What is called the liberty of the subject we must leave for a dull barrister to explain:  in the meantime, if any reader be impatient for the definition, a night’s billeting in Covent Garden watchhouse will initiate him into its blessings; he is not so dull as to require to be told how to get there.  The liberty of the press is another ticklish subject to handle—­ like a hedgehog—­all points; but we may be allowed to quote, as one of the most harmless specimens of the liberty of the press—­the production of THE MIRROR, as we always acknowledge the liberty by reference to the sources whence our borrowed wealth is taken.  This is giving credit in one way, and taking credit for our own honesty.

Liberty-boys and brawlers would be new acquaintance for us.  We are not old enough to remember “Wilkes and 45;” the cap of liberty is now seldom introduced into our national arms, and this and all such emblems are fast fading away.  People who used to spout forth Cowper’s line and a half on liberty, have given up the profession, and all men are at liberty to think as they please.  Still ours is neither the golden nor the silver age of liberty:  it is more like paper and platina liberty, things which have the weight and semblance without their value.

The only odd rencontre we ever had with a liberty advocate was with L’Abbe Gregoire, one of the cabinet advisers of Napoleon, and to judge by his writings, a benevolent man.  On visiting him at Paris, we put into our pocket a little work of our leisure, containing upwards of 6,000 quotations on almost every subject.  The Abbe, who understands English well, was delighted with the variety, and on calling again in a few days, we found the venerable patriot had been searching for all the passages on liberty, which he had distinguished by registers:  what an evidence is this of his ruling passion.  At the time we did not recollect that to M. Gregoire is attributed the republican sentiment “the reign of Kings is the martyrology of nations:”  his conversation proved him an enthusiast, but we think this liberty rather too strong.

PHILO.

* * * * *

REVENGE.

          ’Twas lordly hate that rul’d
  Indomitable.  ’Twas a thirst that naught
  But blood of him who broke this aching heart
  Could quench.’—­therefore I struck——.

CYMBELINE

* * * * *

THE NATURALIST.

* * * * *

THE FLYING DRAGON.

[Illustration:  The Flying Dragon.]