For a heap of similitudes so undefined.
And why should I censure tastes not my concern?
'Tis as well for the arts that all tastes have their turn."
If I had written for three hours on the subject, I could not have
been more explicit; you have only to arrange the articles in the order
enumerated, and you have a model of the upper part of the building
before you. At nine o'clock we made our _entre_ into the Pavilion,
westward, passing through the vestibule and hall, when we entered one
of the most superb apartments that art or fancy can devise, whether for
richness of effect, decoration, and design: this is ~294~~called the
_Chinese Gallery_, one hundred and sixty-two feet in length by seventeen
feet in breadth, and is divided into five compartments, the centre being
illumined with a light of stained glass, on which is represented the
God of Thunder, as described in the Chinese mythology, surrounded by the
imperial five-clawed dragons, supporting pendent lanterns, ornamented
with corresponding devices. The ceiling or cove is the colour of
peach blossom; and a Chinese canopy is suspended round from the
lower compartment with tassels, bells, &c.: the furniture and other
decorations, such as cabinets, chimney-piece, trophies, and banners,
which are in the gallery, are all in strict accordance with the Chinese
taste; while on every side the embellishments present twisted dragons,
pagodas, and mythological devices of birds, flowers, insects, statues,
formed from a yellow marble; and a rich collection of Oriental china.
The extreme compartments north and south are occupied by chased brass
staircases, the lateral ornaments of which are serpents, and the
balusters resemble bamboo. In the north division is the _fum_{1} or
Chinese bird of royalty: this gallery opens into the music room, an
apartment forty-two feet square, with two recesses of ten feet each, and
rising in height forty-one feet, to a dome thirty feet in diameter. The
magnificence and imposing grandeur of effect surpasses all effort
at detail. It presented a scene of enchantment which brought to
recollection the florid descriptions, in the Persian Tales, of the
palaces of the genii: the prevailing decoration is executed in green
gold, and produces a most singularly splendid effect. On the walls
are twelve highly finished paintings, views in China, principally near
Pekin, imitative of the crimson japan.
1 The fum is said to be found in no part of the world but
China. It is described as of most admirable beauty; and
their absence for any time from the imperial city regarded
as an omen of misfortune to the royal family. The emperor
and mandarins have the semblance of these birds embroidered
on their vestments.
~295~~The dome appears to be excavated out of a rock of solid gold, and
is supported by an octagonal base, ornamented with the richest Chinese
devices; at each angle of the room is a pagoda-tower, formed of the most
costly materials in glass and china, with lamps attached; beneath the
dome and base is a splendid canopy, supported by columns of crimson and
gold, with twisted serpents of enormous size, and terrific expression
surrounding them. A magnificent organ, by Sinclair, the largest and best
in the kingdom, occupies the north recess, twenty feet in width, length,
and height: there are two entrances to this room, one from the _Egyptian
gallery_, and another from the yellow drawing-room, each under a rich
canopy, supported by gold columns. A beautiful chimney-piece of white
statuary marble, and an immense mirror, with splendid draperies of
blue, red, and yellow satin, rare china jars, and ornaments in ormolu,
increase the dazzling brilliancy of the apartment. As this was my first
appearance in the palace, the Countess, very considerately, proposed to
Sir H----T----, who conducted us, that we should walk through the other
public apartments, before we were ushered into the presence chamber--a
proposition the good-natured equerry very readily complied with.
