WHITBY ABBEY.

it was a most flourishing community, possessing broad and fair lands with a rental enough to support the monks in the rich merry life tradition leads us to suppose they delighted in.

A curious and melancholy event happened to one of the monks of Whitby Abbey, during the reign of Henry the Second, about the year 1160. Two Lords in the neighbourhood, William de Bruce and Ralph de Percy, were hunting the wild boar in the forest of Eskdaleside which belonged to the Abbot of Whitby. The hounds having fouud a large wild boar, there was a long and hard chase after the animal, until a hermitage was reached, built by a monk who had retired there from the Abbey, for the sake of deeper seclusion and penitence. The boar being closely pursued, rushed into the chapel, lay down on the floor and immediately died, the hermit closed the door against the dogs and continued at his prayers. The gentlemen arriving on the spot found their hounds at bay, and called the hermit to open the door: this he did; but when the hunters rushed in and found the boar dead, these cruel lords were in such a fury at their sport being spoiled, that they ran upon the hermit with their boar staves and inflicted such injuries upon him, that he was on the point of death. They immediately fled to take sanctuary at Scarborough, but the Abbot of Whitby, who was in great favour with the King, got them removed for trial. But the hermit, before his death, sent for the Abbot and his murderers, and said, "I am sure to die of these wounds."

"Yes," replied the Abbot, "but they shall die for it."

Not so," said the hermit, "for I will freely forgive them my death, if they are content to be enjoined this penance for the safeguard of their souls."

The gentlemen, thankful to save their lives at any price, promised to fulfil his wish, when he made this curious request.

"You and yours shall hold your land, of the Abbot of Whitby, in this manner: That, upon the Eve of Ascension Day, you shall come to this wood, and there shall the officer of the Abbot blow his horn and deliver to each of you ten stakes, eleven strut-stowers, and eleven yadders cut with a knife of a penny price; and these you shall bear on your backs to the town of Whitby, before nine o'clock in the morning; and, at low water, ye shall set your stakes at the water's brim and fasten them with the yadders, so that they stand three tides-to remind you that you did slay me. And that you may the better call to God for mercy, repent yourselves and do good works, and the officer of Eskdaleside shall blow, "Out on you! out on you! out on you! for this heinous crime of yours."

The Abbot then said: "I grant all that you have said, and will confirm it by the faith of an honest man."

Then the hermit said: "My soul longeth for the Lord, and I as freely forgive these gentlemen my death as Christ forgave the thief on the cross!"-and so he yielded up his ghost.

It appears that William de Bruce, of Skelton Castle, founded a chantry in the church of Pickering, Yorkshire, to pray for his soul, his ancestors, and all Christian souls; and there his monument may still be seen. As for the service to which he was condemned, it was continued by his descendants until a very recent period, and was intended to keep out the cattle from the landing-place for goods on the east-side of the river Esk. The monks of the Abbey had, from time immemorial, performed the duty of making this horn-garth, or stake and yether hedge, as it was called, until it was thus transferred to the Percy and Bruce families, and the custom was continued long after circumstances rendered it necessary.

The bold Robin Hood was a frequent visitor at Whitby in the time of Richard the First. When the soldiers were in too hot pursuit of him in Nottinghamshire, he took refuge in the wild and inaccessible rocks where the village now stands which bears his name-Robin Hood's Bay. The moors, over which horses could scarcely pass, were his security on the land side, and a number of fishing vessels lay in the bay, ready to carry him away if danger pressed. On the occasion when he and Little John were dining with the Abbot of Whitby, the latter wished to see a shot from the bows of men who were so famous for their skill in archery, and begged them to give him a specimen after dinner. The went up to the top of the Abbey, when the two outlaws each shot an arrow, and in the places where they fell the Abbot set up a pillar: the distance was more than a mile, which seems a little beyond belief. The field where the one pillar is bears the name of Robin Hood's Field, and the other John's Field; the old deeds and conveyances all bearing the same testimony we may suppose that tradition is not altogether at fault.

After the dissolution of the monasteries the site of the Abbey came into possession of the Cholmeleys of Cheshire, a family which may be traced back as far as the Roman Conquest. They built a mansion between the church and the ruined abbey, which, during the troubles of the time of Charles the First, was converted into a garrison by the Parliamentary forces and plundered of everything valuable. In the meantime Sir Hugh Cholmeley was bravely defending the Castle of Scarbro' for the King, a siege which lasted more than twelve months, during all which time of trial Lady Cholmeley staid with him, nursing the sick and wounded with all a woman's care and patience. After the Castle surrendered, in 1645, Sir Hugh and his family were exiled and his estates sequestered until 1649, when he was permitted to return home, where he employed himself in establishing the alum-works, which have proved such a profitable source of commerce to the neighbourhood. The first of these alum-works were made at Gisbro', by Sir Thomas Chaloner, an eminent naturalist and traveller, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who, having visited the Pope's mo nopoly near Rome, was convinced that the same

