materials, such as green crystal, gold, stones, a single, and sometimes a great number of gold rings; this is rather troublesome to them in blowing their noses, and the fact is, some have informed us that the Indian ladies never perform this very useful operation. The female head-dress is carried in some countries to singular extravagance. The Chineşe fair carries on her head the figure of a certain bird; this bird is composed of copper or of gold, according to the rank of the person; the wings spread out, fall over the front of the head-Cress, and couceal the temples; the tail long and open, forms a beautiful tuft of feathers; the beak covers the top of the nose; the neck is fastened to the body of the artificial animal by a spring, that it may the more freely play and tremble at the slightest motion. The extravagance of the Myantses is far more ridieulous than the above; they carry on their heads a slight board, rather longer than a foot, and about six inches broad, with this they cover their hair and seal it with wax. They cannot lie down, nor lean, without keeping the neck very straight, and the country being very woody, it is not uncommon to find them with their head-dress entangled in the trees. Whenever they comb their hair they pass an hour by the fire in melting the wax; but this combing is only performed once or twice a year. INTRODUCTION OF COACHES INTO ENG LAND. "In the year 1564, one William Boonen, a Dutchman, first brought the use of coaches hither; and the said Boonen was Queen Elizabeth's coachman; for indeed a coach was a strange monster in those days, and the sight of one put both horse and man into amazement. Some said it was a great crabshell brought out of China, and some imagined it to be one of the Pagan temples in which the cannibals adored the devil; but at last these doubts were cleared, and coachmaking became a substantial trade."-So far Taylor (the water poet); from other authorities we learn that the fir 'statesman that ever set up his coach was John de Valois Dauphin, who could not travel on horseback on account of his enormous bulk. Hackney coaches were introduced in the year 1693. CURIOUS ANECDOTE. A Paris correspondent gives us the following account of one of the most ingenious stra tagems played off at any time by the light fingered gentlemen of that or any other kingdom. The last time that the late Queen of France visited the theatre in Paris, the wife of a financier whose whole merit consisted in a heavy purse, and an ostentatious display of Eastern magnificence, sat alone in a box oppositeto that of her majesty. She affected to make a parade of a costly pair of bracelets which, as the Queen now and then cast her eyes upon her, she fondly supposed attracted the admiration of her sovereign. She was hugging herself in thoughts that exceedingly flattered her vanity, when a person dressed in the Queen's livery entered the box.-" Madam," said he, “you may have perceived how attentively the Queen has surveyed those magnificent bracelets, which though so precious and costly still receive a greater lustre from the dazzling beauty of the arm that bears them; I am commissioned by her to request you will entrust me with one of them, that her majesty may have a nearer view of the unparalleled jewel.” Melted by the flattering compliment, she did not hesitate, and delivered one of the bracelets. Alas! she soon repented her blind confidence, and heard nothing more of her bracelet until the next morning, when an exempt of the police begged to be admitted, and chid her politely for trusting so valuable a trinket in the hands of a person who was a stranger;→ "but Madam," added he, "make yourself easy, the rogue is taken up, and here is a letter from the Lieutenant de Police, which will explain the whole. The letter was indeed signed Da Crone, and contained a request that the lady would repair at twelve o'clock to the office, and in the mean time deliver to the exempt the other bracelet, that it might be compared with the first, then in his hand, that he might have sufficient proof to commit the sharper. So much attention from the chief magistrate filled her with gratitude, which she expressed in the liveliest terms, bestowing the greatest praise on the watchfulness of the police, which was in no country so vigilant as in Paris. In fiue, after ordering up a dish of chocolate for the exempt, she put the other bracelet in his hand. They parted-but it was for ever; this pretended exempt proving neither more nor less than the worthy associate of the Queen's bold messenger. THE PRINCE OF CARIZIME, AND THE PRINCESS OF GEORGIA. AN ARABIAN TALE. [Concluded from P. 275, Vol. IV.] THE Vizir, without replying, continued thus:-The married pair proceeded to the ol King's apartment, and announced to him that a sacred duty called them to their parents that they could not accuse