Repassing, therefore, the whole length of the Chinese gallery, the
southern extremity communicates with the _Royal Banqueting Room_, sixty
feet in length, by forty-two in breadth: the walls are bounded at the
height of twenty-three feet by a cornice, apparently inlaid with pearls
and gold, from which spring four ecliptic arches, supported by golden
columns, surmounted with a dome, rising to a height of forty-five feet,
and constructed to represent an eastern sky; beneath which is seen
spreading the broad umbrageous foliage of the luxuriant plantain,
bearing its fruit and displaying, in all the progressive stages,
~296~~the different varieties, from the early blossom to maturity:
curious Chinese symbols are suspended from the trunk, and connect
themselves with a grand lustre, rising to a height of thirty feet, and
reflecting the most varied and magical effect, being multiplied by other
lustres, in the several angles adjoining. The walls are decorated with
groups of figures, nearly the size of life, portraying the costume
of the higher classes of the Chinese; domestic episodes, painted on a
ground of imitative pearl, richly wrought, in all the varied designs
of Chinese mythology. The furniture is of the most costly
description--rose-wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and enriched with
_or molu_ chasings of the most elegant design; the effect of which is
admirably contrasted with the rich glossy jars of blue porcelain, of
English manufacture, and magnificent brilliancy. Centrally, between
these magnificent apartments, is the Rotunda or Saloon; an oblong
interior of fifty-five feet in length, the decoration chaste and
classical in the extreme, being simply white and gold, the enriched
cornice being supported by columns and pilasters, and the whole
decoration uniting coolness with simplicity. The passages to some of
the minor apartments are unique in their style of embellishment, which
appears to be of polished white marble, but is, in fact, nothing but a
superior Dutch tile, cemented smoothly, in plaster of Paris, and highly
varnished. There are many other private and anterooms to the west of
the Chinese gallery, the decorations of which are more simple, but in
a corresponding style. We had now arrived at the _Yellow Room (see
Plate_), where we understood his Majesty would receive his evening
party.
[Illustration: page296]
The apartment is fifty-six feet in length, by twenty in breadth, and is
hung round with a rich fluted drapery of yellow satin, suspended from
the ceiling, and representing a magnificent Chinese tent, from the
centre of which hangs a chandelier of ~237~~the most splendid design,
the light of which is diffused through painted glasses, resembling
in shape and colour every variety of the tulip, exciting the greatest
admiration. The chimney-piece is Chinese, the stove formed by _chimera_
chased in _or molu_, the figures above being models or automatons,
of nearly the size of life, dressed in splendid costume, occasionally
moving their heads and arms. The furniture of the room is of a similar
character to those already described, except the seats, which are
ottomans of yellow velvet, the window draperies being of the same
splendid material. It was in this truly royal apartment we had the
honour of waiting the approach of his Majesty, who entered, at about a
quarter before ten, apparently in the enjoyment of the most excellent
health and highest spirits. He was preceded by Sir A. F. Barnard and
Lord Francis Conyngham, the grooms in waiting, and entered with the
Princess Augusta leaning on his arm, the left of her royal highness
being supported by the Duke of York; the Marquis of Conyngham followed,
leading in his Marchioness; and the beautiful and accomplished Lady
Elizabeth honoured Sir William Knighton as her conductor. The old Earl
of Arran came hobbling on his crutches, dreadfully afflicted with
the gout. Sir C. Paget, that merry son of Neptune, with Sir E. Nagle,
followed; the rear being brought up by the fascinating Countess of
Warwick and her ever constant earl. _(See Plate.)_ Do not imagine, my
dear Bernard, that I shall so far outrage the honourable feelings of a
gentleman as to relate every word, look, or action, of this illustrious
party, for the rude ear of eager curiosity. Those only who have
witnessed the Monarch in private life, freed from the weight of state
affairs, and necessary regal accompaniments, can form a correct judgment
of the unaffected goodness of his heart; the easy affability, and pliant
condescension, with which he can divest ~298~~every one around him of
any feeling of restraint--the uncommon sprightliness and vivacity he
displays in conversation--the life and soul of all that is elegant and
classical, and the willing participator and promoter of a good joke.
Suffice it to say, the reception was flattering in the extreme, the
entertainment conversational and highly intellectual. The moments flew
so quickly, that I could have wished the hour of eleven, the period of
the King's retiring, had been extended to the noontide of the morrow.
