while the people were gathered about the body of
the whale, discussing the mysterious disappearance of the child,
what was their astonishment to behold him coming forth from
the stomach of the huge fish, laughing right merrily at the prank
he had played!
But the truth must be confessed: he took his learning after
the manner that people, more especially doctors, take physic,-
with many wry faces and much tribulation of spirit. In fact he
never learned a lesson in his whole life until, arriving at his fifth
year, by good fortune a primer was put into his hand wherein.
was the picture of a whale; with the which he was so utterly
delighted that he mastered the whole distich under it in the
course of the day. The teacher aptly took the hint, and by
means of pasting the likeness of a whale at the head of his les-
sons, carried him famously along in the career of knowledge. In
process of time he came to be of the order of deacons, and was
appointed to preach his first sermon; whereby a great calamity
befell him, which drove him forth a wanderer on the face of the
earth. Unfortunately the meeting-house where he was to make
his first essay stood in full view of the sea, which was distinctly
visible from the pulpit; and just as Pliny the younger had
divided his text into sixteen parts, behold! a mighty ship ap-
peared, with a bone in her teeth, ploughing her way towards the
island with clouds of canvas swelling in the wind. Whereupon
## p. 11198 (#418) ##########################################
11198
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
the conviction came across his mind that this must be the Alba-
tross, returning from a whaling voyage in the great South Sea;
and sad to relate, his boyish instincts got the better of his better
self. Delirious with eager curiosity, he rushed from the pulpit,
and ran violently down to the seaside, like one possessed, leav-
ing Deacon Mayhew and the rest of the expectant congregation
astonished nigh on to dismay. The deacon was wroth, and forth-
with disinherited him. The people said he was possessed of a
devil, and talked of putting him to the ordeal; whereupon the
unfortunate youth exiled himself from the land of his nativity,
and went to seek his fortune among the heathen, who had
steeples to their churches, and dealt in the abomination of white
sleeves. Of his wanderings, and of the accidents of his pilgrim-
age, I know nothing, until his stars directed him to the Flats,
where there were no salt-water temptations to mislead him.
As one of the contemplated improvements of Madam Vancour
was the introduction of the English language among her pupils,
instead of the barbarous Dutch dialect, she eagerly caught at the
first offer of Pliny, and engaged him forthwith to take charge of
her seminary. In this situation he was found by Catalina, who,
as we have before stated, in the desolation of her spirit, resolved
to attempt the relief of her depression by entering upon the dif-
ficult task of being useful to others. She accordingly occasionally
associated herself with Master Pliny in the labors of his mission,
greatly to the consolation of his inward man.
He took great
pains to initiate her into the mysteries of his new philosophical,
practical, elementary, and scientific system of education, on which
he prided himself exceedingly-and with justice, for it hath been.
lately revised and administered among us with singular success,
by divers ungenerous pedagogues, who have not had the con-
science to acknowledge whence it was derived.
As Newton took the hint of the theory of gravitation from
seeing an apple fall to the ground, and as the illustrious Marquis
of Worcester deduced the first idea of the application of steam
from the risings and sinkings of a pot-lid, so did Master Pliny
model and graduate his whole system of education from the
incident of the whale in the primer. Remembering with what
eagerness he himself had been attracted towards learning by a
picture, he resolved to make similar illustrations the great means
of drawing forth what he called the "latent energies of the in-
fant genius, spurring on the march of intellect, and accelerating
the development of mind. " But as woodcuts were scarce articles
## p. 11199 (#419) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11199
in those times, he devoted one day in the week to sallying forth
with all his scholars, in order to collect materials for their studies;
that is, to gather acorns, pebbles, leaves, briers, bugs, ants, cater-
pillars, and what not. When he wanted an urchin to spell "bug,"
he placed one of these specimens directly above the word; and
great was his exultation at seeing how the child was assisted in
cementing B-U-G together, by the presence of the creature itself.
In this way he taught everything by sensible objects; boasting
at the same time of the originality of his method, little suspect-
ing that he had only got hold of the fag-end of Chinese emblems
and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
But pride will have a fall. One day, at Catalina's suggestion,
Master Pliny put his scholars to the test, by setting them to
spell without the aid of sensible objects, and by the mere instru-
mentality of the letters. They made sad work of it: hardly one
could spell «< ant" without the presence of the insect to act as
prompter. They had become so accustomed to the assistance of
the thing, that they paid little or no attention to the letters
which represented it; and Catalina ventured to hint to Master
Pliny that the children had learned little or nothing. They knew
what an ant was before, and that seemed to be the extent of
their knowledge now.