themselves of a guilty indifference, and of having enjoyed a perfect tranquillity at his court, whilst those to whom they owed their existence were enduring the most cruel anxiety on their account. They added, that they had also another duty to fulfil, which was, that of proclaiming to the world the munificence and kindness with which he had received them, and loaded them with gifts. This address filled the heart of the King of China with grief, which his countenance so forcibly depicted, that it gave the Prince and his consort great pain. To lessen his vexation they promised to return the following year; but he only replied by a motion of his head expressive of his incredulity, and began to weep like an infant. It was only between sobs and deep sighs, that they could gather the following affected, paid not the least attention. ing words:"O my friends, O my children! you will then leave me? You whose happiness has for seven years been my constant study, you are going to abandon me-I am going to lose you-and who knows whether you are not seeking your own rain!"-Razimir and Dilaram vainly renewed their promise of returning and fixing their abode with him; they could not mitigate his affliction. Possessing the science of Mekachefa, he could read their thoughts; perhaps he foresaw that the period of their misfortunes was not yet arrived; and he was so deeply chagrined, that feeling assured that he should never behold his beloved companions again, and that he was going to be separated from them for ever, he conceived a disgust for life, which was now insupportable to him; he broke the charm which made him immortal, and with a loud voice called upon the angel of death, whom he had for so many centuries kept aloof. In an instant thick clouds arose, the sun was darkened, a subterraneous noise was heard, a thousand piercing shrieks echoed through the vaulted roof of the palace, and the good old man's eyes closed for ever. Scarcely had he breathed his last sigh, when the genii carried him away, the palace vanishNo. XXXIV. Vol. V. 'd, and the Prince, with his wife and children, Found themselves, in a barren plain, so exeasive that the eye could not descry it's boundaries. The appearance of this desart filled them with dismay, and they wandered about for a long time without being able to discover any place which might serve them for an asylum. Fatigue, however, obliged them to take some repose, they lay down at the foot of a rock, and soon fell fast asleep. They had not remained here more than an hour, when they were awakened by the noise of men who were quarrelling and threatening each other. What was their consternation when they beheld themselves surrounded by savages, who were in the act of taking possession of them as their lawful prize! The terrified Dilaram had fainted, and Razimir, who hastened to assist her, was dragged away with a violence, which all his efforts vainly resisted. The unhappy children uttered piercing shrieks, to which the savages who held them, far from be They now began to fight among themselves with incredible ferocity. Some were dangerously wounded, and others expired. One of them fell at Razimir's feet, pierced with a poisoned arrow. He, who happened at that noment not to be observed, drew the arrow from the wound, and struck several others with it, who, with horrid shrieks, expired; but he was soon overpowered by numbers, and a second time found himself in the hands of his implacable enemies, This event changed the state of things. The quarrel of these barbarians subsided whilst they divided their prisoners, for whom they cast lots. Kazimir, dragged away by those to whom he fell, was thrown into a canoe, which happened to be lying on the edge of the great river by which the plain was bounded. Dilaram was taken away by others, and, notwithstanding her cries, separated from her children, whom fear and the aspect of approaching death had thrown into a stupor which rendered them almost lifeless. "I am not sorry," said the King of Persia, "to see them punished for their ingratitude to the King of China."—" They now, Sire, most heartily repented of not having listened to his counsel, and above all of having been too D LA BELLE ASSEMBLEE; hasty in the execution of a project, the consequences of which they ought to have more maturely considered." Razimir, however, did not remain long in the power of these barbarians; some other canoes which they perceived advancing, and observed to be filled with the most inveterate foes to their nation, spread a general alarm amongst them. They set up a terrific how!, and seeing themselves surrounded, and about to be attacked by a superior force, they resolved to jump into the river, and endeavour to save themselves by swimming from a death which otherwise would have proved inevitable. Their prisoner remained alone in the cance, and, alas! only