after some considerable time had elapsed, he came, but so changed in his appearance, that she was greatly struck with it; his countenance was woe-begone, and his conversation the most melancholy. He reproached her with having so strenuously urged him to put forth his power of calling up the dead, and deceiving him by the promise of implicitly following his directions. His reliance upon her had induced him, he said, to make use of the most powerful spells, and summon to his aid malignant demons, which could only be kept in awe by severity that her scream had broken the charm-the demons had obtained the mastery over him, and nothing but his life would expiate his offence. Poor Madame de Bonneuil, excessively distressed at hearing the Comte talk in this strain, endeavoured to reason with him, but without the slightest effect; and he parted from her as one who "bids the world good night," assuring her that they should never meet again on this side of the grave, for that he had but a short time to live, ere the fiends whom she had insulted would demand him as their victim.

Whether the Comte de Caylus was at the time suffering from any malady likely to put a speedy period to his existence, or whether the mental delusion under which he laboured produced a fatal effect upon his body, certain it is, that very soon, within a few weeks after this interview, Madame de Bonneuil learnt that the Comte de Caylus was dead!!!

B.

A MANUAL FOR SUITORS.

INCLUDING A FEW REMARKS ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE
WEATHER ON TEMPER.

BY OLIVER OLDRUM, GENT.

I HAVE lived the better part of sixty years in the world, and have mingled with every description of persons. I therefore think I know something of mankind. I also think, that as such is the case, I ought to communicate my knowledge, which I have methodized after long observation and reflection. Out of my stores, I have selected the matter of the following pages, as being likely to become serviceable to individuals of every class; for there is hardly one who has not occasion, at some period or other of his life, to ask a favour, and it is of the greatest importance to do so at the most proper time, and in a proper manner. When we do make up our minds to solicit another for something highly essential, we should use every exertion to avoid a repulse. Like a cautious general, we should reconnoitre the besieged, ascertain the weak points, and consider the best time and means for making the assault. To proceed with the simile-it is better to keep in our quarters, when there is an overpowering force against us, than rashly to advance to the

It is only objects of that description that are referred to here. Trivial objects may be sought with less effort.

attack with every probability of being overthrown. I have known men, who having many occasions to ask favours, and allowing themselves to be guided only by their desire to obtain them, have rushed forward with their applications at unsuitable periods, and have consequently met with nothing but insult and disappointment. Had they possessed but a small portion of the knowledge of mankind which I have attained, they would have been spared from some of these mortifications; I cannot say from all of them, because, even with my acquaintance with temper, and the peculiar circumstances which are apt to affect it, I would not undertake to ensure a favourable result in every case, but I will undertake to ensure the probability of success if my rules, as here set forth, are properly attended to.

I have stated at the head of this article, something about “ the influence of the weather on temper." Now, I dare say many who have read it exclaimed, "What! have we got another weathercock fellow? are we to have predictions of the days of the year when good nature is to be frozen up when it is to shower down benefits, or when passion is to be stormy or changeable?" No, gentlemen, you are wrong. I do not present to you an almanack of such matters for any given year; but, in addition to my rules, I do certainly profess to instruct you, as a permanent guide, what certain winds and temperature are likely to render persons of naturally mild, or of passionate disposition, either propitious or unpropitious for dispensing favours. However, you must take other circumstances in connexion with these; and the several rules and observations which are here given are therefore to be attended to jointly with the remarks relative to the effect of the weather. I do not say that the state of the weather will always point out the condition of a man's temper, because there may be counteractions in the state of his health or affairs; but I do say, that whatever may be his peculiar situation in those respects, he will be more or less affected by the secret influence of the condition of the atmosphere and the direction of the wind. Consequently, if we know what will be the probable effect of the weather upon certain temperaments, we must look to that effect as well as to other peculiar circumstances in selecting a proper time to make our advances. I divide mankind into two classes-mild and violent. There are many other classes of temper which may be ranked between these, but it will be enough for our purpose to take only the two extremes. My experience has instructed me thus:

If the wind is north or

IN THE WINTER

Mild Persons are

Violent Persons are

north-west, and a dry, Lively, sometimes hasty. Quick and surly.

intense cold.

If with the same wind there is rain or snow, and very cold.

If the wind is north-east or easterly,dry and cold. If with the same wind it is wet-cold.

If with a south wind it. is dry, cold moderate.

Fogs, a dark sky, strong winds, thunder-storms, are all adverse. When these have passed off, the period is favourable.

The effect of the winds on temper at the other seasons of the year, may be estimated from the above; but a favourable allowance must always be made for improved temperature.

In the spring, when the dregs of the winter are quite got rid of, improvement in the temper is remarkably rapid. The advance of Phoebus promotes the growth of goodnature, and with the earliest flowers we may expect favours.

In the summer, extreme heat occasions a lassitude that disinclines men for more engagements than are absolutely required. It is, in fact, a period of general relaxation amongst the great and superior classes; and men of this order do not like to be stirred up by applications, be the weather what it may. But in cases where it is necessary for you not to lose time, do not make your visit, or if you write, do not allow your letter, if possible, to be delivered to your great man, before one or two o'clock in the day. If you know his habits, you may be aware of his time of rising in the morning, and you will take care not to have your request before him until he has been duly refreshed. The highest hopes, upon which immediate support or future fortunes may depend, are liable to be destroyed by the coffee or chocolate not having had time to clear away from the brain of a patron the vapours with which he may have arisen. Every one must have felt, that at all seasons, on quitting the couch, some time is required to get the system into an active state. The blood moves sluggishly along, until exercise, immediately followed by internal refreshment, sets its current in a brisk and happy condition. Let, then, at all periods of the year, the morning be well advanced before you venture to stir up the energies of a dispenser of favours. The evening is rarely a fit time-it is a period of relaxation, and should not be invaded.