mineral abounded in his own neighbourhood. | Thomas and his workmen, but apparently without But the process being wholly unknown in effect. Of the beautiful Abbey, which has seen England he offered a large reward to some of so many vicissitudes, nothing remains but the the skilled workmen in Italy if they would ac- ruins of the church, which stand in their desocompany him secretly to his estate, where the lation high above the town, commanding a works were speedily in operation, and reduced beautiful view of the far-spreading sea, the the price of alum very largely. The Pope was rocky shore, and the windings of the Esk river, so angry at the loss of so lucrative a monopoly which flows through picturesque dales and wild that he fulminated a dreadful anathema on Sir dark moors.

MEMS OF THE MON T H.

During the last month an unusual amount of novelty has been produced at the theatres.

The revival of "The Duke's Motto," at the Lyceum, has attracted great crowds to witness Mr. Fechter's finished performance of Henri de Lagardère. The charming scenery, and the admirable manner in which the piece is put upon the stage, are not the least parts of the attraction. The entertainments at this house have been supplemented by a new ballet, entitled "The Satyr," which serves to introduce M. Espinosa, a

A dull, damp, drizzling morning, accompanied | tumblers, and sharpers, and all the disreputable by a pitiless searching wind, was scarcely a fa- tag-rag that may be encountered on the racevourable or tempting opportunity of seeing the course. In many of the carriages, on the mornBoat-race, especially when one had to turn out ing of the boat-race, might be noticed suspiciousof bed very early indeed in order to get to Put-looking hampers, and the frequent popping of ney or Mortlake, that one might see the start or champagne-corks might be heard: in fact, the the finish. Nevertheless, people did go-in- only people who seemed to be in any way enjoydeed, there never were a larger quantity of ing themselves were those individuals safely spectators to witness the annual aquatic con- ensconced in water-tight close-carriages, and test; whilst the number of carriages, ve- who had been prudent enough to bring their hicles of every description, and equestrians, breakfast with them. male and female, were even greater than usual. Your Bohemian-who unfortunately was rather late in starting, and was further hindered by the infrequency of trains on the Metropolitan Railway on that morning-was shot out at Hammersmith only just in time to see the boats pass the bridge. At this point they were nearly even it was difficult to say which of the two was in advance, if indeed there was any difference. But it was evident, to any cool spectator, that is, any reasonable being-we do not alllude to those lunatics who tore along the bank, splashed themselves and everyone else up to the eyes in mud, and howled till they were black in the face that the Oxonians were rowing well within their strength, whilst their opponents were exerting themselves to the utmost, and were already beginning to look fagged. This proved to be the case in the long-run; for, though Oxford only won by a quarter of a length, it is said to be one of the closest races on record. There are many people who think that the Oxonians could have won by a much greater distance had they chosen to do so. Travelling along the course from Hammersmith to the White Hart at Barnes, it was easy to see that an enormous number of people were present. The embankment known as The Sandhills was one mass of umbrellas, as if covered with a Brobdignagian growth of fungi; the roads were blocked with carriages, and the pathways were made dangerous by equestrians, who rode over the toes of unfortunate people on foot with the utmost coolness and effrontery. This festival is becoming more and more of a national one every year, and each year shows some fresh importation of the "Derby" element into it—we have niggers,

singularly grotesque dancer, who made a great sensation at Covent Garden Theatre five years ago.-By-the-way, it is said Mr. Fechter will relinquish the Lyceum at the end of the season, and it is rumoured that Mr. Nation will become its lessee.

The production of Mr. Robertson's "Caste," at the Prince of Wales's, was most successful. On the first night of its representation the little house was crammed as it never had been crammed before, and people who came to pay their money for stalls thought themselves wondrously lucky if they obtained standing room in the back of the pit. The comedy itself is one of its author's best efforts: in construction it is superior to "Ours" and "Society," and it far surpasses them in its terse and vigorous dialogue, and the smart ringing repartee with which it abounds. It is impossible to give too high praise to Miss Marie Wilton, for her rendering of the light-hearted ballet-girl, Polly. Mr. Hare's Sam Gerridge, too, was a marvel in its way. Miss Lydia Foote, Miss Larkyn, Mr. Younge, Mr. Bancroft, and Mr. Honey were especially good in the parts they undertook to represent. Mr. John Clarke is a great loss to this house.

