remained six weeks: at the end of that time, I was ordered to prepare for trial. The gaoler came to me about twelve at night with a large wax taper in his hand, and bade me not to be afraid, as the king himself would sit on my trial, and hear every word I had to say; adding, that the king was a great lover of justice, and that, if I was innocent, I would come out of the fire like tried gold. In the morning he brought me a large basin of water to wash myself, with a clean linen doublet. I was so weak, that I could scarce ascend the steps that led to the court. The king was seated on a temporary throne; two archbishops on his right hand, with a row of monks and lawyers on his left. The appearance, undoubtedly, made an awful impression on me. My accusers were first heard: there were four secretaries, in judiciary robes, who wrote down every word they said. They preferred a string of charges against me, drawn up in the most artful and plausible manner. The king then called on me for my defence, and desired that I would not be daunted, but that I would tell all, and advance nothing but the truth, for that truth was the best advocate in a court of justice. I began with the charges seriatim; and when I had done, I addressed his Majesty in these words: "Oh, king Matthias, you have deigned, with a gracious ear, to listen to the de fence fence of the meanest, but at the same time one of the most loyal of your subjects. You are a lover of justice ;—it is the brightest jewel in your crown: that exalted virtue is worthy of the eulogium of Saint Cyprian: Justicia regis pax est • populorum, tutamen patriæ, immunitas plebis, mu⚫nimentum gentis, cura languorum, gaudium hominum, temperies aëris, serenitas maris, terræ fœcunditas, 'solatium pauperum, hæreditas felicium, et sibimetipsi spes futura beatitudinis. You are called by the voice of Heaven to preside over a gallant nation, and the richest country in the universe; but what avails it that the clouds drop fatness on our plains; that our corn stands thick, and waves its golden song into the reaper's ear, if science is to be persecuted by ignorance, self-interest, and superstition? Of what am I accused? — the study of mathematics! science that has enlarged the boundaries of empires, and strengthened them afterwards against the invasion of the proudest foe;—a science that has stretched its lines over the pathless deep, by which the mariner has been able to steer his course with safety from one nation to another. The lovers of mathematics have been encouraged and protected by all wise and good kings Thales the Milesian, Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, nopides, Democritus, Plato, Eudoxus, Cnidus, were patronized by Pagan princes: . a shall shall the lovers of that study, then, find less favour in the eyes of a Christian prince?" His Majesty then waved his hand; and after a pause of some minutes said, "Heaven forbid that the reign of Matthias should be stained with the blood of the innocent! I have listened to the accuser and the accused, and I find that Thomas Sainvitz is innocent-that he has been unmercifully persecuted, and my order is, that he be sent back to his regiment, under a safe guard, appointed for that purpose." There was a dead silence for some minutes; I fell on my face, and thanked the father of his people. The monks and lawyers sneaked away. The old general received me with transports of joy: his Majesty settled a pension on me, and ordered that I should be provided with a number of mathematical instruments and books; so that I now, thank Heaven and my prince, pass my days in ease and tranquillity. I inquired about the steward, and learnt that he had been beheaded by order of his lord, for attempting to poison the family. I never could gain any tidings of my dear friend, to whom I am indebted for the rudiments of all that I know. I thought it my duty to write this small pamphlet in justification of my own character; I cannot conclude it, however, without saying, that there are many worthy monks in Hungary, but 1 but the generality of them prefer the sound of the dinner-bell to the sound of the bell that invites to prayers: as to the secular clergy of the catholic and reformed churches, I am much obliged to them; they have taken my part on all occasions, and I am not a little indebted to their communication on several branches of science. THE PRAYER OF ORPHEUS. BY THE REV. MR. EVANS. MR. Evans was born in the state of Connecticut, in America'; he was educated in Yale College, where his genius outstript his years. His intense application to study impaired his health at a very early period of life: he died in the twenty-seventh year of his age. He left several poetical pieces behind him, which his friends collected after his death, and published in a slender volume. This little garland has been enriched by some verses to his memory, composed by different hands. Sad monarch of the world below, Stern guardian of this drowsy shade, go, To seek a captive thou hast made. Contemning Jove's unjust decree; Of Of all the nymphs, so deckt and drest, The pride and glory of the plain. This nymph of heaven-descended charms, As by a stream's fair verdant side Even thou mayst pity my said pain, For her you sought th' unwelcome light, To seize her to the shades of night. But if, averse to my request, The vanish'd nymph, for whom I mourn, Must in Plutonian chambers rest, And never to my arms return, Take Orpheus too; his warm desire Can ne'er be quench'd by your decree; In life or death he must admire, He must adore Eurydicé ICE |