OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. No. XXIX.] SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1823. [PRICE 2d. View of London from the Cross of St. Paul's. What a living poet, Mr. Haynes, has observed in his tragedy of Durazzo, of an ambitious man, that, "Had he but wings to fly He'd bear his very appetites to heaven, And slake his thirst i' the clouds,' may well be applied to the young artist who passed whole nights in an observatory erected over the cross of St. Paul's cathedral, in order that he might take a panoramic of London; and yet such a dangerous and difficult enterprize was achieved by an English artist. If any proof were wanting of the aspiring ambition and elevated and extensive views of the present age, such an undertaking as this would certainly supply it; and anxious to perpetuate an adventure unparalleled in the annals of art and enterprise, we this day, at a considerable expense, present our readers with a large and beautiful engraving of this singular subject. It was when the cross of St. Paul's was taken down, in 1821, to be repaired and regilt, that an ingenious and enterprising young artist, Mr. Thomas Hornor, availed himself of the circumstance to obtain permission to erect an observatory above the usual scite of the cross, for the purpose of making panoramic drawings of the metropolis and the surrounding country. Mr. Hornor had been for some time engaged in executing pictural delineations of landed estates in perspective panoramic views. In the course of his pursuits this way, he constructed an apparatus by which the most distant and intricate scenery may be delineated with mathematical accuracy. The metropolis and its beautiful environs furnished a fine subject for Mr. Hornor's delineation, and in order to effect this object, he passed the whole summer of 1820 in the lantern of St. Paul's immediately under the ball, in executing a general view. When this view was nearly completed, preparations were made for removing the ball and cross; and the scaffolding, which excited such géneral admiration, as a stupendous and most ingenious structure, and of which our engraving presents a correct idea, was erected. But even this was not sufficient for the aspiring artist's ambition, that "Desire of active souls, That pushes them beyond the bounds of Nature, And elevates the hero to the Gods." Mr. Hornor obtained permission to erect an observatory, supported by a platform, several feet above the highest part of the present cross: and having succeeded in fixing the apparatus in the menced a new series of sketches, on a interior of the observatory, he com greatly enlarged scale, so as to admit the introduction of minute objects at a distance of some miles. In doing this he had to contend against numerous obstacles; sometimes portions of the scene would be in bright sunshine, and at others in total obscurity, producing an incessant alteration in light and shade. Other difficulties also presented themselves, but Mr. Hornor surmounted them all, and he made a complete panoramic view of the metropolis and its environs, on 280 sheets of drawing paper, comprising a surface of 1680 square feet. The laborious toil, which he had daily to undergo, in ascending the infinite staircases and ladders to reach his aerial habitation, independently of the danger of a journey so often repeated, would have damped the ardour of most men. Few artists, however enthusiastic, profess the requisite courage and physical ability to counter such herculean labour, attended with such imminent personal risk. But our readers will form a better conception of Mr. Hornor's impressions from his own characteristic description. en "On entering the cathedral at three in the morning, the stillness which then prevailed in the streets of this populous city, contrasted with their mid-day bustle, was only surpassed by the more solemn and sepulchral stillness of the cathedral itself. But not less impressive was the developement, at that early hour, of the immense scene from its lofty summit, whence was frequently beheld the Forest of London,' without any indication of animated existence. It was interesting to mark the gradual symptons of returning life, until the rising sun vivified the whole into acOn one tivity, bustle, and business. occasion the night was passed in the ing the first glimpse of day; but the observatory, for the purpose of meetcold was so intense, as to preclude any wish to repeat the experiment. assistance was readily afforded by the "In proceeding with the work, every gentlemen connected with the cathedral; and, through their kind attention, all possible precautions were taken for the prevention of accidents to be apprehended in such an exposed situation. But the weather was frequently so boisterous during the stormy to summer of 1821, as to frustrate the judicious contrivances for security. In deed scarcely a day passed without derangement of some part of the scaffolding, or machinery connected with it; and so strong became the sense of danger arising from these repeated casualties, that notwithstanding the powerful inducement of increased remuneration, it was difficult on these emergencies to obtain the services of efficient workmen. This will not appear surprising, when it is known that, during the high winds, it was impossible for a person stand on the scaffolding without clinging for support against the frame-work; the creaking and whistling of the timbers, at such times, resembled those of a ship labouring in a storm, and the situation of the artist was not unlike that of a mariner at the masthead. During a squall, more than usually severe, a great part of the circular frame-work of heavy planks, erected above the gallery for the prevention of accidents, was carried over the house-tops to a considerable distance. At this moment a similar fate had nearly befallen the observatory, which was torn from its fastenings, turned partly over the edge of the platform, and its various contents thrown into utter confusion. The fury of the wind rendered the door impassable; and, after a short interval of suspense, an outlet was obtained by forcing a passage on the opposite side. * By this misfortune, independently of personal inconvenience, considerable delay and expense were occasioned ere the work could be resumed; and it became necessary to provide against similar misfortunes, by securing the observatory to a cross-beam, and constructing a rope fence. Our engraving presents a large and correct view of the scaffolding erected for the repairs of St. Paul's; with the observatory constructed above the cross of the cathedral for Mr. Hornor; be neath is seen a beautiful panoramie view of the metropolis; the whole ccpied from Mr Hornor's own drawings; as is an enlarged view of the observatory itself, at the bottom of the plate. Mr. Hornor is about to publish engravings from his highly interesting views, on an enlarged scale, by subscription, and we have no doubt that he will meet with ample success: though it would be difficult sufficiently to reward an