the Marquis de Fontenoy, with official letters to my ear, that he should claim my daughter. He the king-and to the lady Ura."

"What did it contain ?" asked Ura. "His dying words, for aught I know," replied the stranger.

66

fought by my side till the battle was won, when I instantly penned a letter, and despatched him to the King. This man, whoever he may be, you must marry. I know you will not consent, but my word is passed-but how! you seem to take it very joyfully."

"Oh, it is of no use to repine-I am ready to obey you in all things; and certainly I would not object to marry the gallant soldier who saved my father's life."

64

The Marquis embraced his daughter affectionately, and left the room; at the same time Lamarre, His dying words! was he then wounded?" stripped of his disguise, entered by another door. Badly-the surgeons were taking off his right Well, my dear Ura,” exclaimed he, in a very leg when I came away, and his left arm is so in- different tone from that in which he had spoken at jured, that if he survives, he will never have the the previous interview, "I find you well, thank heause of it; and then his face is so dreadfully scar-ven, and improved, even in your matchless beauty!" red his right eye is shut up."

"I am well, Monseigneur," replied she with "Indeed! said Ura, assuming a gayer tone, affected seriousness, “and have been waiting some "then he has lost what little beauty he had! he time for the Compte De Lamarre, whom I have ex looked bad enough before he must look dreadfully pected here with his wooden leg, withered arm, ugly now! However, it will be of some service to him, for it will mortify his egregious vanity."

But, madam," said the stranger, "I now recollect, he told me, that should I by any mischance, lose the letter, to tell you that he would return to you, if he survived his wounds, in a short time."

Heigho! well, let him come, if he choses. I'm sure I should be very happy to see him."

A servant entered and announced the arrival of the Marquis de Fontenoy, and in a few moments he entered the room. He embraced his daughter affectionately, and rather abruptly asked her to withdraw with him to another room.

"But, my dear father," said Ura, "permit me first to introduce to you my worthy friend, the Compte De Lamarre:" saying which she removed the cowl from the face of the pretended monk, and disclosed his well known features.

"What!" exclaimed the Marquis, "is Lamarre here? I left him at the camp."

66

Yes," said the soi-disant monk, "I am here. I confess to my shame that I assumed this disguise to ascertain whether my friends would find me as agreeable as formerly; and the mild rebuke of your fair daughter will teach me better to trust the constancy of a woman."

scarred face, and one eye."

"Forgive me, Ura," said he taking her hand, "and forgive the foolish artifice which I used to have waited long enough to claim the prize which test your affection. And now let me hope that I I won in the park, with the sword I now wear." But," returned she, "there may be a forfeit as well as a prize for that act."

"Oh, indeed, I had forgotten that. Marquis died, did he ?"

Then the

Not that ever I heard of: he has called to see me, ten times as often as I would see him, these six months. He has not only forgiven you for giving him that unlucky wound, but he likes you

the better for it.

of it. There is then nothing to prevent my re"Then he is not dead! Well, I am heartily glad maining where I am."

The Marquis de Fontenoy now entered the room. Well, Lamarre," said he, " will you stay and see the wedding?"

"Thanks, noble sir," replied he, "I shall be supremely happy at the wedding of your daughter;" saying which, he took the ring from his finger, and placed it upon the hand of Ura.

"By heavens! I am rejoiced," exclaimed De "for now, instead of being sacrificed to a poor soldier, my daughter, "the fairest of the fair," will be wedded to "the bravest of the brave!"

"I am happy to see you, Lamarre," said the Marquis, Fontenoy, however you managed to arrive so soon; as I am about to celebrate my daughter's wedding, and I wish you to aid in the ceremony." Saying which he led Ura from the room into the hall. "Are you ready to be married, or rather sacrificed?" said he to his daughter.

"To whom, father?"

"Hear me a moment, and I will tell you all. In this action which we have just fought, and while making an attack on the left wing, some time after Lamarre had routed the right, my horse stumbled, and I was thrown among the enemy: I should instantly have been sacrificed, but a poor soldier, or rather I should judge, he was the chaplain of the regiment-instantly sprung from his horse, and helped me to remount. I wished to remember him and reward him; so I drew a ring from my finger, and told him to hold it as the pledge of any reward he might name—when he instantly whispered in

Vanity of Life.

