1815.] Dr. Pananti-Knights of the Bath re-knighted. aid to the finances of the country, and that without trenching upon or interfering to lessen the action of any one expedient hitherto considered eligible to advance the revenue. The impossibility of making any correct computation of the amount which might be thus raised, must be obvious, from the unknown variety of channels and resources from which it would be derived; there being no other guide to direct a calculation than that which can be but imperfectly drawn from directories of traders, partially attached to some cities and principal towns: all endeavours to make any estimate will, therefore, be inaccurate. It must also be admitted, that such a regulation could never be more satisfactorily received, or with more propriety adopted, than at thẹ present juncture. Somerset. MR. EDITOR, IT is known to most of the amateurs of Italian literature in England, that Dr. Pananti above a year ago left this country on his return to his native rcsidence, (Palermo,) where he intended on his arrival to establish a literary and political journal. Whether he has ever been able to accomplish his purpose, or has now abandoned his plan, I have been unable to ascertain. Conceiving it probablet some of your readers may have it in their power to favour me with intelligence on the subject, I am induced to notice the circumstance of the extraordinary adventure of his capture and detention by an Algerine pirate, in order to incite their attention to it. The particulars of this disastrous result, of his voyage he had communicated, in a detailed memoir of his sufferings, to his friend Dr. Granville in London; and the first part of his affecting narrative appeared in the last number of the Italico, the remainder of which I fear is now lost to the public, by the discontinuance of that work. Should his projected journal have been really established, it would afford the promise of particular interest, at the present juncture, as a local record of the events connected 515 knighted, if I may so term it? e. g. see p. 467 of your last magazine, and some of the late gazettes. By the 11th art. of the new constitution of this order, (see N. M. Mag. No. 13, p. 69,) it is or dained that these new knights shall both "have place and precedence before all knights bachelors," and also," shall enjoy all and singular the rights, privileges, and immunities, enjoyed by the said knights bachelors." I am, therefore, at a loss to comprehend why the commanders in question have been now gazetted as knights, when they already possessed precedence over, and all the rights be longing to, this class by their previous nomination to the order of the Bath! ON TRUE POLITENESS. IN order to have cleaf, correct, and comprehensive ideas of politeness, it will be proper to define it-answer objections-shew its advantages-and then point out the best means to acquire it. Politeness is the art of pleasing those with whom we converse, by a kind and graceful behaviour, wisely adapted to different persons and circumstances. A condescending disposition is essential in good manners; hence good nature has been called a natural politeness; and when a good natural temper is improved by study as well as sympathy, and polished by keeping genteel company, then the person may become truly pelite. This art of pleasing is not an occasional act, but an habitual practice; very often manifesting itself by a benevolent smile on the countenance, and always 'discovered by an easy carriage with a coutteous deportment. Politeness does not require deep knowledge; for many profound scholars are rather deficient in it, and in general those who excel, have but a moderate share of erudition. A wellbred person generally has a quick sense of propriety, and pays attention to all according to their rank in life or abilities; but in conversing with such as are much his inferiors, he avoids using low expressions, of a vulgar familiarity. Yet, as the best things are the most liable to be counterfeited or corrupted, proaching restoration of the ap- so it is with true urbanity. Its counter Siciliau crown to its Neapolitan dominions. Berkshire, June 3, 1815. SCRUTATOR. P. S. Can you, Mr. Editor, or any of your correspondents, inform the,-perhaps Mr. CLEMENT COTTERELI will be obliging enough to explain, why some of the knights commanders of the order of the Bath have been subsequently re feits are affectation in females, and foppery in the other sex. As to its abuses, or the mistakes' respecting politeness, they are the three following, which I shall consider as objections, and answer them, viz.1. Some think that complai sant behaviour is not consistent with sincerity. Such would insinuate that only their own blunt, and perhaps rude, way 516 Rev. Mr. Scraggs on Politeness. of speaking can be truly sincere; but they should recollect, that as persons in genteel life are not used to such a rough behaviour, it would give them pain and offence: besides, the same truthis can be as clearly conveyed in a better manner. It is true, indeed, that a great number use politeness merely as a mask to deceive; but so it is with respect to hypocrites, and yet as religion is not therefore to be blamed, no more is complaisance. A serious person will not dissemble in order to be courteous, and those who will use deception must answer for it to their maker. There is, however, a danger to guard against, in using ceremonies and passing compliments, lest we should go beyond truth.