uniformity of character than any nation on earth. This, extending through such an immense empire, is a phenomenon unparalleled among any other nation, whether of ancient or modern times. From one extremity of this vast country to the other there is but one language, with hardly any mixture of dialects, and but one religion; there are the same customs and manners; the same education and way of living; the same costume, and the same popular amusements. In his temperament the Russian is vivacious and sanguine, and it is to this peculiarly happy constitution that he is indebted for those advantages, which distinguish him from other nations, and which may, at some future period, elevate him to a point that has not hitherto been attained. From this cause arise his almost indestructible gaiety, and that truly enviable accommodation of temper, which enables him to elicit enjoyment from even the most trifling circumstance. Singing is, with the Russian, an almost universal specific with which he sweetens all his toils and difficulties. To a foreign ear their national melodies appear melancholy and plaintive; but for a native they possess something tenderly engaging. Never, no, not even in Italy during the vintage, is heard more singing in the open air than in Russia. In every village, a lively troop of youthful peasantry assembles in a circle during the delightful summer evenings; and the air resounds with the finest voices, the most charming melodies, accompanied by songs of such enchanting delicacy and simplicity, that they might be attributed to a Sappho, or an Anacreon, without detracting from the reputation of either. Even in the depth of winter, when the aspect of inanimate nature is so peculiarly dreary, the lively notes of the sledge-driver, and the jingling of his horses' bells, are gay and

animated. While the shivering foreigner, buried in some six or seven fur mantles, hastily leaps into the carriage, as if fearful of a moment's exposure to the air, and there fences himself round with cushions and curtains, the active driver attired in his short pelisse, and with his neck bared to the inclemency of the weather, leaps on his seat with an agility equal to that of a French opera dancer; and immediately commences both his journey and his clear animated song. The keen winds cut his face, icicles hang upon his hair, his rugged beard is congealed to a mass of ice, flakes of snow fill both his bosom and his open mouth -no matter; he continues to sing until he arrives at the next inn; there he hastens to the warm stove; removes the icicles from his visage, crosses himself before the smoked saint, placed in one corner of the apartment; salutes every one as Matushka and Batushka, (diminutivesexpressive of endearment, meaning, my little father, my little mother) swallows his glass of brandy, and is again on his seat, and on his journey. Singing is introduced into their most serious employments: while hauling up a vessel on shore through the breakers, while raising immense weights, while extinguishing a fire, they universally keep time in a sort of chorus, as if it aided them in acting simultaneously.

Another prominent trait in the character of the Russians, is their wonderful dexterity, especially in all mechanical labour. A foreigner is astonished at perceiving with what simple means they will elevate the greatest weights. Their wooden houses, which are executed with such neatness as to appear cut out of a solid piece, are all formed with no other tool than the hatchet, which serves as a saw, a plane, and level. The fingers, or the teeth, perform the office of pincers for the smith; and the glazier has no other instrument for cutting his glass: even the most dangerous operations are performed with equal simplicity. A raw recruit is in a few weeks converted into an expert soldier; into a shoe-maker, a tailor, or even a musician, just as his colonel may require: and there can be no stronger proof of the mechanical capacity of the Russians, or of what they may be rendered by discipline, than their extraordinary performances on wind instruments; for each musician confines himself to one note, which he plays as long as he lives: and yet the most difficult passages are executed with a precision and taste truly astonishing. No other nation can boast of, or could execute such singular concerts, which, from the number of performers they require, are never heard, except at the entertainments of the nobility.

Tales of the Sea.

THE BURNING SHIP. (Continued from page 183.)

The colonel had deceived his lady as to where her niece was going, *and no one esteemed her sufficiently to state the fact. The dance commenced, and Agnes was my partner. Oh! then I felt how precious she was to my heart, as her light airy form was pressed in my arms: but when I contrasted the coarseness of my apparel with the delicate texture of her dress, a pang of deep humiliation stung me to the soul. At this moment a young man, in a travelling dress, advanced towards us. It was Sir Edward's son. His face was flushed with anger; he seized the arm of his sister with a wild impetuosity, that caused her to cry out, and 1 immediately interfered. raised his riding whip, and struck me-yes, struck me to the earth! I sprang upon my feet, but was instantly held fast, and forced to the cottage, while Agnes was hurried away to the castle. Ah! then I felt what it

He

was to love, and despair took possession of my mind. All other considerations seemed swallowed up, and I determined to fly from the place. Parents, kindred, were forgotten? and ere the dawn broke upon the cottage or the castle, I was far on my way from home. In the early part of the morning I was accosted by a gentlemanlike man, who offered me a seat in a post-chaise. This I gladly accepted, and found he was a naval officer, about to join his ship at Plymouth. The world was all before me, and he proposed my "serving my country." To my romantic mind there was a magic in the expression; and before another day had elapsed, I was entered on the books of the Amphion frigate as a volunteer. There was no time for reflection. I was wearied with my journey, sleep overpowered my faculties, and before the dawn arose, the ship was out at sea. Never shall I forget my sensations when I first beheld the expanse of the ocean, without a single speck to break its monotonous appearance: blue waters all around, and the clear heaven above, while the tall ship, reflecting her image on the waves " breasted the lofty surge." I was ignorant of etiquette, and without ceremony, respectfully addressed my friend, the lieutenant; but he repulsed my familiarity with coldness, and directed a lad to take me to his cabin, where he immediately joined me. Here he explained the nature of the service, and the distance it was necessary to keep up between the officers and the crew. He then made inquiry as to my clothes, and generously supplied me with some linen from his own stock. The ship's tailor altered one of his jackets, and in a short time I was equipped as a sailor. But ah! how many hours of bitter mortification and anguish did I undergo! I had every thing to learn, was often ill-used, and every day carried me farther away from all I loved. The frigate was bound to the East Indies, and months must elapse before I could inform my parents of my situation. Remorse preyed upon my mind: I had not contemplated leaving England, much more leaving it without letting them know where I was: but now their affectionate hearts were wrung with my indiscretion. Agnes too! but the remembrance of the sweet girl was ever accompanied by the recollection of the blow I had received, and I determined to persevere in the profession I had engaged in. The lieutenant was my sincere friend, and I endeavoured, by every means in my power, to profit by his kindness, and testify my gratitude. At first I was much persecuted by the seamen: but when they found me desirous of learning, and attentive to my duty, there was not a man who did not render me assistance. On one occasion, while the ship was lying nearly becalmed, one of the junior midshipmen, as he was playing about the rigging, fell overboard. I instantly dashed into the sea, and supported him till a boat was lowered down, and took uş up. This act, for which I claim no merit, brought me under the immediate notice of the captain, and I was removed to the quarter-deck, to do duty as a midshipman. Every one expressed satisfaction at my promotion, and my new messmates vied with each other in manifesting their generous feelings.