"Yes," answered he, "but it makes the acquisition of learning
so easy. "
"To the teacher, certainly," replied the young lady. In fact,
when she came to analyze the improvements in Master Pliny's
system, she found that they all tended to one point,—namely,
diminishing not the labor of the scholar in learning, but that of
the master in teaching.
I forbear to touch on all the other various plans of Master
Pliny for accelerating the march of mind. Suffice it to say, they
were all, one after another, abandoned, being found desperately
out at the elbows when subjected to the test of wear and tear.
Yet have they been revived with wonderful success by divers
illustrious and philosophical pedagogues abroad and at home,
who have brought the system to such perfection that they have
not the least trouble in teaching, nor the children anything but
downright pleasure in learning. Happy age! and happy Pliny,
had he lived to this day to behold the lamp which he lighted
shining over the whole universe. He however abandoned his
system at the instance of a silly girl, and soon after deserted the
## p. 11200 (#420) ##########################################
II 200
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
Flats: the same cause being at the bottom of both issues,— a
woman.
The evil spirit which influenced Master Pliny to run out of the
pulpit now prompted him to run his head into the fire. Pliny
was a rosy-cheeked, curly-headed, fresh-looking man, exceedingly
admired by the Dutch damsels thereabout, and still more by a
certain person who shall be nameless. He thought himself an
Adonis; and argued inwardly that no young lady in her senses
would turn schoolmistress without some powerful incitement. The
said demon whispered that this could be nothing but admiration
for his person, and love of his company. Upon this hint he began,
first to ogle the young lady, then to take every opportunity to
touch her hand or press against her elbow, until she could not
but notice the peculiarity of his conduct. Finally he wrote her
a love epistle, of such transcendent phraseology that it frightened
Catalina out of school forever. She did not wish to injure the
simple fellow, and took this method of letting him know his
fate. Poor Pliny the younger pined in thought, and soon after
took his departure for the land of his nativity, where on arrival
he was kindly forgiven by his uncle the deacon, and received
into the bosom of the meeting-house. Here he preached power-
fully many years, never ran after whale-ships more, and in good
time, by the death of his father, came to be called Pliny the
elder.
A WOMAN'S PRIVILEGE: AND THE CHARMS OF SNUFF-COLOR
From The Dutchman's Fireside. Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
How OFT from color of men's clothes
Is born a frightful train of woes!
OⓇ
UR heroine was a delightful specimen of the sex; born, too,
before the commencement of the brilliant era of public
improvement and the progress of mind. I could never
learn that she spoke either French or Italian, though she cer-
tainly did English and Dutch; and that with a voice of such per-
suasive music, such low, irresistible pathos, that Gilfillan often
declared there was no occasion to understand what she said, to
be drawn into anything. But in truth she was marvelously
## p. 11201 (#421) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
II 201
behind the present age of development. She had never in her
life attended a lecture on chemistry- though she certainly un-
derstood the ingredients of a pudding; and was entirely ignorant
of the happy art of murdering time in strolling up and down
Broadway all the morning, brought to such exquisite perfection
by the ladies of this precocious generation. Indeed, she was
too kind-hearted to murder anything but beaux, and that she did
unwittingly. Still, she was a woman, and could not altogether
resist the contagion of the ridicule lavished on poor Sybrandt's
snuff-colored inexpressibles. Little did she expect the time.
would one day come when this would be the fashionable color
for pantaloons, in which modern Corinthians would figure at
balls and assemblies, to the delight of all beholders.
Being a woman, then, she did not pause to inquire whether
snuff-color was not in the abstract just as respectable as blue
or red, or even imperial purple. She tried it by the laws of
fashion, and it was found wanting. Now there is an inherent
relation between a man and his apparel. As dress receives a
grace sometimes from the person that wears it, so does it confer a
similar benefit. They cannot be separated-they constitute one
being; and hence some modern metaphysicians have been exceed-
ingly puzzled to define the precise line of distinction between a
dandy and his costume. It was through this mysterious blend-
ing of ideas that the fortunes of our hero came nigh to being
utterly shipwrecked. Catalina confounded the obnoxious habili-
ments with the wearer thereof; and he too, for the few hours
that the party lasted and the young lady remained under the
influence of fashion, became ridiculous by the association.