changed one cruel master for another. They soon reached the canoe and fastened it to the rest, and the unhappy Razimir, forced to lie still, ascended the river with them, till they reached a place where they could with safety land. "I shall not, without shuddering," continned the Vizir, "relate to your sublime majesty all the horrors which this unfortunate Prince witnessed and endured.” Scarcely had they all left their canoes when they were surrounded by a great number of other savages belonging to their tribe. They all now examined their victim, and howling terribly, lighted a large fire. Would you believe it, Sire, the women displayed most cruelty! It seems as if this sex, whom heaven has formed for mildness and sensibility, when wicked, surpass men in cruelty and rage. Implacable in their hatred, and often.unjust, || their heart is shut to pity; the destruction alone of the object of their detestation can satisfy their fury or revenge. "Vizir," said the King, “do you know that this digression is not very polite."-" Sire," eplied he, “I only speak the language of truth."" You ought also to know," said the Quceu, with much bitterness, " that truth is not always proper to be uttered."-" Never mind, never mind," said the King, "1t us hear what they did." entertain bis daughter on the day of her marriage, which was soon to take place. These barbarians received with disappointment the suspension of the horrid execution, and Razimir having resumed his clothes, was confined in a hut, guarded night and day by savages, and received no other food than the raw flesh of animals that were killed in the chace, a kind of paste made of maize, some sea-weeds, and oil from the palm-tree. For more than a month these barbarians daily entreated their King to put him to death, but he always replied that he had deferred it, and that he should do nothing with precipitation. The long expected day was at length announced, on which the marriage was to take place, and the execution of our unhappy captive. They came to conduct him to the spot appointed for their horrid entertainment; || where every thing had been prepared that could render it more dreadful; but scarcely had he proceeded a hundred yards in the midst of these monsters who surrounded him, and their women who overwhelmed him with their insults and injuries, when suddenly a a thousand cries struck the air, and suspended this scene of horror.-It was the enemy who were advancing in great numbers, and spread a general consternation.-The guards immediately abandoned their captive, ran to arm themselves, and the terrified females fled in every direction with the rapidity of lightning. Razimir remaining alone, freed himself from the bonds by which he was confined, and endeavoured to devise some means of escape. His first care was to fly out of the reach of his murderers, his first duty to return thanks to heaven for his preservation, and to entreat that he might find an asylum where he could conceal himself from those monsters, who were ready to devour him. After having wandered for a considerable time through a barren country, he perceived a chain of rocks, which bordered a rapid river, the extent of which might have vied with the sea. He carefully examined them, and at the foot of oue discovered a large cavern,, at the entrance of which he remained, undecided, fearing lest it should be inhabited by some wild beast. But encouraged by the hope that this retreat might afford him a hiding-place from his enemies, he entered and lay down to rest. Nature, even in the midst of dangers, never abandons her rights. Razimir, worn out with fatigue, though far from assured of his safety, yielded to her influence, and could not help tasting a few moments repose: sleep They began, continued the Vizir, by tearing off his clothes, offering him every insult, and made him approach the blazing fire, which they did every thing in their power to render inore fierce. During this time the men sung and danced around their victim, whom after having torinonted in various ways, they prepared to throw into the middle of the flames, when, by unexpected good fortune, the King of this abominable country chanced to pass, and observing that they were going to sacrifice a victim, imagined that this spectacle might || almost immediately overpowered his senses. He soon dreamed that he heard a voice, saying-"Prince, arise, this is no time for sleeping; with courage, perseverance, and a good conscience, we may triumph over the injustice and hatred of the wicked. Follow the course of the river, and when you have reached its source, at a short distauce you will discover an old building, covered with the leaves of palm trees; you must knock three times at the door, and it will open of itself, you must enter, -and there await the decrees of heaven." All this had very much the appearance of