-2. Many object to politeness, supposing that it consists principally in artificial studied formalities. Persons in genteel life from their youth are accustomed to graceful positions, motions, and bendings of the body, which become quite natural to them; and in genteel company there are such necessary ceremonies, which those in low life may think are studied formalities. But as the well bred go through all those with ease and dignity, it is a complete proof that they are not artificial to them, nor will they be unnatural to any who properly use them.-3. Some object to politeness, thinking it necessarily connected with very expensive dresses and parties. Cleanliness and neatness are absolutely necessary to good manners, but not a continued attention to fluctuating fashions, with frequent expensive entertainments. Many are truly polite who are plain in their dress and furniture, and do not keep much com pany. Having explained the nature of politeness, and answered some principal objections to prevent misconceptions, I shall now set forth its chief advantages, which are the following:-1. It prevents animosities in society. Vulgarity tends to raise such evil passions as often occasion the worst acts of rancour and revenge, and produces quarrels and lawsuits; but politeness, which signifies a smooth or polished behaviour, avoids giving any provocation, and frequently conciliates those who are irritated, or out of ten per.-2. It keeps under selfishness. Most persons are too much influenced by self-love, and some are governed by it, but good manners subdue, or at least check, this natural selfishness, in order to make things pleasant in our social intercourse. In company we should never wish to have our own way, [July 1, but consider others more than ourselves, and thus by giving them opportunities to display their talents, they are pleased, our reputation for being polite is established, and in return we shall have similar gratifications.-3. It is a recommendation on a slight acquaintance. A polite address is of great consequence, as it strongly recommends even at the first appearance, nor does it lose its value by time or intimacy. Many have neither wit, learning, nor a pleasing person, but having suavity of manners, are well received wherever they go. Mrs. Chapone very justly remarks," that a desire to please, and a respectful attention to others in company, will in a measure supply the want of knowledge, and tends to make every one ready to overlook our defects. The humble and affable therefore should not be depressed, and get above the shame of wanting that which either nature has denied them, or which they never had the means of acquiring,” As to such as unite literary attainments with polished manners, they are always acceptable in company, and must have an allowed superiority in it.—4. It increases the comforts of society in general. It must be conceded that in many instances politeness is used as a screen to conceal from others that which is not fit to be seen, though it may not be criminal, and even so far it is a social advantage. But there are those who have nothing improper to hide, and yet are polite to promote social bappiness. These are some of the best friends of society, and their conduct and example contribute to increase the many comforts enjoyed in religious and civil communities.-5. It does credit to religion. Infidels represent godliness as dull and unsociable, but a serious character, whe is consistently polite, removes this false charge. In the following short quotation Bishop Hurd shews that religion and politeness are nearly allied. "None but a christian can be truly polite, because religion alone affords good motives and true benevolence that preserve from duplicity, which is the chief ingredient in artificial complacence."-6. It is useful at all times of life. In youth or the middle part of life, while the mental ta culties and bodily senses are in ther prime state, politeness is displayed to its best advantage; but it appears very pleasing in old age. Sometimes we hear aged persons complain of being neglected, but it may be truly observed that very few of these would have reason to make such a complaint, unless they became 1815.] Inquiry respecting the Dry-Rot. slovenly, peevish, and careless of complaisance. I come now, in the last place, to offer some directions, in order to acquire this suavity of manners: for which purpose consider, 1. That politeness is of considerable importance. Its benefits already mentioned are proofs, but besides these plain evidences, we may solemnly ask this question, Considering the various evil passions and clashing interests of individuals, what would be the condition of every part of society without good manners? It may be truly answered, that in such a case every one would secretly strive to gratify his evil passions, and then every place, at all times, would be in a dreadful state of confusion.-Civility, therefore, ought not to be considered as a light qualification, but as closely connected with morals, and the very existence of good order in society. Surely then every one, according to his sphere in life, is under a moral obligation to be courteous.