By degrees she found herself growing ashamed of her old
admirer, whose attentions she received with a certain embar-
rassment and disdain, which he saw and felt immediately; for
Sybrandt was no fool, although he did wear a suit made by a
Dutch tailor. Neither did he lack one spark of the spirit becom-
ing a man conscious of his innate superiority over the gilded
swarm around him. The moment he saw the state of Catalina's
feelings, he met her more than half-way, and intrenched himself
behind his old defenses of silent neglect and proud humility.
He spoke to her no more that evening.
Though Catalina was conscious in her heart that she merited
this treatment, this was a very different thing from being satisfied
XIX-701
## p. 11202 (#422) ##########################################
II 202
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
with it. Gilfillan would not have behaved so, thought she, while
she remembered how the worse she used him the more lowly
and attentive he became. She mistook this submission to her
whims or indifference for a proof of superior love, and therein
fell into an error which has been fatal to the happiness of many
a woman, and will be fatal to that of many more, in spite of all
I can say on the subject. The error I would warn them against
is that of confounding subserviency with affection. They know
little of the hearts of men, if they are ignorant that the man
who loves as he ought, and whose views are disinterested, will no
more forget what is due to himself than what is due to his mis-
tress. He will sink into the slave of no woman whom he does
not intend to make a slave in return. It is only your fortune-
hunters that become the willing victims of caprice, and submit
to every species of mortification the ingenuity of wayward vanity
can invent, in the hope that this degrading vassalage may be
at length repaid, not by the possession of the lady, but by her
money. It must be confessed that the event too often justifies
the expectation.
Be this as it may, before the conclusion of this important
evening the company perceived evident signs of a coolness be-
tween the lovers; and Gilfillan, who watched them with the keen
sagacity of a man of the world, redoubled his attentions.
hardly necessary to say that our heroine received them with cor-
responding complacency,- for as I observed before, she was a
woman; and what woman ever failed to repay the neglect of
her lover, even though occasioned by a fault of her own, with
ample interest? "If she thinks to make me jealous, she is very
much mistaken," thought Sybrandt, while he fretted in an agony
of vexation.
The next morning Sybrandt breakfasted at home, saying lit-
tle and thinking a great deal,- the true secret of being stupid.
Mrs. Aubineau asked him fifty questions about the ball, and espe-
cially about Miss Van Borsum. But she could get nothing out
of him, except that he admired that young lady exceedingly.
This was a bouncer, but "at lovers' perjuries" the quotation
is somewhat musty. Catalina immediately launched out in praise
of Gilfillan, and made the same declaration in reference to him.
This was another bouncer. He amused her and administered to
her vanity; but the truth is, she neither admired nor respected
## p. 11203 (#423) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11203
him. Still, the attentions of an aide-de-camp were what no
mortal young lady of that age could bring herself voluntarily
to relinquish, at least in New York. Our hero, though he had
his mouth full of muffin at the moment Catalina expressed her
approbation of Gilfillan, rose from the table abruptly, and seiz-
ing his hat, sailed forth into the street, though Mrs. Aubineau
called after to say she had made an engagement for him that
morning.
«
Catalina," said Mrs. Aubineau, "do you mean to marry that
stupid man in the snuff-colored clothes? »
"He has a great many good qualities. "
"But he wears snuff-colored breeches. ”
"He is brave, kind-hearted, generous, and possesses knowledge
and talents. "
"Well, but then he wears snuff-colored breeches. "
"He has my father's approbation, and—”
"And yours? "
"He had when I gave it. "
"But you repent it now? " said Mrs. Aubineau, looking inquir-
ingly into her face.
"He saved my life," replied Catalina.