WHAT is this life but a circulation of little mean actions? We spend the day in trifles, and when night comes, we throw ourselves into the bed of folly, amongst dreams and broken thoughts, and wild imaginations. Our reason lies asleep by us, and we are for the time, as arrant brutes as those that sleep in the stalls or in the fields. Are not the capacities of man higher than these? It is at least a fair and noble chance-and there is nothing in these worth our thoughts or our passions. If we should be disappointed, we are no worse than the rest of our fellow mortals-and if we succeed in our expectations, we are eternally happy.

DURING the long war between England and France, which terminated in the abdication of Bonaparte and his retreat to Elba, it is well known that at various times most of the continental powers were compelled by Napoleon and the presence of a French army to enter into an alliance with the emperor, and to assist him in his career of ambition.

gun-boats were particularly active, for their long
guns seldom failed of doing considerable execution,
and the rapidity with which they shifted their sta-
tions, and the smallness of the object they offered
for a mark, generally enabled them to escape with
impunity from a fire in return.
On the land, strong
detachments of horse artillery kept parallel with
the gun-vessels, ready to repel any attack which
might be made by the boats of the men-of-war,
supported by the armed brigs of a light draught of
water.

It was on a lovely day at the commencement of July, 1811, that an English seventy-four stationed off Reefness observed a convoy approaching, and having joined it, proceeded in company to the south end of Langeland, where she left the convoy with a westerly wind, and trimmed her sails to return to her old station. They gradually receded from each other, till the seventy-four appeared the only ship floating.

The weather was extremely beautiful; the cool breeze tempered the atmospheric heat and swelled the sleeping sails; the sun shone in rich splendor; the shore scenery was finely picturesque; and the enemy's armed vessels were slowly returning to their different ports, disappointed in their expectations of a prize.

In the northern parts of Europe this influence would have been ruinous to British commerce, but for the gallant services of our Navy, and the daring prowess of our seamen; for one look at the map will show the utter impossibility there is for ships to proceed to the ports of the Baltic except through the very heart, as it were of the kingdom of Denmark. With Russia and Sweden we were at peace, but with Denmark we were at war; and thus the market in Russia must have been closed against British produce (excepting that which was conveyed over land from Gottenburg to Stockholm, and thence by a precarious voyage to the Gulf of Finland) but that the proud flag which Nelson had triumphantly borne before the conquered ships and batteries of Copenhagen still floated in supremacy through every part of the northern seas, and our enemies had the mortification of seeing large fleets, composed of several hundred merchant-ships, richly freighted, passing within a short distance of their shores, under the protection of men-of-war, that were constantly employed in convoying them. These ships, arriving from different parts of En-versation; many of the officers were walking on gland, assembled at the general rendezvous in Wingoe Sound, on the coast of Sweden, and when a sufficient number were collected, they were form ed into divisions, and made their passage through the Cattegat into the Great Belt, where, during the summer, ships of the line and frigates were stationed, at proper distances, to assist the convoys and to guard them over the Baltic Sea into the Gulf of

Finland.

The merchant-ships, several hundred in number, with their white sails expanded and covering a space of six or seven miles, were led by a ship of the line, carrying the commodore's flag, ahead of which none dared advance. On each side of the fleet, at intervals, where frigates, sloops, and gunbrigs, to defend the merchant-vessels and keep them within bounds; and the rear was protected by other frigates and brigs, which were also occasionally employed in taking the dull sailers in tow, and, with every stitch of canvas set, dragging them up into the body of the fleet. Close to the shore the enemy's gun-boats and well manned, armed vessels could be seen rowing along, and ready to take advantage of any shift of wind that might force a straggler within a probable distance of being captured, when they would boldly dart upon their prey, and, in spite of every exertion on the part of the British men-of-war, were not unfrequently successful. If the wind died away, and a calm ensued, the

The tall ship glided swiftly along; and on the starboard side of the quarter-deck, the captain and the first lieutenant paced to and fro in earnest con

the larboard side, whilst the seamen grouped them-
selves together on the forecastle, sporting their sea
wit and cracking their nautical jokes at the expense
Suddenly the lieutenant
of the Danish flotilla.
quitted the side of his chief, and immediately after-
wards the shrill pipe of the boatswain's mate was
heard, followed by his deep, hoarse voice, exclaim-
ing-" Bargemen, away! Pinnacers, away!" In
a few moments the crews of the two boats named
hold themselves in readiness for night duty. The
were on the quarter-deck, and received orders to
captain of marines was also directed to have a party
equipped for the same service, and a few of the best
men were selected from the ship's company to com-
plete the expedition.