a dream; yet Razimir thought he could not do better than ubey." Sire, when we wander by the light of misfortunes, we, with blind confidence, grasp at any chimera which offers the sligh test hope." not to be unacquainted with it," replied the old man. "I was born in the dominions of the King, your father, and in me you beboid one of the astrologers who were assembled at your birth, to draw your horoscope, and whom he compelled to speak, and afterwards wished to punish for having declared truths which they sought to conceal. The King of Carizime was so much affected at your disappearance, and his health was so much impaired by grief, that death soon terminated his sufferings. His subjects very severely felt his loss, and still regret him sincerely. The Queen, overwhelmed with sorrow at the loss of her husband and son, and too much afflicted to devote her attention to the affairs of her kingdom, left them to the care of her prime minister, and retired to an bermitage, which she had caused to be erected near the spot where you were so mys. teriously taken from her, doubtless by magic. Her tearful eyes were incessantly turned towards the ocean, in the hope of seeing you return; but after six months of anxious watch The Prince accordingly rose, did as he was commanded, and reached the old building: at the third knock the door opened, but no person appeared. Uncertain how he should act, and fearing to penetrate further, he seated himself at the door, to await the ordinances of heaven. In about a quarter of an hour, he being and expectation, her health became imheld an old man standing on the brink of the river performing his ablation. He immediately approached, and asked him whether be was a Mussulman" You may see that," replied the old man, "by the duty I have just been fulfilling; but you, young man, who are you?"" An unfortunate being, who for twelve years has been exposed to the greatest trials."-" To look at you, one would imagine that you were born to a far different fate; the more I examine you the greater is my belief that your noble and interesting figure was formed to govern men, your right ought to be a throne."—“ You are not deceived," replied Razimir; "a powerful King was the author of my birth; but the most strange and incredible events have long separated me from him, and perhaps for ever."-"Continue, amiable Prince, lay your heart open to me; divest yourself of all suspicion, for I swear by the holy prophet, that my only happiness shall be to serve you." The Prince no longer hesitated to confide in him. The unfortunate are ever ready to relate their tale of woe to those who seem inclined to console them. He began by telling him that he was the son of the King of Carizime.——“ 0, mighty Allah!" exclaimed the old man," the horoscope is then accomplished, which nearly cost me my life!-What, Prince, is it you, then, who were carried away in a boat into which your imprudence had led you?". and that Myself; but you astonish me: how came you acquainted with this event, from which 1 have derived all my misfortunes?"-"I ought paired, and her eyes closed in death whilst imploring heaven for your safety. I shall not relate to you all the horrid scenes which this loss produced. The prime minister wished to take possession of the throne, but his governmeat was become odious to the people: several parties were formed against him, his authority was despised, and they even went so far as to attack him in his own palace. The nobles took up arms, the people revolted, and from that period the kingdom of Carizime has been a prey to the most terrible civil dissention. For my part, I escaped in the midst of these troubles; I have traversed many countries, incessantly reproaching myself for the cruel truths which my art had taught me respecting your destiny, and the misfortunes which they had caused the authors of your being. Weary with wandering over the earth, I sought an asylum in this solitary spot, where my days glide away in peace and tranquillity; and death, which I am awaiting, has nothing to terrify me. This island is governed by a Queen endowed with every virtue; her subjects are the happiest people in existHer wisdom is their guide, her goodness enchants, and her justice enlightens them; they adore her, and never cease to sing her praises. ence. "I have not forgotten our observations, and they inform me that the moment is arrived when a happier fate awaits you. You are now approaching your sixth lustre; your horoscope is accomplished. To-morrow, Prince, I will conduct you to the grand vizir, who is in every D 2 LA BELLE ASSEMBLEE; respect deserving of the confidence of his royal mistress; he will present you to the Queen, and you cannot fail of meeting with a favourable reception. It is even possible that she may take so lively an interest in your misfortunes, as to procure you the means