But is this all, I think I can hear you say, this friend of my heart
dares to repose with me on a subject so agreeable? No--you shall have a
few _on dits_, but nothing touching on the scandalous; gleanings, from
Sir E---- and Sir C----, the jesters of our sovereign lord the King; but
nothing that might excite a blush in the cheek of the lovely Countess,
to whom I was indebted for the honour and delight I on that occasion
experienced. Imprimis:--I know you are intimate with that inimitable
child of whim, Charles Mathews. He is in high estimation with royalty,
I assure you; and annually receives the King's command to deliver a
selection from his popular entertainments before him--an amusement of
which his Majesty speaks in terms of the warmest admiration. On the last
occasion, a little _scena_ occurred that must have been highly amusing;
as it displays at once the kind recollections of the King, and his
amiable disposition. As I had it from Sir C----, you may depend upon
its authenticity. I shall denominate it the King at Home, or Mathews in
Carlton Palace. _(See Plate.)_
[Illustration: page298]
Previous to Mathews leaving this country for America, he exhibited a
selection from his popular entertainments, by command of his Majesty,
at Carlton Palace.--A party of not more than six or eight persons
were present, including the Princess Augusta and the Marchioness of
Conyngham. During ~299~~the entertainment (with which the King appeared
much delighted), Mathews introduced his imitations of various performers
on the British stage, and was proceeding with John Kemble in the
Stranger, when he was interrupted by the King, who, in the most affable
manner, observed that his general imitations were excellent, and such as
no one who had ever seen the characters could fail to recognise; but
he thought the comedian's portrait of John Kemble somewhat too
boisterous.--"He is an old friend, and I might add, tutor of mine,"
observed his Majesty: "when I was Prince of Wales he often favoured me
with his company. I will give you an imitation of John Kemble," said
the good-humoured monarch. Mathews was electrified. The lords of the
bed-chamber eyed each other with surprise. The King rose and prefaced
his imitations by observing, "I once requested John Kemble to take a
pinch of snuff with me, and for this purpose placed my box on the table
before him, saying 'Kemble, oblige (obleege) me by taking a pinch of
snuff' He took a pinch, and then addressed me thus:--(Here his Majesty
assumed the peculiar carriage of Mr. Kemble.) 'I thank your Royal
Highness for your snuff, but, in future, do extend your royal jaws a
little wider, and say Oblige.'" The anecdote was given with the most
powerful similitude to the actor's voice and manners, and had an
astonishing effect on the party present. It is a circumstance equally
worthy of the King and the scholar. Mathews, at the conclusion,
requested permission to offer an original anecdote of Kemble, which
had some affinity to the foregoing. Kemble had been for many years the
intimate friend of the Earl of Aberdeen. On one occasion he had called
on that nobleman during his morning's ride, and left Mrs. Kemble in the
carriage at the door. John and the noble earl were closely engaged
on some literary subject a very long time, while Mrs. Kemble was
~300~~shivering in the carriage (it being very cold weather). At length
her patience being exhausted, she directed her servant to inform his
master that she was waiting, and feared the cold weather would bring
on an attack of the rheumatism. The fellow proceeded to the door of the
earl's study, and delivered his message, leaving out the final letter in
rheumatism.--This he had repeated three several times, by direction
of his mistress, before he could obtain an answer. At length, Kemble,
roused from his subject by the importunities of the servant, replied,
somewhat petulantly, "Tell your mistress I shall not come, and, fellow,
do you in future say '_tism_."
