PRINTS,"
Print-seller
Print-seller
said Mrs. Durnford, "I am as fond of the sight as any of my children."
"A fine engraving is very valuable," replied Mr. Durnford, "and I have lately seen some on wood, which pleased me extremely. Albert Durer, was I believe the first inventor of engraving on wood. Etching on copper was not known until Henry the Sixth's time."
"What is that picture, papa, which that lady has just turned aside?" enquired Miss Durnford.
"It is the representation of one of the most important events in English history, my love. Namely, the signing of a deed called Magna Charta, by the weak-minded and worthless King John. The place is called Runnymead, near Windsor; where the barons compelled John to sign that famous deed, which laid the foundation of that freedom,which for centuries has been the glory, boast, and security, of the English people. I will buy the print, that I may have the pleasure of placing underneath it, those fine lines by Dr. Akenside, which were intended for a pillar or monument of that transaction at Runnymead."
After they were written, Mr. Durnford desired Theodore to read them, which he did in a voice and manner so truly admirable, that several present stood listening with delight, while their bosoms proudly swelled at the recollection of those blessings, which as Englishmen they were privileged to enjoy.
"Thou who the verdant plain dost traverse here,"While Thames among his willows from thy view"Retires, O stranger! stay thee, and the scene"Around contemplate well.—This is the place"Where England's ancient Barons, clad in arms"And stern with conquest, from their tyrant king"(Then rendered tame) did challenge and secure"The charter of their freedom.—Pass not on"Till thou hast bless'd their memory, and paid"Those thanks which God appointed the reward"Of public virtue.—And if chance thy home"Salute thee with a father's honoured name,"Go call thy sons, instruct them what a debt"They owe their ancestors; and make them swear"To pay it, by transmitting down entire"Those sacred rights to which themselves were born."
The young people now stopped to admire a collection of