After a passage of four months, we arrived at Madras; and I lost no time in writing, to acquaint my parents of my destination: but, unfortunately, the letter never reached their hands, as the ship which conveyed it was wrecked off the Cape, and every soul perished. Scarcely had we had time to refit and victual, when orders were given to proceed to the China seas, as two French frigates had been seen cruising among the islands. For six months

we continued in search of them, but without success; and at the expiration of that time we returned to Madras. It would be needless for me to enumerate the many places we visited. Our stay in India occupied three years, and we were then directed to sail for England, with despatches.

During all this time I had never heard from home; but still the fond remembrances of early enjoyments in that sweet spot, clung to my soul, and became the subject of many sketches from my pencil, some of which the captain had taken to ornament his cabin. Agnes, in all her loveliness, was always present to my imagination; prompting me to many an honorable action, and restraining me from every thing which could bring discredit on my affection. To her dear image I was indebted for the respect and esteem I enjoyed from every one on board. The master's mate had been promoted to a lieutenancy, and I was appointed to fill the vacant station. Often did I rejoice in my heart at the prospect of once more embracing those who were so dear to me; and as often did the sickening sensations of distracting doubt agitate my breast.

One lovely evening, the sky was beautifully serene--the ocean, like a clear mirror, reflected the golden rays of the setting sun, and the light breeze just lulled the spreading sails to sleep, propelling the ship almost imperceptibly along, at the rate of three knots* an hour. It was one of those evenings that baffle the painter's art, and only the poet can pourtray. The first watch was drawing to a close; it had struck seven bells, the seaman on the look-outhad proclaimed "all's well!" and every thing was again hushed to solemn stillness. I was standing on the gangway, full of pensive musings, watching a bright star, just kindling on the verge of the horizon; it beamed like a ray of hope, irradiating the gloom which hung heavy upon my heart. Suddenly it expanded like the glowing meteor, and the ocean was illuminated with a red and gory tinge. I was struck with astonishment; but at the same moment an exclamation resounded fore and aft, "A ship on fire! a ship on fire!" and the horrid conviction was, alas! too evident. In a few minutes the flames were distinctly visible, and the ship was pronounced to be about five miles distant. Never before did I witness such alacrity among our crew as in that hour of peril. The captain, and every officer and man, were on deck immediately: and as it was impossible for the frigate to approach in time to rescue the sufferers, before ten minutes had elapsed from the period of first noticing the fire, every boat was in motion towards the scene of danger. It fell to my lot to command the captain's gig, a swift-pulling boat, with seven men, who bent to their oars with all the might of brave and generous spirits. As we drew near, the destructive element raged with increasing fury; and the shrieks of the wretched creatures came mingling with the crackling of the flames and the crash of falling masts. The frigate had fired guns and hoisted lights, to shew that succour was at hand; and the boats' crews occasi

onally cheered, to announce that they were approaching to their rescue. The shouts were returned from the burning ship; but so wild, so fearful, that they sounded like the expiring yell of agony, that still clung to hope and life. I would have dashed instantly alongside, but the old coxswain respectfully warned me of the danger of such a measure, "as the boat," he said, " would instantly be swamped by the crowds that would rush into her." We were now within a short distance of the

vessel, and oh! what a sight of horror was presented! The ports were all open, and the flames, pouring from them as from so many mouths, seemed eager for their prey. Numbers of poor creatures were swimming towards us, whilst others held pieces of shattered spars, with strong convulsive grasp. The forepart of the ship was nearly consumed, and the upper part abaft was rapidly falling in. Those who could swim, we left for other boats to take up; and pulling under the stern, we lay unobserved, by the gun-room ports, while the fiery fragments came tumbling thick upon us. Trusting to my skill in swimming, should it be deemed requisite to jump overboard, I instantly entered the porthole: and the ship having turned before the wind, what little air there was, drove the greatest part of the smoke forward: yet there was an almost insupportable heat, and the suffocating vapours bid defiance to my efforts to penetrate further. A feeling I could not account for-an indescribable feeling-urged me on, and I reached the gun-room ladder, at the bottom of which lay a human being, whose sufferings, apparently, were over. I passed my hand quickly to the heart, to feel if any palpitation yet remained, and discovered that the individual was a female: she was yet living, and in a few minutes was safely in the boat. Again A I returned with three of my crew, and soon had the satisfaction of rescuing eight poor wretches, who lay in a state of insensibility, and must soon have perished. Stimulated by success, we penetrated to the burning deck above; and never shall I forget the horror of the spectacle. Here all was brilliancy and light; and the devouring element, rolling its huge volumes over many a devoted victim, roared in its fierceness, as if to stifle the thrilling scream of the last death-pang. Several half-burnt and mangled