About midnight, when a little to the southward of the track between Nyborg on the island of Funen and Corsoer on the island of Zealand, the boats with the addition of a double-banked cutter, put off from the ship under the command of the second lieutenant, who received orders to lie in the course which a vessel going from one town to the other would probably take, and detain every boat he might fall in with.

Should nothing present itself that night, his boats were to make for the islet, in mid-passage, and, lying concealed throughout the day, again to row guard as soon as darkness

returned.

These orders were punctually obeyed; and

nothing appearing to attract their notice. Lieutenant of age, but her countenance was that of fixed desMontagu at the approach of daylight repaired with pair. Her dress was elegant, though somewhat his small squadron to the islet; the boats were soiled and negligently put on; and at her feet lay carefully concealed, and the men directed not to a female domestic, giving way to convulsive bursts appear at all where it was possible they might be of anguish. Montagu felt all the soft yearnings of seen. The ship had continued her course, and no tenderness and compassion stealing through bis traces of her were visible: the day passed on; the breast; he gazed in admiration and with pity on westerly wind prevailed; and, just before sunset his captive; their eyes met, and in an instant she Montagu, by the aid of his glass, discovered several flung herself before him, and clung to his knees. At small vessels preparing to quit Nyborg, and one the first moment the sudden sobbings of unrepressed that was larger and better equipped than the others agony prevented her speaking; but, recovering he knew to be the mail-packet. This pleasing in- more of self-possession, in a voice sweetly musical telligence he communicated to his brother officers she addressed the astonished lieutenant, in a lanand the seamen and marines, and joyful expecta- guage half English, half French, and implored him tion of a rich prize animated all. It was evident not to detain her as a prisoner, for she was hastenthat the Danes were unacquainted with the proxing to the court of Denmark, a supplicant for her imity of the boats: the signal-posts had reported father's life. Her beseeching look, her earnest the ship to be at anchor off Ramsoe; and thus they entreaty, her flowing tears, and her humble attitude indulged in hopes of sending across to Zealand distracted the mind of poor Montagu; and for an without any danger of capture. instant he cursed the chance which compelled him Darkness came on; the British boats were ex- to be cruel. In vain he pointed out the impossibility tended in a line; and, after two hours of anxiety, of releasing the vessel; in vain he assured his loveLieutenant Montagu, who occupied the central sta-ly prisoner that she would be safe; and that in all tion, had the satisfaction of seeing a dark object probability the captain, when acquainted with the approaching through the twilight gloom, and run- particulars, would instantly set her at liberty. "One ning down full upon him. As it neared his boat, hour's delay," she urged, "might bereave her of a he audibly whispered-Tis the packet! be ready parent, the only one she had known from infancy. men!" and the utmost silence prevailed, broken The sentence of death was suspended over him for only by the dashing and hissing of the spray, as the a breach of military etiquette, and none but the Danish vessel cut through the yielding waters. king could save his life."

Poor Montagu, who had never shrunk in the hour of peril, now trembled with conflicting emotions; the whole scene was so sudden, the appeal so touching, that he stood undecided how to act. In a few minutes he raised the beauteous mourner; but she clung closer to him, and in accents of extreme woe bewailed her lot, till nature was subdued, and she sank senseless on the deck. That was indeed a terrible moment for Montagu, and he swore that if it cost him his own life, or, what was equally dear, his future prospects of promotion, he would break through his duty and set her on shore that night.

