CHAPTER II.

So politic, as if one eye

Upon the 'tother were a spy.

BUTLER.

THE young French nobleman received Paul with a hearty and sincere embrace. "Welcome to France, to fame, and La Fayette !" he exclaimed, and conducted him into his residence. "That man is ever welcome to France, Chevalier Paul Jones, who comes with the sound of victory. So you have shaken the people of yon proud little island into a fit of the ague, choked their harbours, cut up their commerce, and captured their ships of We know it all. Louis longs to see and reward you the heart of the nation is at its lips for joy-the court is in a golden mood for giving, and the command of the united fleets of France and America may be yours for the asking."-"The

war.

command of a squadron so noble," answered Paul, "if exercised with skill and courage, would achieve much for our friends in the west. But though I feel myself equal to presume to expect it. From the deck of a frigate I cannot step at once into high command, without violation of the etiquette of precedence which prevails in your navy. France has amongst her mariners five hundred as good as Paul Jones."-" You speak honestly, but unlike a true politician, my maritime warrior," said la Fayette. "On the quarter-deck, with your sword drawn, and the friends of despotism before you, I should listen to your words, for you would speak wisely and direct well; but on shore, Chevalier, you will need an experienced pilot to guide you among the rocks and breakers of a court, where many a noble spirit has suffered shipwreck. A court to you is like an undiscovered coast in a dark night, you must sound at every ship's-length. A man thus embarrassed is like a bird attempting to fly with wings. of lead. My good Chevalier, we must go warily to work, and do it at once too. A warrior here is but a three days' marvel, and we must make the most of the wonder while it lasts."

such a situation, I dare not

Paul bowed to the opinions of the Marquis, and, looking anxiously in his face, said, "In this cause I have given up home, country, and friends; the bosom which nursed me have I forsaken; the hand that of old welcomed me would now strike me

VOL. III.

C

dead. Wonder not, therefore, Marquis la Fayette, that I am anxious for distinction in my adopted country, and desirous to make the one I have forsaken feel the value of what she has lost. The cold clime and heath-brown hills of Scotland were once far dearer to me than this fair and sunny land; and the little house which sheltered me in a nameless glen was to me a palace, since my ambition went not beyond it. But the land of my fathers threw me away, and I had to seek a country of refuge, and seek it with my sword in my hand. Place me, therefore, where I can serve the cause of liberty best, and show yon haughty island that her deadliest enemy is her own son stung into rebellion against her." His eyes lightened through their moisture-he paced across the floorand his face was overspread with a bright-red flush.

At a small table in the deep and shaded recess of a window in an adjoining chamber, or rather recess, sat a plain and venerable old man, with hand and eye intent upon a paper, on which were sketched mathematical figures, intermingled with several shrewd domestic or political maxims, which, briefly and happily expressed, have passed from adages into laws. Verses, too, were there, which wanted neither harmony nor enthusiasm. He looked up when Paul spoke, rose hastily, and, coming between the Marquis and him, said, " Young man, love of fame at your years becomes you as much as light

becomes the morning. To a proud and a brave spirit the post of danger is ever welcome, and you have proved by your deeds, that the island has lost a gallant son, and liberty found one. You must, however, be prepared to meet with far other obstacles in your course than armed enemies. Think not that great maritime intrepidity, the mere triumphing over your enemies, and trampling on their flags, will do alone. You must be wary and wise-prudent and observing-you must study the characters of the men who lead the nations, and find your way to their hearts and their understandings. Subdue your impetuosity of temper, and this will enable you to acquire and keep useful friends, nor prevent you from conquering stubborn enemies. In the court of France, la Fayette will lead you the way to the throne among embroidered coats and jewelled gowns; your own good sense will do the rest. In your adopted country, every one will be your friend. George Washington, the friend of the human race, will be yours,—a man as bold, brave, and quick-tempered as yourself, but who controls his temper as we make a vessel of fire to warm, not to consume us. Old Benjamin Franklin, a printer, from Philadelphia, a sayer of curious saws in the humble art of making the domestic pot play brown, and of keeping the public fat out of the fire, an idle grey-headed man, who imagines himself a second Jupiter, that can call fire from heaven, a simple sort of a man, who walks

through Philadelphia with a loaf under his arm, eating all the way, yet withal as obstinate and self-willed as a ship without a rudder when the wind sings in her sails, he will be your friend, and there's his hand on't."

So saying, he seized Paul's hand, and welcomed him with a hearty squeeze. Paul stept back, and glanced his eye on this noble and simple spirit; there he stood, as plain in his dress as in his person, his thin grey hairs dropping quietly over his temples, and his eyes beaming with genius and benevolence. "Sir," said Paul, pressing the hand of the illustrious American, while the moisture of enthusiasm sparkled in his eyes, "I was not prepared for such honour as this. I have often imagined what I should say, when, after some victory hardily achieved for freedom, it might be my good fortune to be presented to Benjamin Franklin. Words then, well-chosen and abundant, flowed upon me, nor were they heard without applause. I have come at last, and come with victory,-here the great restorer of human freedom stands before me, his hand clasping mine, and his eyes blessing me, yet no words find I wherewith to hail him as the first of men."

"By my soul, Chevalier Jones," said la Fayette, "nature has made you a capital courtier. How admirably will you acquit yourself in the presence of the first of kings, when you succeed so well with the prince of philosophers; come instant