Page:The New Monthly Magazine and Universal Register - Volume 011.djvu/155

1819.] is produced. Saussure was at a loss how to account for this phenomenon; he, however, supposed it to proceed from the seminal powder of certain plants peculiar to high mountains; but M. Raymond attributes it with more probability to the mica, which abounds among the Alps and Pyrenees, and which, being probably reduced to powder during the melting of the snow and ice, colours the water by which it is washed away."

It is difficult to define precisely what we mean by the common term, "quaintness of expression." It probably implies great simplicity of thought and language, with a certain dryness which is humourous from the perfect gravity and good faith in which the thought is given, and the absence of all intention to excite ludicrous ideas. It is, in some respects, synonymous with the Freach naiveté. The following sentence, for instance, alluding to poetical physicians is quaint.

In the poem of Psyche, or Love's Mystery, by Dr. J. Beaumont, we have an example of quaintness of poetical expression, in the description which Aphrodisius gives of the court paid to him, and the pretty messages sent him by the ladies.

The following ludicrous title to a collection of old poems, by George Gascoigne, has the appearance of being too intentionally absurd to be called quaint:

A quaker of Scarborough appointed a Scotchman to command a West Indiaman, and heard with indignation that Capt. C. insisted to have her fitted out with guns. They mutually expostulated on the subject. The respectable, conscientious owner would not permit so flagrant a deviation from his pacific tenets. The brave seaman would not go a voyage in time of war without means to repel anenemy. At length the Caledonian said:—

"There is but one way to end this debate. Suit (pronounced shoot) yourself, and I shall suit myself in half an hour."

The quaker shocked by such a measure hastened to the counting-house of Mr D. who had recommended Capt. C.

"Friend!" said he, "the person thou hast spoken of so highly is a savage, a madman. Beeause I would not consent to equip the Neptune with guns, he bade me shoot myself, and he will shoot himself in half an hour."

When Mr. D. could command the risible propensity, he explained the pronunciation in frequent use north of the Tweed; and he assured Mr. that Capt. C. had the interest of his employers in view by making a point of heing enabled to defend their property. Thus the difference was amicably settled.

The facetious Watty Morison, as he was commonly called, was intreating the commanding officer of a regiment at Fort George to pardon a poor fellow sent to the halberds. The officer granted his petition, on condition that Mr Morison should accord with the first favour he asked. The favour was to perform the ceremony of baptism for a young puppy. A merry party of gentlemen were invited to the christening. Mr. Morison desired Major to hold up the dog.

"As I am a minister of the Kirk of Scotland," said Mr. Morison, "I must proceed accordingly."

Major said he asked no more.

"Well then, Major, I begin by the usual question: You acknowledge yourself the father of this puppy?"

The Major understood the joke, and threw away the animal. Thus Mr. Morison turned the laugh against the ensnarer, who intended to deride a sacred ordinance.

On another occasion, a young officer scoffed at the parade of study to which clergymen assigned their right to remu-