It was known that the packet (a cutter of about thirty tons burthen,) never went unarmed, and every heart beat high as she came down booming before the wind. Montagu forbore making the preconcerted signal to the other boats, as he was not without a hope of taking the packet by surprise; he therefore placed the barge right in her track, and was not discovered till close under her bows, when by a judicious movement, he clapped along side, and boarded with his men. Resistance would have been equally foolish and unavailing; and thus, without a blow being struck, or scarcely any noise being made, he took possession of his prize. To send every one below whilst he shortened sail and Leaving the wretched girl to the care of her serbrought the cutter to the wind, was but the work of vant and the passengers, he went on deck; but the a few minutes; and he was soon made sensible by proud feelings of a victor had vanished. It is true several musket-shots, that his other boats had been he rallied sufficiently to issue his orders with accuequally on the alert, and were bringing the vessels racy and judgment; but the features of that beto. In less than an hour nine market vessels, laden seeching countenance were stamped upon his with goods and every delicacy of the season, and heart, and the soul-thrilling accents of her sweet the packet with passengers and baggage were cap-voice still sounded in his ears imploring for a tured. But there was also in a national point of father's life. He knew that a dereliction of duty view, a more important seizure made; for so sud- might bring him to a court-martial; he knew that den and unexpected had been the attack that the captain had not time to sink the mail, and thus very important despatches, together with an immense number of notes on the bank of Denmark, fell into the hands of the English.

Montagu had ordered the marines and three seamen to remain with him on board the cutter, and had sent the barge away to assist his comrades. He then descended to the cabin of the packet, where the passengers in indescribable terror, were crowded together and uttering bitter lamentations. But there was one who attracted his attention more than all the rest, and awakened every generous emotion of his heart. It was a young female of exquisite beauty, apparently about seventeen years

all attempts at concealment would be vain; nevertheless he was determined; and, directing the captain of the packet to have the lady's luggage in readiness, he ordered the crew of the barge to stow it in their boat. As commanding officer he was not amenable for his conduct to any one present; but in this instance he informed his brave fellows of a few leading incidents connected with his situation and his intention of landing the lovely girl iminediately. Selecting, therefore, a few of his stoutest followers to remain in the cutter, he put the Danish crew and passengers on board the other vessels, and directed the next in command to proceed towards Ramsoe with the prizes under easy sail.

The lady and her servant were placed in the

barge, the sails were hoisted, and, as the wind had gradually died away to a gentle air, the brave seamen stretched to their oars, and made their favorite boat fly through the sparkling waters.

But who can describe the enthusiastic gratitude of the pious daughter, as, sitting by the side of Montagu, and closely wrapped from the keen night-air in his boat-cloak, she felt assured by his persuasions that her speed would be accelerated, instead of retarded by her capture; that a very short time would land her on the shores of Zealand, which she now saw rising into view; and that, as it was almost calm, had she remained in the packet, she would have made but little progress. Delicious to the ear of the lieutenant was the voice of the sweet girl, and he drank deeply of the intoxicating draught of pleasure.

away to enable them to discover the objects of their search.

Day broke. The haze was gradually dispelled by the rising sun, which had not yet, however, reached the horizon. The breeze freshened from the southward. The barge with flowing sheets, aided by the oars, dashed through the smooth waters. But with the opening glory of the morn a scene presented itself that for a moment caused the heart of the young lieutenant to sink within him.

The officer whom Montagu had left in charge of the prizes had obeyed his instructions, and kept under easy sail. The packet and the market boats were visible to the barge, slowly proceeding on their course; but there was also visible that which did not seem to be observed on board the prizes. A portion of the Danish flotilla, which had attended the convoy up the shores of the Belt, in returning to their harbors, had discovered the captured vessels, and were evidently in eager pursuit.

Boldly did the stout bargemen stretch their sinewy arms to the oars, that bent to their rapid strokes. Gallantly did the swift boat dart over the rippling waters; musket after musket was fired by the young lieutenant to warn the prizes of their danger; but it was not till the headmost of the gunboats had got them within reach of shot that they seemed sensible of being chased: then indeed all

The seamen appeared to be all actuated by one generous sentiment; but, as the barge was now rapidly approaching the shore, great caution was necessary not to excite alarm. The frowning batteries of Corsoer were rising in the gloom, when the coxswain descried a boat near them, the men instantly lay on their oars; but Montagu finding nothing to apprehend, boldly pushed alongside, and discovered that it was a small fisherman, who, unsuspicious of danger had come out to fish. His terror at being taken was extreme, and Montagu for a few minutes suffered it to have full scope; he then proposed that he would permit him to go un-sail was crowded, and every effort made to accelemolested, with a reward into the bargain, if he would pledge himself to land the lady and her at tendant at Corsoer, to which place, then at a short distance, he was immediately to proceed.

