Page:The Literary Magnet 1825 vol 4.djvu/177

her latest poetical effusions; you are unable to tell whether it is the sweetness of her voice, or the graces by which she is encircled, which impart to her beauty such an inexpressible charm; or if it is this wonderful beauty, which spreads such a spell round her accomplishments. The Dauphin, her husband, a tender and delicate youth, still manifests all the fervour of a lover: it would seem as if possession did but augment the charm that attracted him. The back-ground of this splendid picture, and which certainly heightens its lustre, is formed by the wits and the learned, who shine in these assemblies. There are seen philosophers, poets, artists, and even magicians and astrologers. The latter are quite in the fashion. The Queen keeps one in her service, who is called Roger. When I first saw him, he pretended to read on my brow, that I should live through many centuries. Can there be a better proof, my dear Mother, what a foolish science this is? They will never bring me to believe a word of all they say. But this Roger did not enjoy so high a reputation as another magician, of whom I shall speak immediately; and Roger’s fate was decided in the very assembly which I am now describing. This other magician is the far-famed Bishop Gauric, who is said to be a perfect adept in the most occult sciences, and to have the command of all the spirits. Love of study induced him to renounce his bishopric; and it was but lately that he came to court, under the simple name of Master Lucas, where, to the no small vexation of Roger, he is treated by the Queen with great respect. He is a venerable looking old man; small in his figure, but remarkable for the power of his eye, which forms a singular contrast with the general mildness of his manner. I am very fond of him, perhaps from his partiality to me, for it has been remarked, that I am the only young lady at the court, whom he chooses to honour by his conversation. Roger, evidently jealous of this introduction of a rival, talked a great deal of magic, while Master Lucas maintained a respectful silence. The Queen paid no attention to Roger, but desired Master Lucas to cast the nativity of the young Queen Mary. He declined with modesty; but Roger immediately stepped forward, saying he would show the Dauphiness all her future life in a magic mirror, which he began to arrange. Whilst he was thus engaged, Master Lucas approached the Dauphiness, who stood next to me. He spoke to us, and taking for a moment, as if by chance, her hand, he gazed at it intently for an instant, but without making any remark; indeed, it was done so instantaneously, that I scarcely think the Dauphiness herself noticed it. In the meantime Roger had arranged his mirror, and invited the Queen of Scots to look at the images of her future life; but Master Lucas preventing her, inquired, “Do you yourself know, Master Roger, what her Majesty is to see?” “No!” replied the other disdainfully, “do you consider me an impostor?” “Not an impostor;” answered Master Lucas, “but you are imprudent!”—On hearing this, no one ventured to look into the mirror, fearing some gloomy aspect. Roger was highly offended, and requested Master Lucas to look himself into the glass. “Willingly,” replied the latter, “but first of all, you would do well to look into it yourself, for you will scarcely have time to do so.” Every one now turned eagerly to the magical glass, and there appeared Roger, surrounded by officers, who were leading him away as a prisoner; a