-2. Read the best books on the subject. The letters of a late celebrated nobleman to his son, are written in a good style, and contain a great number of excellent rules. But as the virtues ought never to be sacrificed to the graces, his letters are not fit to be read, especially by youth; there are, however, two or three selections published, wherein all the exceptionable passages are left out. The Essay of Bishop Hurd on true and false politeness is a masterly little piece, but it does not enter fully into the subject. Mrs. Chapone's eight letters contain some very excellent remarks on politeness and accomplishment, but are chiefly confined to females.-3. Avoid what is indecor ous. Good manners consist as much in avoiding what is improper, as in striving to please, and the following short negative rules should be strictly observed in company and at meals, which are the principal social situation in which we are placed. Talk not dogmatically, nor interrupt any while speaking; guard against absence of nind in company, and never shew your own superiority, or expose the defects of any present. At meals avoid any thing like greediness, or impatience to be served, and never eat with eagerness, also shun whatever is indelicate at table. Various other rules positive, as well as negative, may be read in Chesterfield's Maxims, under the articles Address, Attention, Company, and Good Breeding.-4. Imitate the best examples of politeness. Some persons are naturally NEW MONTHLY Mac. No. 18. 517 courteous, and others acquire much of the art of good-manners from reading; but to be truly polite, there must be a presence of mind in company, and a considerable acquaintance with men and manners. This is chiefly to be acquired by being very frequently in genteel com pany, and by attentively observing the address and behaviour of those who are celebrated for good-breeding. I shall conclude with the following additional remarks on the subject by a judicious author, who knew much of the world:-"The three principal sources of politeness are, good-nature, humility, and superior sense; so that any person endued with these qualities may be courteous without much study. We should be perfectly easy ourselves, and make others so if we can. The external shew of civilities is a banner held forth, an nouncing to all with whom we associate, that we hold them in due respect, and are disposed to oblige them. Some, indeed, may imagine, that if they have the more substantial qualities of natural strong sense, learning, and integrity, that in that case politeness is of no great consequence. But such should be told, that, in the first place, they ought to be sure they possess these good qualities, before they affect to despise good-manners; and granting, in the second place, that they really have them, they are to remember that much of their value will be lost when connected with rudeness, or a want of politeness: besides all this, the superior sense, learning, and integrity, of such as neglect politeness can only be known or useful to a few persons comparatively speaking, whereas their polished manners might affect and benefit almost every one with whom they converse." G. G. SCRAGGS. Buckingham. 518 MR. EDITOR, Extract of a Letter from India. I HAVE inclosed an extract from a letter which I lately received from a young friend of mine in the medical department of the service of the East India Company, in hopes that it will amuse your readers. "Nothing, I assure you, my dear friend, can afford a greater treat to one so far separated from his native land, than intelligence of his friends in England; and your last letter was rendered doubly valuable by your kind present of several numbers of the New MONTHLY MAGAZINE, which have much amused me. At Calcutta you may always meet with English publications; but being frequently at a considerable distance up the country on duty, I have not often an opportunity of getting at them. At Calcutta, to the luxuries of Asiatic, are added the elegance and comfort of English life: newspapers are drawn up with care, and printed with elegance, and every thing of that kind has much improved of late years. The Asiatic Society, established by the late illustrious Sir Win. Jones, forms a noble monument of science in a distant country. "A short time since I made an excursion to the celebrated fortress of Gwalior, which is situated near the Nerbudda, about 80 miles south of Agra: it stands on a rock about four miles in length, the sides of which are nearly perpendicular, and from 2 to 300 feet above the surface of the surrounding plane. On the top is a small, but strongly fortified town, surrounded by some cultivated land. This fortress was taken by surprise, by a small body of English under Major Popham, in 1799. The surrounding country is generally flat, and the heat being intolerable, we had a most fatiguing day of it. "The most distinguishing feature of tropical climates is the multitude of lofty trees of the palm kind. The cocoanut tree, so widely diffused, is perhaps If those who have connexions abroad were to consider the exquisite pleasure derived in distant regions from the perusal of a miscellany, like the NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, containing a record not only of the progress of arts, sciences, literature, and other subjects of general and local interest, but even of the principal domestic occurrences of every family of note in their dear native land-they would not fail to seize every opportunity of following the praiseworthy example of our correspondent, nor grudge the trifling expense that would ensure such high gratification.