of refurning to your states.. It is certain that on seeing you refurn, your subjects would fly to meet you, hail you as their legitimate monarch, and place you on the throne which is your undoubted right." The Prince willingly acquiesced in the old man's advice, and the next day they repaired to visit the vizir. The latter was no sooner informed of the Prince's title, than shewing the greatest marks of surprise, he exclaimed, "O Allah! it is to thee alone that it belongs to perform such miracles! Come Prince of Carizime," continued he," let us seek the Queen, and you will soon know that my astonishment was not without great cause." Ou saying this, he led the way to the palace, and when they had reached the entrance of the Queen's apartinent, begged the Prince to wait for a moment whilst be announced him to her majesty, that he might be insured a favourable reception. division of their victims. They were soon attacked by men of another nation, who destroyed the greater part of them, and put the remainder to flight. The conquerors took us with them towards a canoe, which they had fastened to the beach, and we soon joined a ship which had been left at some distance. These new masters, whom Heaven had sent us, treated us with mildness, and our fears began to subside, when a dreadful tempest arose, which, notwithstanding all the efforts of our sailors, dashed our ship with such violence against the rocks on this coast, that she went to pieces, and left us with inevitable death in view. For my part, without intreating Heaven to spare my unhappy life, I embraced my children, expecting to die with them. We were just on the point of being swallowed up when several inhabitants of this island, having at a distance witnessed our misfortune, came to our assistance, dragged us half dead out of the water, and perceiving that we still breathed, carried us to their habitations, and by their unwearied attentious recalled us to life. The king of the island being informed of our misfortunes, wished to see us. He was a man of about forty, beloved by his subjects, but not more than he deserved. I concealed nothing from him; I related my history, and informed im'of my name and birth; he ap in a short time the door opened, and the vizir conducted Razimir to the foot of the throne." O heavens !" exclaimed the Queen, on recognizing the Prince, and open-peared much affected by the succession of mising her arms to receive him-"What joy, what happiness-is it really you, Razimir, whom I behold?"-"What do I hear?"in his turn, exclaimed the Prince-" what voice is that Dilaram! my beloved Dilaram! have I again found you! O Mahomet! it is to thee I owe this felicity.-Ah!". continued he, "whatever afflictions I have experienced, thy kindness greatly surpasses thy wrath, since thou hast restored her to my arins!" They embraced with an ardour that may be better conceived than described. Razimir now enquired for his children," you shall soon see them," replied the Queen; "they are gone at my request to offer consolation and relief to the inhabitants of a village which has been struck by lightning. It is by such acts as these, that I strive to form their hearts to benevolence. While awaiting their return, I will satisfy your curiosity, by informing you how I have ascended this throne, which I am ready to quit to follow you, if my people do not consent that you should share it with hae." As soon as the savages who separated us, had got me and my children in their possession, they confined them on one side, and me on the other of a rock, the entrance of which they guarded, disputing amongst themselves, on the fortunes I had experienced, and after having listened to me with equal interest and attention, he said to me:" My daughter, we must support the afflictions which Heaven sends us with fortitude; it is by such trials as these that it proves our virtue. Remain with me; I will take care of you and your children." He did not content himself with loading me with honours and gifts; he often consulted me on affairs of state; he wished me to become one of his council, and my advice was always followed by the praise which he bestowed on my penetration, and the mildness of the measures I proposed. I had lived for some time in this manner, when one day the King sent for me, and said to me:-" Princess, it is time for you to be made acquainted with a design which I have formed. I am desirous that you should succeed me to the throne; but I can only insure it you by giving you my hand, and receiving yours. My people, who are charmed with your virtue, will applaud my choice, and will be thankful to me for securing to you the advantage of reigning over them." "I hesitated for some time," my beloved Razimir; "but almost despairing of ever seeing you again, the interest of my sons overcame my scruples. My marriage was celebrated, to the |