Though disappointed with the result of his first effort to dispose of his poem, Joseph renews the attempt with another eminent publisher-Waits on, and is admitted 43 Makes a third attempt to get a purchaser for his manu- script-Fails as before-Resolves to publish the work on his own account-Some secrets worth knowing Joseph determines for ever to abjure writing poetry, Is received on trial for the situation named in the pre- vious chapter-Feelings consequent on a first attempt at parliamentary reporting-Succeeds in getting a per- 69 78 Duties of a parliamentary reporter-Joseph attends the meetings of a political association-Character of the 82 Importance of a proper religious education-Mr. Jenkins' want of it-Consequences of neglecting the outward Joseph extends his acquaintance with authors and pub- Forms another engagement-Writes leading articles Joseph forms a new literary engagement-Corrupt state Joseph is taken seriously ill-Neglect of his acquaint- Is restored to health-Effect of the conversation with JOSEPH JENKINS. CHAPTER I. Introductory notice of our hero-Death of his mother-His arrival in London-The impression which the external aspect of the metropolis makes on his mind. JOSEPH JENKINS was born in a small village, which it is needless to name, in the county of Moray, a district in the north of Scotland equally remarkable for the beauty of its landscapes and the salubrity of its climate. The lowland portions of the county possess an aspect of loveliness, in that season of the year when the trees are loaded with foliage, and the fields are luxuriant with corn and grass, which is hardly to be surpassed, and seldom equalled, by any scenery within the limits of our sea-girt shores. And, from some of the more elevated B situations in Morayshire, the prospect is as extensive as it is pleasant. From the summit of the hill, now called Quarrywood, though its original name was Quarrelwood, the eye can take in, at one glance, no fewer than nine counties. Nor is its vision, even then, circumscribed by the intervention of physical objects: it is only because the eye possesses not the power of extending its vision farther, that its range is thus limited: it literally loses itself in the immensity of space. Having a lively perception, and an exquisite relish for the beauties of nature, Joseph Jenkins was in the habit of feasting his vision, for entire days, in the season of summer, on the lovely panorama spread before him, as he seated himself on the summit of Quarrywood. He not only possessed a cultivated literary taste, but had much of the ardour and sanguine temperament of the poet in his composition. His fond imagination clothed his prospects in life-though prospects, properly speaking, he had none |