"Well, that calls for gratitude, not love. "
"He saved it twice. "
"Well, then you can be twice as grateful; that will balance
the account. "
"But he saved it four times. "
"Well, double and quits again. "
"But my dear madam, I-I believe-
love my cousin in my heart. ”
"What! in his snuff-colored suit? "
-
nay, I am sure that I
"Why, I am not quite sure of that, at least here in New
York among the fine red coats and bright epaulettes; but I am
quite sure I could love him in the country. "
"In his snuff-colors? "
"In any colors, I believe. To tell you the truth, cousin, I
am ashamed of the manner in which I received him after an
absence of months, and of my treatment at the ball last night.
I believe the evil spirit beset me. "
"It was only the spirit of woman, my dear, whispering you
to woo the bright prospect that beckons you. Do you know
you can be a countess in prospective whenever you please? "
## p. 11204 (#424) ##########################################
11204
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
"Perhaps I might; but I'd rather be a happy wife than a
titled lady. "
"You would! " exclaimed her cousin, lifting up her eyes and
hands in astonishment.
"Indeed I would. "
"Then you must be more or less than woman," cried the
other, panting for breath.
"Listen to me, my dear cousin. I know you meant it all for
my happiness in giving encouragement to Sir Thicknesse and
Colonel Gilfillan. But the truth is, I don't like either of them,
and I do like my cousin Sybrandt. Sir Thicknesse is a proud,
stupid dolt, without heart or understanding; and Colonel Gilfil-
lan, with a thousand good qualities, or rather impulses (for he
is governed by them entirely), is not, I fear,-nay, I know,
man of integrity or honor. "
a
"Not a man of honor! " exclaimed Mrs. Aubineau again, with
uplifted eyes and hands: "Why, he has fought six duels! "
"But he neither pays his debts nor keeps his promises. "
"He'd fight a fiery dragon. "
"Yes, but there are men, and very peaceable men too, whom
he is rather afraid of," said Catalina, smiling,-"his tradesmen.
The other day I was walking with him, and was very much sur-
prised at his insisting we should turn down a dirty, narrow lane
Just as he had done so he changed his mind, and was equally
importunate with me to turn into another. I did not think it
necessary to comply with his wishes, and we soon met a trades-
man who respectfully requested to speak with my colonel. 'Go
to the devil for an impudent scoundrel! ' cried he in a great
passion, and lugged me almost rudely along, muttering, 'An impu-
dent rascal, to be dunning a gentleman in the street! '"
"Well? »
"Well I know enough of these tradesmen to be satisfied that
they would not venture to dun an officer in the street if they
could meet with him elsewhere. The example of my dear father
has taught me that one of the first of our duties is a compliance
with the obligations of justice. "
"Well, Catalina, I must say people get very odd notions in the
country. What do you mean to do with your admirers? »
"Why, from the behavior of Sir Thicknesse last night I hope
I shall be troubled with him no more. If Colonel Gilfillan calls
this morning, I shall take the opportunity of explaining to him
w
-
## p. 11205 (#425) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11205
frankly and explicitly the state of my obligations and affections.
I will appeal to his sense of decorum and propriety for the dis-
continuance of his attentions; and if he still persists, take special
care to keep out of his way until the state of the river will admit
of my going home. "
And I, thought Mrs. Aubineau, shall take special care to pre-
vent all this. "But what do you mean to do with the man in
the snuff-colored suit? "
"Treat him as he merits. I have been much more to blame
than he; it is but just, therefore, that I should make the first
advances to a reconciliation. I shall seize the earliest occasion of
doing so, for his sake as well as my own; for my feelings since
our first meeting here convince me I cannot treat him with neg-
lect or indifference without sharing in the consequences. "
"Well, you are above my comprehension, Catalina; but I
can't help loving you. I can have no wish but for your happi-
ness. "
"Of that," said Catalina good-humoredly, "I am perhaps old
enough to judge for myself. "
"I don't know that, my dear. Women can hardly tell what is
for their happiness until they have been married a twelvemonth.
But what do you mean to do with yourself to-day? "
"I mean to stay at home and wait the return of my cousin.
The sooner we come to an understanding the better. "
"And I shall go visiting, as I have no misapprehensions to
settle with Mr. Aubineau. Good-morning-by the time I come
back I suppose it will be all arranged. But, my dear Catalina,"
added she, suddenly turning back, and addressing her with great
earnestness," my dear friend, do try and persuade him to dis-
card his snuff-colored suit, will you? "
"I shall leave that to you, cousin; for my part, I mean to
endure it as a punishment for my bad behavior to the owner. "
But Catalina never had an opportunity of acting up to her heroic
determination.