-EDITOR. [July 1, the most useful of its species; it grows "Of all the modern works on India, which I have seen, Mr.Forbes's Oriental Memoirs is by far the best. He thus describes an Indian climate:-Having gone to Dazagon, in Concan, at that time belonging to the Mahrattas, for the in a most beautiful country; delighted use of the hot springs, which are situated with the sight of a fine river winding through an extensive valley, and forming numerous islands-a home view rich with agriculture, and enlivened with fisheries-green hills bounding it, and high mountains closing the scene,-he seated himself at sun-rise, when he first 1815.] Defence of Farmers-The Thames and Isis. beheld this lovely scene, under a mango tree, and began to sketch the landscape before him. Not having gone from Bombay before, where the temperature is mitigated by the sea breezes, and where the hot winds never reach, Mr. F. was yet a stranger to the inclemency of an Indian climate. In less than an hour the sky appeared like a glow of fire; the thermometer at sun-rise stood at 80°, and generally rose to 112° at noon; the water at mid-day was more than tepid, and the black wood furniture became like heated metal !———" I will not occupy more of your valuable space at present; but if the above should prove acceptable, I may at some future time send you some further accounts. June 9, 1815. MR. EDITOR, C. I FELT considerable surprise and indignation upon perusing the highly illiberal letter of your correspondent, signing himself Proper Propriety. The assertions which he has been pleased to make are of so unfeeling and unjust a character-so utterly devoid of all reference to the natural progress of society, both in intellectual and domestic improvement that I much suspect, instead of taking an extended view, he has cast his eye upon an individual family, and has given us their picture as that of the whole. He commences with desiring us to compare the house of the modern farmer with those of former times. I admit the difference; but I would ask, why a farmer exclusively should debar himself from the elegancies and comforts of modern life, having obtained the means by honourable and laborious exertion? Truly Proper Propriety would strike at the very spring and motive to exertion. What is it that urges a man to renewed endeavours, but the very hope that he shall obtain the objects we are speaking of? and why a farmer should retrograde I can see no sufficient reason. As to what is said of the private and moral character of a farmer's family, I believe that there exists as great an attention to decorous behaviour, and the cultivation of moral worth, as in any class of society that I know. Trusting to that impartiality which you ever observe, for the insertion of the above, I am, &c. June 10, 1815. MR. EDITOR, H. M. AS none of your correspondents has hitherto answered the query of AN AN 519 TIQUARIAN, in a recent number, respect ing the accuracy of applying the name of Isis to the river Thames, from its source, through Oxford, and as far as Dorchester, where the river Thame falls into it, I have been induced to investigate the subject, and now present you with all the facts which I have been able to collect respecting it. It is proper first to premise, that the word Isis in the ancient British signified a river, in general terms, and was synonimous with Ouse; and in the same manner as Avon, which in the British also signifies a river, has in process of time become the specific name of particular rivers, as if par excellence, so might the term Isis have been applied: of this we have also a similar instance in the sister island, where the Shannon takes its specific appellation from "Shenahan," which signifies "a river" in the ancient Irish. With respect to the word "Teme," it signified a rapid river or torrent, and it remains, like the term Isis, as a specific name for a river in Worcestershire, and for one or two others up to the present day. The propriety, and even the probability, of such a name having been given to the metropolitan river in ancient times, cannot be doubted, when we recollect that even that part of it which some call the Isis, is actually a very violent torrent in the winter season about one mile only below its source, (now called Thames Head, and believed to have been called so from time immemorial,) though not above nine feet wide in the summer. If, then, this river was called "Teme" by our earliest ancestors, and was found by thein to be joined by another teme at Dorchester, in Oxfordshire, it might be conjectured that the two, when joined, were called "The Temes." But to quit conjecture, and refer to historical documents, we may observe, that it is recorded by Gough, in his additions to Camden, that, this river was always called Thames or Tems before it came near to the Thame; he citing in proof of it, that in the ancient charters granted to the abbey of Ensham, and also in some old deeds relative to Cricklade, it is never considered under any other name than that of the Thames-a name which it evidently derived from its extreme rapidity. Gough also quotes a passage from an ancient charter of the abbey of Malmesbury, "cujus vocabulum Temis, juxta ad vadum qui appellatur Somerford." Now Somerford is in Wilt |