Among the party assembled on this occasion was the favoured son of
Esculapius, Sir W---- K----, the secret of whose elevation to the
highest confidence of royalty is one of those mysteries of the age which
it is in vain to attempt to unravel, and which, perhaps, cannot be known
to more than two persons in existence: great and irresistible, however,
must that influence be, whether moral or physical, which could obtain
such dominion over the mind as to throw into the shade the claims of
rank and courtly _lions_, and place an humble disciple of Esculapius on
the very summit of royal favour. Of his gentlemanly and amusing talents
in society every one must speak in terms of the highest praise, and
equally flattering are the reports of his medical skill; but many are
the fleeting causes and conjectures assigned for his supremacy--reports
which may not be written here, lest I assist in the courtly prattle of
misrepresentation. Sir W---- was, I believe, the executor of an old
and highly-favoured confidential secretary; might not _certain
circumstances_ arising out of that trust have paved the way to his
elevation? If the intense merits of the individual have raised him to
the dazzling ~301~~height, the world cannot value them too highly, and
sufficiently extol the discrimination of the first sovereign and first
gentleman of the age who could discover and reward desert with such
distinguished honour. But if his elevation is the result of any
sacrifice of principle, or of any courtly intrigue to remove a once
equally fortunate rival, and pave his path with gold, there are few who
would envy the favoured minion: against such suspicion, however, we have
the evidence of a life of honour, and the general estimation of society.
Of his predecessor, and the causes for his removal, I have heard some
curious anecdotes, but these you shall have when we meet. A very good
story is in circulation here among the court circle relative to the
eccentric Lady C---- L----, and a young marchioness, who, spite of the
remonstrances of her friends and the general good taste of the ladies
in that particular, recently selected an old man for a husband, in
preference to a choice of at least twenty young and titled, dashing
_roues_: the whim and caprice of the former is notorious, while the life
and animation of the little marchioness renders her the brightest
star of attraction in the hemisphere of fashion. "I should like to see
Billingsgate, amazingly," said the marchioness to her eccentric
friend, while reading a humorous article on the subject in the Morning
Chronicle. "It must be entertaining to hear the peculiar phraseology and
observe the humorous vulgarities of these _naiades_, if one could do so
_incog_." "And why not, my dear?" said Lady C----; "you know there never
was a female Quixote in existence among the petticoat blue-stockings,
from Lady Wortley Montague to Lady Morgan, who was more deeply affected
with the Tom and Jerry _mania_ than I am: leave all to me, and I'll
answer for taking you there safely, enjoying the scene securely, and
escaping without chance of detection." With Lady ~302~~C---- a whim of
this description is by no means unusual, and the necessary attendance of
a confidential servant to protect, in case of danger, a very essential
personage. To this Mercury, Lady C---- confided her plan; giving
directions for the completion of it on the morning of the morrow, and
instructing him to obtain disguises from his wife, who is an upper
servant in the family, for the use of the ladies. John, although
perfectly free from any alarm on account of Lady C----, should the whim
become known, was not so easy in respect to the young and attractive
marchioness, whose consort, should any thing unpleasant occur, John
wisely calculated, might interfere to remove him from his situation.
With this resolve he prudently communicated the ladies' intention to a
confidential friend of the marquis, who, on receiving an intimation
of their intentions, laughed at the whim, and determined to humour the
joke, by attending the place, properly disguised, to watch at a distance
the frolic of the ladies. The next morning, at the appointed hour, the
footman brought a hackney-coach to the door, and the ladies were quickly
conveyed to the scene of action, followed (unknowingly) by the marquis
and his friend. Here they amused themselves for some time in walking
about and observing the bustle and variety of the, to them, very
novel scene; soon, however, fatigued with the mobbing, thrusting, and
filthiness, which is characteristic of the place, the marchioness was
for returning, remarking to her friend that she had as yet heard none
of that singular broad humour for which these nymphs of the fish-market
were so celebrated. "Then you shall have a specimen directly," said Lady
C----, "if I can provoke it; only prepare your ethics and your ears for
a slight shock; "and immediately approaching an old fresh-water dragon,
who sat behind an adjoining stall, with a countenance spirited in the
~303~~extreme, and glowing with all the beautiful varieties of the
ultra-marine and vermilion, produced by the all-potent properties of
Hodge's full-proof, she proceeded to cheapen the head and shoulders of a
fine fish that lay in front of her, forcing her fingers under the gills,
according to the approved custom of good housewives, to ascertain if it
was fresh.