## p. 11206 (#426) ##########################################
11206
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
SYBRANDT RECEIVES BACK HIS ESTATE-WITH AN INCUM-
BRANCE
From The Dutchman's Fireside. Copyright 1868, by William I. Paulding.
Published by Charles Scribner & Co.
[Colonel Sybrandt Westbrook, who loves Catalina and is loved by her in
return, has been thought to be dead, and reappears like a ghost upon the
scene. He has been disinherited by his uncle in Catalina's favor. There has
been a misunderstanding between the lovers, due to a miscarriage of letters. ]
W
THILE the reader has been traveling backwards, the pale
and gentle Catalina had been let into the secret of the
ghost story by her mother. At first she became paler
than ever, and could hardly support herself on her chair. Then
she turned red, and a rosy blush of hope and love beamed on
her cheek, where for many a day it had not beamed before. « I
will bestow it all on him again," thought she, and her full heart
relieved itself in a shower of silent tears.
That night a thousand floating dreams of the past and the
future flitted before her troubled mind, and as they reigned in
turn, gave birth to different purposes and determinations. But
the prevailing thought was, that her cousin had treated her un-
justly and unkindly, and that it became the dignity of her sex
to maintain a defensive stateliness, a cold civility, until he had
acknowledged his errors and begged forgiveness. She settled the
matter by deciding that when Sybrandt came the next day to
take his leave, she would deliver him a deed for the estate of
his uncle, which her father was to have prepared for her, insist
on his acceptance, and then bid him adieu for ever without a
sigh or a tear. In the morning she begged that when Sybrandt
came to call on her mother, she might be permitted to see him.
alone. Her request was acquiesced in, and she waited in trem-
bling anxiety his promised visit. He came soon after breakfast,
and Madam Vancour was struck with the improvement which a
military uniform, in place of a suit of Master Ten Broeck's snuff-
colored cloth, produced. After a somewhat painful and awkward
interview, Sybrandt forced himself to inquire after Catalina.
"She has had a long illness," said the mother, "and you will
scarcely know her. But she wishes to see you. "
"To see me? "
cried Sybrandt, almost starting out of his
skin.
## p. 11207 (#427) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11207
"Ay-you- her old playmate, and cousin. Is that so very
extraordinary? " replied Madam, smiling. "She is in the next
room: go to her. "
"Go-go-to her," stammered our hero: "surely you cannot
>>
mean
"I mean just what I say. She is waiting to see you in the
next room. I hope you don't mean to keep her waiting much.
longer. " And Madam again smiled.
"What can this mean? " thought Sybrandt, while he crept
towards the door with about the eagerness that a man feels who
is on the point of being hanged.
"I shall tell Catalina how anxious you were to see her. "
"They must think I have no feeling-or they have none
themselves;" and the thought roused his native energies. He
strutted into the next room as if he was leading his regiment
to battle.
"Don't look so fierce, or you will frighten my daughter," said
Madam.
But Catalina was frightened almost out of her wits already.
She was too much taken up in rallying her own self-possession
to observe how Sybrandt looked when he walked. He had indeed
been some moments in the room before either could utter a sin-
gle word. At length their eyes met, and the excessive paleness
each observed in the countenance of the other went straight to
the hearts of both.
"Dear cousin," said Sybrandt, "how ill you look. ”
This was
rather what is called a left-handed compliment. But Catalina was
even with him, for she answered in his very words:-
"Dear cousin, how ill you look. "
Pride and affection were now struggling in the bosoms of the
two young people. Sybrandt found his courage, like that of Bob
Acres, "oozing out at the palms of his hands," in the shape of
a cold perspiration; but the pride of woman supported Catalina,
who rallied first, and spoke as follows, at first in a faltering tone,
but by degrees with modest firmness:-
"Colonel Westbrook," said she, "I wished to see you on a
subject which has occasioned me much pain the bequest of my
uncle. I cannot accept it. It was made when we all thought
you were no more. "
She uttered this last part of the sentence with a plaintiveness
that affected him deeply. "She feels for me," thought he; «< but
then she would not answer my letter. "
―――――
-
## p. 11208 (#428) ##########################################
11208
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
Catalina proceeded: "I should hate myself, could I think for
a moment of robbing you of what is yours-what I am sure
my uncle intended should be yours, until he thought you dead. "
And the same plaintive tones again thrilled through Sybrandt.