But we must attend to other circumstances in respect to the time of making requests. It should, if possible, be ascertained whether there is any thing that exists relative to the party to be addressed, that would make it unsuitable to take up his attention at that particular period. I would not, for instance, solicit a minister, or a member of parliament, immediately after a fatiguing debate, and particularly after a defeat, or after having blundered in his speech, and been very often "Oh-oh'd!" Neither would I advise you to address a man when he has some immediate great design in hand; nor just after any serious loss in his family, his purse, or as respects his general interests: nor during indisposition, particularly whilst labouring under a severe cold, which I have often observed greatly affects the equanimity of the temper. Convalescence is, in general, a favourable period. Discreet applicants will always allow

their acquaintance with such matters to guide them to a fit time for making their requests.

So far with respect to this portion of my suggestions; only, I will add, that the foregoing may be considered applicable in a great degree to all classes, after making due allowance for difference of circumstances or habits.

I now will claim attention to the following rules and observations:

FIRST. AS REGARDS APPLICATIONS TO SUPERiors.

Rule I. Be not presumptuous.

Ob. To imagine you have only to ask, and are sure of obtaining your wish, is very likely to be fatal to your expectations, because you are apt to neglect every thing that may be necessary to support them. Rule II.-Do not solicit in a flippant manner.

Ob.-If a favour is valuable, surely it should be sought in a way to show that, if obtained, it would be felt to be of consequence, and the patron will then consider that his good offices are worth bestowing on the individual.

Rule III.-Be moderate in your requests.

Ob. Excessive desires produce disgust.

Rule IV. Never ask for what you are unfitted to exercise.

Ob.-If your character or acquirements are known to be insufficient, you are immediately rejected. If not known, and you are at first successful, ultimately you are disgraced.

Rule V.-Always appear neatly and respectably attired. Ob. Those great men who love to dress themselves in the extreme of fashion, do not admire rivals in the same way. Those who dress plainly, are disgusted with the bedaubings of rings, gold chains, and brilliant shirt-pins, as well as with the cut of excessive fashion in regard to clothes. A real gentleman dresses in good broad cloth, shaped so as to fit well, but without the least appearance of study. The head is generally considered as not well attended to, when the rest of the person appears to have greatly occupied it in the way of adornment.

Rule VI.-Your address should be respectful, but without constraint.

Ob.-The air with which a man approaches one above him in station, is the first thing that is observed. If it displeases, there is a prejudice to be overcome, which it is often difficult to effect, as the great seldom will take the trouble to undo their prepossessions.

Rule VII.-Never flatter.

Ob. Few can praise a man in so delicate a way as not to offend. Besides, some dislike it altogether; therefore it should never be resorted to. It is a sneaking, paltry manoeuvre; no arts of the kind should be used: be plain and open.

Rule VIII.-Do not be prolix.

Ob. It is generally best to come to the point at once. If you do not, conjectures may arise before you have half done, of a disadvantageous

nature.

Rule IX.-Hear patiently, and reply modestly, and to the purpose. Ob. A sensible man will know how to act under adverse circumstances. A fool will soon settle his business the wrong way.

Rule X.-Do not press your requests too anxiously, nor too frequently.

Ob.-The great will not suffer themselves to be pestered.

Rule XI.-If you write, let your epistle be short and pithy.

Ob.-A long letter often meets with short consideration. It is frequently read carelessly; and even if read through, generally fails to make a lasting impression. People should recollect that a man who has many applications, cannot devote time to a very reflective perusal of wordy long essays on individual necessities.

Rule XII.-Show good humour and respect, although your wishes are not complied with.

Ob.--It will not mend matters to look or act angrily when refused; but there may, perhaps, be much done for your cause by evincing a wellgoverned temper under disappointments. It cannot fail to be remarked, and where you have a generous man to deal with, a feeling of regard, and a desire to do you some good office, are likely to be created.

Rule XIII.-Be grateful upon success.

Ob.-A kindness should never be forgotten, even long after independence.
Such a return is honourable to both parties.

I need hardly add, that punctuality in keeping appointments is most
important.

SECONDLY-AS REGARDS APPLICATIONS TO EQUALS.

Many of the foregoing Rules will apply here-such as the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 7th, 9th, 12th, and 13th. To these may be added

That, if circumstances admit of it, let there be a reciprocity of kindness, not offered as a bribe, but bestowed as a just recompence. The power of conferring mutual benefits is granted by Providence to bind society together, and we should never neglect to use it.

THIRDLY-WITH RESPECT TO APPLICATIONS TO INFERIORS. Between gentlemen, in the true sense of the word, although of unequal rank, a departure from good-breeding is not to be anticipated. The man of highest order, however, is not to ask a favour bearing with him the weight of his station, lest he meet a lofty and independent spirit that spurns such a mode of approach. A desirable object must be sought for between the higher classes, as well as amongst the other classes, after some study of circumstances affecting either position or temper, and be pursued accordingly.

As we have often persons to solicit who are much beneath us in rank and education, it is proper to consider how we should conduct ourselves towards them. And under this head I will say,

You should be free without vulgarity.

If you descend in language and manner, you are likely to meet with no respect. If you show too much of the superior, the pride of the inferior is roused. I knew a soi-disant gentleman who sometimes had occasion to ask favours of small tradesmen. He always resorted to the low art of putting himself for the time upon a level with them. He would imitate their habits and conversation; enter fully into the spirit of their coarse jokes; hob-nob out of the same pot of porter, and even "blow a cloud" with them, to his great personal inconvenience. What was the consequence? Why, he lost the advantage of retaining Feb.-VOL. LV. NO. CCXVIII.