[Illustration: page303]
After a parley as to price, Lady C---- hinted that she doubted its being
perfectly sweet: the very suspicion of vending an unsavoury article
roused the old she-dragon at once into one of the most terrific passions
imaginable, and directing all her ire against the ladies, she poured
forth a volley of abuse fiery and appalling as the lava of a volcano,
which concluded as follows.--"Not sweet, you ----," said the offended
deity; "how can I answer for its sweetness, when you have been tickling
his gills with your stinking paws 1 " _(See Plate.)_ The marchioness
retreated at the first burst of the storm, but Lady C----continued to
provoke the old naiad of the shambles, till she had fully satisfied her
humour. Again safely escorted home by the liveried Mercury, the ladies
thought to have enjoyed their joke in perfect security; but what was
their astonishment, when on meeting the marquis and a select party at
dinner, to find the identical fish served up at their own table, and the
marquis amusing his friends by relating the whole circumstances of
the frolic, as having occurred to two ladies of distinction during the
laughter-loving days of Charles the Second. I need not animadvert upon
the peculiar situation of the ladies, who, blushing through a crimson
veil of the deepest hue, bore the raillery of the party assembled with
as much good sense as good nature; acknowledging the frolic, and joining
in the laugh the joke produced. Beneath, you have one of our facetious
friend Bob Transit's humorous sketches of an incident said to have
occurred near B---- H----: in which an eccentric ~304~~lady chose to
call up the servants in the dead of the night, order out the carriage,
and mounting the box herself, insisted upon giving the footman, who had
been somewhat tardy in leaving his bed, a gentle airing in his shirt.
[Illustration: page304]
CHARACTERS ON THE BEACH AND STEYNE, BRIGHTON.
_On Bathing and Bathers--Advantages of Shampooing--French
Decency--Brighton Politeness--Sketches of Character--The
Banker's Widow--Miss Jefferies--Mrs. F----l--Peter
Paragraph, the London Correspondent--Jack Smith--The
French Consul--Paphian Divinities--C---- L----, Esq.--
Squeeze into the Libraries--The new Plunging Bath--Chain
Pier--Cockney Comicalities--Royal Gardens--The Club House._
~305~~The next morning early I proceeded to the beach to enjoy the
delightful and invigorating pleasure of sea-bathing. The clean pebble
shore extending, as it does here, for a long distance beneath the east
cliff, is a great advantage to those who, from indisposition or luxury,
seek a dip in the ocean. One practice struck me as being a little
objectionable, namely, the machines of the males and females being
placed not only within sight of each other, but actually close
alongside; by which circumstance, the sportive nymphs sometimes display
more of nature's charms to the eager gaze of her wanton sons than befits
me to tell, or decency to dwell on. I could not, however, with all the
purity of my ethics, help envying a robust fellow who was assisting in
clucking the dear unencumbered creatures under the rising wave.{1}
1 Some of the female bathers are very adventurous, and from
the great drawback of water many accidents have occurred.
I was much amused one morning with three sisters, in the
machine adjoining mine, continually crying out to a male
attendant "to push on, and not be afraid of the
consequences; we can all swim well," said one of the Miss
B----'s (well known as the _marine graces_). "But my machine
a'n't water-tight," replied the bathing-man, "and if I
trust it any farther in, I shall never be able to get it out
again." A Frenchman who came down to bathe with his wife and
sister insisted upon using the same machine with the ladies;
the bathing-women remonstrated, but _monsieur_ retorted very
fairly thus--"_Mon dieu I vat is dat vat you tell me about
decence. Tromperie_--shall I no dip _mon femme a sour_
myself vith quite as much _bienseance_ as dat vulgar brute
vat I see ducking de ladies yondere?"