"But she would not answer my letter," thought he again.
"Sybrandt," continued she, "I sent for you with the full ap-
probation of my father and mother, to make over this property
to you, to whom it belongs. I am of age; and here is the con-
veyance. I beseech you, as you value my peace of mind, to
accept it with the frankness with which it is offered. »
"What, rob my cousin? No, Catalina: never. "
"I feared it," said Catalina with a sigh: "you do not respect
me enough to accept even justice at my hands. "
“It would be meanness - it would be degradation; and since
you charge me with a want of respect to you, I must be allowed
to say that I am too proud to accept anything, much less so
great a gift as this, from one who did not think the almost
death-bed contrition of a man who had discovered his error, and
was anxious to atone for it, worthy of her notice. "
"What-what do you mean? " exclaimed Catalina.
"The letter I sent you," replied he proudly. "I never meant
to complain or remonstrate; but you have forced me to justify
myself. "
"In the name of heaven, what letter? "
-
"That which I wrote you the moment I was sufficiently recov-
ered of my wounds-to say that I had had a full explanation
Colonel Gilfillan; to say that I had done you an injustice;
to confess my folly; to ask forgiveness; and—and to offer you
every atonement which love or honor could require. "
"And you wrote me such an one? " asked Catalina, gasping for
breath.
"I did: the messenger returned; he had seen you gay and
happy; and he brought a verbal message that my letter required
no answer. "
"And is this-is this the sole - the single cause of your sub-
sequent conduct? Answer me, Sybrandt, as you are a man of
honoris it? "
"It is. I cannot you know I never could-bear contempt
or scorn from man or woman. "
"What would you say, what would you do, if I assured you
solemnly I never saw that letter, or dreamed it was ever writ-
ten ? »
―――――
## p. 11209 (#429) ##########################################
JAMES KIRKE PAULDING
11209
"I would say that I believed you as I would the white-robed
truth herself; and I would on my knees beg your forgiveness
for twice doubting you. "
"Then I do assure you, in the singleness of my heart, that I
never saw or knew aught of it. "
"And did - did Gilfillan speak the truth? " panted our hero.
She turned her inspiring eye full upon the youth, and sighed
forth in a whisper, "He did," while the crimson current revis-
ited her pale cheek, and made her snow-white bosom blush rosy
red.
"You are mine then, Catalina, at last," faltered Sybrandt, as
he released her yielding form from his arms.
"You will accept my uncle's bequest? " asked she, with one
of her long-absent smiles.
"Provided you add yourself, dearest girl. "
"You must take it with that incumbrance," said she; and he
sealed the instrument of conveyance upon her warm, willing lips.
"What can they have to talk about all this time, I wonder? »
cogitated the old lady, while she fidgeted about from her chair
towards the door, and from the door to her chair. As she could
distinguish the increasing animation of their voices, she fidgeted
still more; and there is no knowing what might have been the
consequence, if the lovers had not entered the room, looking so
happy that the old lady thought the very elixir of life was in
them both. The moment Sybrandt departed, Catalina explained
all to her mother. "Alas! " thought the good woman; "she will
never be a titled lady: yet who knows but Sybrandt may one
day go to England and be knighted? " This happy thought rec-
onciled her at once to the whole catastrophe, and she embraced
her daughter, sincerely wishing her joy at the removal of all her
perplexities.
## p. 11210 (#430) ##########################################
11210
C
PAUSANIAS
(SECOND CENTURY A. D. )
BY B. PERRIN
HIS name stands for no distinct and heroic personality like
that of the great Spartan victor at Platæa, but for a col-
lection of interesting items about the antiquities, history,
geography, mythology, and religions of ancient Greece. All these
items interest us; but they evidently interested the author of the
collection for special reasons. He had certain leanings towards
special classes of objects among the antiquities; towards special
phases and periods of history, mythology, or religion. He has there-
fore omitted many items which would have interested us far more
than many which he offers. His selection is often tantalizing or
aggravating. But he seems to have begun his work for himself
more than for others; and only after his selections and collections
were made, did he attempt to give his work a literary dress which
should appeal to lovers of literary form. His work is therefore, more
than works composed primarily and wholly for effect upon others,
an expression of himself. And this is fortunate, at least on this
account, that we know absolutely nothing of the author except
what may be inferred from his work.