The gentleman in question has migrated to the Adelphi, where he has appeared in a new farce, "A Fretful Porcupine," and has also taken Mr. Toole's part in "Lost in London," the latter gentleman having started on a somewhat lengthened provincial tour. On Easter Monday a new musical drama was produced at this house-" Garibaldi in Sicily," and served to introduce Miss Roden. This lady has a certain sweetness about her voice, which would doubtless be very charming in a drawing-room, but she has not force or power enough for a theatre. The music of this piece, which is very light and sparkling, is by Messrs. Calcott and Hatton, whilst the words of the songs, which are well worthy the music, are by Mr. Sawyer.

Mrs. Scott Siddons has been playing at the Haymarket, in "As You Like it," and though she scarcely bears out the high opinion many formed of her who heard her readings, she has certainly met with very fair success. Everyone will regret that that charming actress, Miss Nelly Moore, has left this theatre, as she will be a great loss to the company. She has accepted an engagement from Mr. Henderson, of Liverpool, to play Nelly, in "Lost in London." Drury-lane Theatre has been crowded to witness the performance of Mr. Halliday's comedy-drama, "The Great City." The view of London from the house-tops, and Waterloo Bridge by night, have proved very attractive. It is eminently realistic in every respect, even down to the introduction of a real horse and Hansom. A few nights ago the former caused considerable sensation by unmistakably asserting his reality by attempting to back the latter into the orchestra.

The farce of "The French Exhibition" still holds its place in the Strand bills, and the great attraction now at this place of entertainment is Mr. William Brough's new burlesque, "Pygmalion." It is very eloquently written; it is by no means slangy-a rare qualification, by-the-way, in modern burlesque-and is the most polished production this author has produced for some time. It is well put upon the stage, capitally acted, and likely to achieve a long run.

Mr. Roberts's new romantic drama "Idalia," at the St. James's, has achieved but a moderate success. The unfortunate overflow of water on the first night, and the subsequent tumbles of the principal performers unfortunately provoked the risible faculties of the audience, so that they were unable to give the attention due to the serious business of the scene. Mr. Burnand's "Olympic Games," at the theatre of that name, is a bustling and amusing extravaganza, though it has not any very great literary merit. Miss Louisa Moore, as Venus, looked very charming, and her dress was in the best possible taste; it was eminently modest and lady-like, and well worthy of being copied by many of the ladies who play Venus, in modern burlesque. Miss Farren's unflagging spirits and unwearying terpsichorean and vocal abilities contributed greatly to the success of the piece. The smart,

dapper dress of Alectryon suited her trim little figure admirably.

The annual dinner in celebration of Shakespeare's birthday, took place at the Urban Club, on the 23rd ult. Mr. Edmund Yates presided on the occasion, and an admirable chairman he made. He was well supported by Mr. Wharton Simpson in the vice-chair. Both these gentlemen gave, in the course of the evening, some very telling speeches. Amongst other speakers on the occasion were Messrs. Dion Boucicault, Crawford Wilson, Forbes Robertson, Heraud, Bacon, De Fleury, Linnæus Banks, Stirling Coyne, Henry Marston, Horsley, Hain Friswell, Fielding, Carpenter, and Ashby Sterry.

Amongst the many new and curious periodicals, which appear from time to time and often disappear, may be noticed a new monthly, entitled The Whip. At first we imagined this was some educational paper devoted to the advocacy of the discipline of the rod in our schools, and from this curious and elaborate correspondence in some of our papers lately on the subject we should not have been surprised to have found such to be the case; but no! It is simply a publication devoted to interests of cab and om nibus drivers. On the first of May appears a new sixpenny, The London: the proprietors make great promises with regard to the new magazine. If they are carried out we may certainly expect to see Cornhill, Belgravia, Temple Bar, and London Society rolled into one for sixpence. Two new comic papers are on the point of being launched: one at three-pence, The Tomahawk, the other at three-half-pence, Judy. What a pity it is some new titles cannot be found for such publications! A pleasing gift-book, "The Alexandra Bijou," will shortly be published. It contains contributions in prose and verse from some of the best known living authors and, it is said, will be published for the benefit of the Evicted Tenants' Aid Association. A second edition of Mr. William Sawyer's charming little book of poems, "Ten Miles from Town," is in the press and will shortly be published. A new sixpenny, emanating from a publisher of high standing, and supported by a staff including some of the best names in the literature of the day, is, it is said, likely to be before the public before many months have gone by. The Dramatic College Annual, that amus ing little brochure which was so successful last year that it was re-printed twice in America and once in Australia, will be published in June. It will be, as heretofore, under the editorship of Mr. B. Webster, jun., who has already secured a large staff of able contributors.

It is with deep admiration for the musician and with sincere respect for the man, and tender sympathy with those he loved so well, that we allude to the death of Alfred Mellon. Those who could appreciate best his great musical talents, feel there is no one to fill the important place he has left vacant, and those who knew the kind-hearted friend and the genial gentleman are certain that his loss can never be replaced. The immense concourse of people of every