rate their speed. Still the gun-boats gained upon them; and the headmost (which had greatly outstripped its companions,) was preparing to throw a destructive fire of grape and canister at the disThe poor fisherman and his companion gladly tance of a cable's length, when Montagu, in the assented; the lady's baggage was put into their barge, boldly dashed alongside, and though at first boat, and she prepared to follow, but first turning to repulsed, yet after a short but desperate struggle Montagu, with unrepressed thankfulness, she threw succeeded in getting on board. Here, hand to her arms round his neck, buried her face upon his hand the contest raged, and death smote down his bosom, and burst into tears. With every hallowed victims. The two lieutenants met: their bright and pure sentiment of fervent devotion, the lieuten- swords flashed in the red flame of the musketry. ant raised her up, and, imprinting one chaste kiss Montagu felt that his future hopes principally deupon her cheek, assisted her to change her embar-pended upon that moment. Annihilation would kation; he then wrapped his cloak around her, pressed her burning hand to his beating heart, uttered a faint farewell, and returned to his seat in the barge. The fair girl held out her hand to the Coxswain, which he grasped with eagerness, and raised to his lips; that hand contained her purse, which she tendered for his acceptanee, to be divided amongst his men; but, with the generosity though with the characteristic bluntness of a seaman, he dashed a tear from his eye, and rejecting the proffered gift, exclaimed, “No, I'll be d-d if I do!-'twould be a black score in the purser's account at the last day."

The boats separated; the lieutenant followed the fisherman, till he saw him enter the harbor of Corsoer, and then, with conflicting feelings, he directed the coxswain to steer by a bright star, which he knew would guide his course towards Ramsoe. But they had not proceeded far before the morning twilight was brightly glimmering in the east, and the young officer and his coxswain bent down their heads, whilst with eager glance their eyes swept round the north-western horizon; but, though fancy occasionally shadowed forth ideal imagery, the haziness of night had not sufficiently passed

be preferable to dishonor; but conquest might possibly regain character, distinction, and all that he feared was lost. His steel passed through the heart of the Dane, who fell lifeless on the deck.

A shout-a thrilling, soul-stirring shout-burst from the barge's crew, as they rushed headlong upon the enemy, who, deprived of their gallant leader, called for quarter and surrendered. The gun-boat's head was immediately put round to meet the approaching flotilla, and the heavy charge of the eighteen pounder, designed for the British, was poured with destructive precision on the advancing foe. Again she was put before the wind, and the stern gun well plied did considerable execution. Several of the enemy's vessels were sunk or disabled; but, though the daring of British seamen for a while kept the whole in check, yet the Danes still pressed on, apparently determined to recapture the prizes or perish.

Montagu perceived their object; but the tall masts of the seventy-four were now visible, and he knew that a short time would suffice to bring her near enough to induce the Danes to discontinue the chase, lest they should be unable to retreat. But the great force of the enemy, the incessant fire

which they kept up, together with their superior imagination-he unclosed his eyes, but the vision sailing, left him but small hopes of escape. Sud- of his slumbers appeared to be realized, for he acdenly the seventy-four shifted her position; the tall tually beheld the eyes of that lovely female bent masts were concealed under clouds of canvass; full upon him, whilst a benign look of compassion and the lieutenant became sensible that his brave captain was hastening to his rescue as speedily as a slant wind would permit.

The crew of the barge gave three hearty cheers as they witnessed the manœuvre, and the Danes, who likewise beheld it, were aware that one half Emily Zeyfferlein, on landing at Corsoer, had hour must decide their victory, or compel them to hastened to Copenhagen, and through the influence sheer off; they therefore cheered in return, and of a friend at court, had obtained an interview with with redoubled efforts pursued the prizes, which royalty. She had in fact been the first bearer of the crews of the pinnauce and cutter were barely the account of the capture of the packet, and she sufficient to keep in subjection, though they were did not fail to extol in appropriate terms the devoted enabled occasionally by a well directed fire of generosity of the young English officer. A respite, musketry to annoy the enemy. however, was all she could obtain for her father, with a promise that the circumstances connected with his alleged fault should be strictly examined into. With this she hastened back to the prison where her parent was confined. But on passing through Nyborg, she heard of the action that had been fought, saw the wounded and insensible lieutenant, and, after an interview with her father, she returned to attend upon poor Montagu.