He nowhere mentions his own name. He may have done so in an
introduction or a conclusion to the work, which, if they ever existed,
have been lost. But his book is cited by later writers as the work of
Pausanias; and they call it, what he never expressly calls it himself,
a Guide to Greece. ' He himself calls it rather a 'Commentary on
Greece. '
The beginning is abrupt, the close is even fragmentary; and he
has not fulfilled the desire which he expresses (i. 26) of "describing
the whole of Greece. " He has commented on the antiquities, history,
mythology, geography, and religious cults of Attica and Megara, the
Argolis (Corinthia), Laconia, Messenia, Elis, Achaia, Arcadia, Boeotia,
and Phocis. That is, he has started with Athens, and proceeded
through the Isthmus of Corinth and around the Peloponnesus, then
crossed the Corinthian gulf, and begun with the territories north of
Attica and Athens. What he would have included under his term
"Greece," and how much longer his collection was designed to be,
## p. 11211 (#431) ##########################################
PAUSANIAS
II 2 II
cannot be inferred from him. His work breaks off abruptly with a
legend about the building of the temple of Esculapius at Naupactus.
Various phrases of the author imply that he was a Lydian; but
whether Magnesia or Pergamum or still another city was his birth-
place or home, he does not clearly show. His work was prepared
slowly and published gradually. At least, the first book was issued
before the other nine; and he more than once feels moved to supple-
ment deficiencies in the first. The material which he gives us on
Elis is divided into two books. The charmed number of the Muses
is thus abandoned for no apparent reason. The other titles corre-
spond each with a book. This division into books may not be due
to Pausanias himself, but a younger contemporary cites his work in
the divisions which have come down to us. The work was prepared
between the years 140 and 180 A. D. , as internal evidence indirectly
shows. The author was therefore happy enough to see Hadrian,
Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius on the imperial throne. He was
contemporary with Justin Martyr, Herodes Atticus, and Lucian. He
witnessed that last renascence of all that was good in the ancient
world, which characterizes the great age of the Antonines.
But no
word betrays his personal feelings or relations to the great figures
or events of his time. The guide-book has wholly absorbed the
guide.
Pausanias was by no means the first to write an antiquarian guide-
book. The titles of a large number of such works are known to us,
and sparse fragments of the works themselves have been embalmed
here and there in the citations of lexicographers or grammarians.
As the many religious sanctuaries of Greece increased in wealth and
ceremonial tradition, a class of local professional guides and scribes
grew up, intimately associated with the official registrars of the differ-
ent shrines and precinots, whose records are among our most valuable
primary sources for the history of the country. These local guides
took the visitor all about a sacred precinct, explaining the edifices,
monuments, and cults, just as modern cicerones do. The mass of
local information thus accumulated and imparted orally to visitors
was also reduced to book form for circulation and study. We know,
for instance, of a 'Guide to the Acropolis of Athens,' among many
similar works, by Polemon,-a learned antiquarian and geographer
of the second century B. C. There were likewise guides to Sparta,
Delphi, Olympia, Sicily, Macedonia, as well as to particular sanctua-
ries like the Heracleia of Thebes. This literature had increased to an
enormous mass in the time of Pausanias, owing largely to the inter-
est which the conquering Romans took in the treasures of the land
they plundered so freely, and also to the natural tendency to classify
and catalogue that which has ceased to reproduce and transmit itself
## p. 11212 (#432) ##########################################
11212
PAUSANIAS
by its inherent vitality. But all this literature of antiquarian infor-
mation has perished, except for fragments. The work of Pausanias
-the most comprehensive, but apparently by no means the best, of
which we hear is all that has come down to us; a compilation
instead of original material.