artist who has incurred such hazards in an intense ardour for his profession. THE OPENING OF THE EXHI- A : POETICAL EPISTLE FROM RICHARD IN TOWN, TO ROBIN IN THE COUNTRY. Somerset House, May 8, 1823. DEAR ROBIN, Once more in the midst of our fam'd picture mart, Our cheap shilling show, and our bazaar of art, Where all, if their stomachs allow them to stay, May feast upon pictures the whole of the day; And never was, surely, a twelvepenny crowd, A much greater quantumn of freedom allow'd. Here the men from the East, and the men from the West, Bring the labours of art to their critical test, And deal out their knowledge and amateur skill, And praise, blame, and blunder, as much as they will; For all think the pleasure in seeing the sight, Is to find it all wrong, and to set it all right. With a connoisseur look, and a connoisseur glass, From picture to picture in censure they Or the keeping, or colour, is bad in that view." Here one makes a shrewd anatomical point, An accident somewhat more peril ous befel Mr. Gwynn, when occupied in measuring the top of the dome, for a section of the Cathedral. While intent on his work, his foot slipped, and he slided down the convex surface of the dome, until his descent was fortunately obstructed by a small projecting piece of the lead. He thus remained until released from the danger which threat ened him, by one of his assistants, who providentially discovered his awful And now the throng thickens, and now Aud shows that the arm, leg, or neck's twist, swears that the hand don't belong to the wrist; situation. the folks squeeze, You may elbow a Lord, or a Duke, if you please. If the weather proves warm, you may judge in the case "Twixt the paint on the canvass and that on the face, And the shade with the substance may boldly compare, As all pay their shilling to have a good stare. To see the fine sights, and to buy a fine gown, Peter Puddle has trundled his daughter to town: With pressing importance he enters the rout, And fancies he knows what it is all about. "Now look at that picture! I say, Suke, look there! They wont make us think that was done for the May'r! Here, stand in my place, wench, and mind you, don't budge, I'll show you at once I'm a bit of a judge. Does his eyes look on me now, or do they on you? Why then if they don't, girl, it never will do. I was told by the man in our parish who paints, When I made the tight bargain to touch up our saints, That a portrait that does not look all the room round, Is not worth the price of the colours it ground. If you go to the left, or you go to the right, Your true picture should always keep you in sight." "Now, Sir, don't you think," (said a Prig, taking hold Of the man who stood next him,)" the fellow was bold, To hang on the walls such a vile piece of stuff? The hands and the feet may be done well enough, But as to the coat they have hung on his back, Why it fits just as well as a shirt or a sack: Not a man that I keep on the board of my shop But would cry out for shame on this vile piece of slop, All who know what a coat is, with me too must join; Don't you think, Sir, I'm right?"—“Sir, the picture is mine, And when next you a critical judgment afford, Let it be on your men, and your shop, and your board." But how does it fare with the sons of LORD BYRON. The following most recent and highly interesting account of Lord Byron is copied from a private letter, dated Genoa, April 5:-" You are of course aware that Lord Byron is still here; his Lordship lives in a villa at Albano, within a mile of the city gate, on the eastern coast. Having a letter to present, I waited on him this morning, and was received with his accustomed aftability. As you will readily conceive, I was highly gratified at finding myself in the society of one whose constant application to literature and study renders him by no means easy of access. Though somewhat thinner in the face than he was six years ago, when last I saw his Lordship, I am happy to inform you that he enjoys perfect health. I perceived that a few white hairs have begun to obtrude themselves on his ebon locks, but the general cast of his features are more marked and interesting than ever. His eyes retain all their penetrating brilliancy, and that voice with which you were so affected at Venice has lost nothing of its impressive tone and flexible qualities. The young Count Gamba, with whom his Lordship seems to be on terms of the warmest friendship, is distinguished both as a patriot and poet. This amiable Nobleman has translated the Bride of Abydos, which is printing here, and will appear in a few days. The Italian version is highly spoken of by those who have seen specimens.-Knowing the general anxiety which prevails relative to the noble author of Childe Harold's return to England, I ventured to hint at the subject, and from the reply I should imagine his Lordship has no intention of going home at present. Our conversation related almost exclusively to Greece, in whose cause he is quite enthusiastic. I need therefore scarcely say with how much satisfaction be heard of the change in our policy, which has followed the accession of Mr. Canning; nor was his Lordship less gratified when informed of the recent association in London to promote the interests of the Greeks, From the manner in which he dwelt on this important question, I should not Of Though the villa occupied by Lord B. is spacious and elegant, the room in which I was received is fitted up with the greatest simplicity. On entering, I perceived a guitar, some music, and a few books strewed on the table. four or five engravings suspended in plain gilt frames round the room, two are portraits of his daughter, and a third, one of Westall's illustrations of Childe Harold. 66 NUGE CANORE. To the Editor of the Mirror. SIR-In my younger and wilder days (and that is no very long time ago either) I was much addicted to that species of dissipation, which, in the softened language of fashionable life, we term gallantry; and, (horresco referens!) the objects of my attachment were no others than the fair sisters of Parnassus themselves. Many a time and oft" was I wont to hold amorous dalliance with one or other of them in some lonely bower, or other propitious retreat; and numerous were the proofs of this illicit intercourse, that time brought to light under the various guises of odes, sonnels, epigrams, elegiac efBut, notfusions, et hoc genus omne. to which withstanding the number, my Parnassian progeny at length increased, I was fortunate enough, by a rigid exercise of my parental authority, to avoid that public exposure, which the emigration of so many of my bantlings into the world might have occasioned. A few of them, indeed, did contrive to elude my vigilauce, and were the cause, at the moment, of" many compunctious visitings" to their unfortunate sire. But since then, Mr. Editor, times are strangely altered, "Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis," and I begin to feel it my duty, by way of offering some atonement for the indiscretions of youth, to make a public |