The author tried to condense many bodies of local antiquarian
lore into one comprehensive and yet compact work. He was evi-
dently burdened with excess of material, and often embarrassed in
his choice. He insists over and over again that he is selecting and
describing only what he deems most memorable. His work is there-
fore like the modern traveler's Handbook of Europe,' as compared
with special guides to Italy, France, Rome, Paris, or St. Peter's. But
it is noticeable that as he goes on with his work, he becomes less
and less able to resist the pressure of his material. The first book
reads in many places like a mere catalogue, and a partial one at
that. It is true that nowhere is the wealth of material so overwhelm-
ing. But in the later books-that containing the description of
Delphi, for instance- the author seems to give himself freer rein, as
though aware at last that he could not restrict himself within the
limits first set. It is true of Pausanias also, in yet greater degree
than of Herodotus and Thucydides, that as he advances with his
work, his workmanship improves. Both method and expression grow
better.
But it is not only the works of Greece which Pausanias purposed
to describe. The words of Greece, in explanation of those works, he
also plans to give; and the words even more fully than the works.
He mentions what he thinks most worthy of mention among mount-
ains, rivers, cities, countries, sanctuaries, and monuments. He adds
in the form of introductions or digressions whatever will help the
reader's understanding and appreciation, drawing his materials from
historical, geographical, mythological, artistic, or scientific lore. His
principle of arrangement is mechanical. It is at first purely topo-
graphical. He passes in his survey from one country of Greece to
the next adjoining; from the main or central city of that country in
radiating lines through the rest of the land; and in local descriptions
from one monument to another conveniently near. His phraseology
of transition from work to work would be unendurably monotonous
were it not for his illustrative digressions. But neither history,
geography, mythology, architecture, nor sculpture is treated in any
progressive or consecutive order of details. Evolution is lost sight
of in mere juxtaposition.
Pausanias did not write a systematic treatise, then, but a practical
aid to a traveler following a route laid down for him, to be used on
the spot, in the presence of monuments or ceremonies. He has been
## p. 11213 (#433) ##########################################
PAUSANIAS
11213
happily called a Bädeker, not a Burkhardt. Like Bädeker, he points
out what is most worth seeing; and supplies in convenient form the
current opinions or literary judgments about these sights. He eman-
cipated the traveler from local professional guides, as Bädeker does.
After the first book on Attica, and gradually as his work progressed,
he gained a sort of literary education, which shows itself in a tend-
ency to group into general introductions, at the beginning of the
great topographical divisions of his work, materials which at first he
was inclined to scatter amid the brief mention of monuments or
localities. That is, he gradually passes from the manner of a cata-
loguer or annalist to that of the ancient logographers, who grouped
about a certain city or country, however prominent, the collective
history of a people or of the known world. But Pausanias never
rises to the level of a philosophical, artistic, scientific historian, like
Polybius, Thucydides, or Herodotus. And he never achieves a good
style, although his style improves from beginning to end of his work.
His book seems to have given him all the education and literary
training he had.
Pausanias shows no special national sympathies like Herodotus, no
social predilections like Thucydides, no political antipathies like Xeno-
phon. In all these matters he is colorless. Even in religious matters
he reveals no partiality for the ceremonial or devotional growths
from Asiatic sources, as might be expected from his own origin.
Beyond a reverential fondness for the great Eleusinian worship and
doctrines, he declares no religious allegiance. Neither can he be
classed with any of the great schools of philosophy. He takes no
distinct attitude, as Plutarch and Polybius do, on the great questions
involved in the relations of the Roman Empire to subject Greece.
Compared with Plutarch, his elder by only a few years, or with
Lucian, his brilliant contemporary, he seems to be in the great world
but not of it. He shows no contact with any great tendency of the
age.
He is unaware of the existence of Christianity. He is a reli-
gious antiquary.
The kernel of his work, and of each division of it, as has been
said, is an enumeration of the notable "sights. " His language here
either expressly claims or at least implies personal visitation and
observation on his part,-"autopsy. " There is no good reason to
doubt the direct claims at least, though some of the phrases which
merely imply autopsy are doubtless literary mannerisms taken from
his sources. He must therefore have traveled over those nine great
divisions of Greece which he describes. But he evidently had trav-
eled farther and seen more. The greater part of Asia Minor, Syria,
Phoenicia, Palestine, Egypt, even the oasis of Zeus Ammon in the
desert of Sahara, Rome and her neighbor cities Puteoli and Capua, he
## p. 11214 (#434) ##########################################
11214
PAUSANIAS
speaks of having seen.
