SIR WALTER RALEIGH. THE subject of this memoir, the descend 1552 ant of a distinguished family, and the fourth son of Sir Walter Raleigh, was born at Hayes, in Devonshire, (England,) in 1552, during the sixth year of Edward Sixth. His mind was early advanced by the care of an excellent tutor, and a thorough academical training, so that when he became a commoner of Oriel College, Oxford, he was a great proficient in many studies, especially in those of philosophy and oratory. Here, the great Lord Bacon became acquainted with him, and from the indications of his genius, foretold his future eminence. His family which was an ancient and honor able one, had become somewhat reduced in its fortunes. To restore and reinstate it, were the earliest stimulants of his industry. The profession of arms, opened at that time a direct road to distinction, and Queen Elizabeth having accommodated the Queen of Navarre with a loan of money, to aid her in the troubles that surrounded her, a band of high-spirited young gentlemen, under the command of Henry Champernon, volunteered to go to France, in support of the Protestant cause. Among those gallant cavaliers, and in the words of a historian of those days," the most noble of them all," was Walter Raleigh, then at the age of sixteen. He was in France, during that stormy period, when the Huguenots, under Conde, and Coligni, were resisting the tide of persecution, and when the young king Henry of Navarre, commenced his military career. He witnessed, and by the good providence of God, escaped the terrible massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day, in 1572. He remained in that country five years, until after the death of Charles IX., and returned to his native land, at the age of twenty-one. Five years thus spent in the adventurous life of a soldier, though not disagreeable to a youth of his resolute and active spirit, made more delightful by contrast, the period of literary repose that succeeded. Returning to academic shades, he devoted himself for a time to his favorite studies. Among these, was poetry, for which he had naturally a predeliction, and which amid the many vicissitudes and trials of life, continued to give him solace. Here he systematised his hours so closely, as to allow but five out of the twenty-four for sleep. In his course of reading, every work connected with the newly discovered continent of America, maintained a distinguished place. The exploits of Columbus, and the conquests of Cortez and Pizarro, had fired his imaginative boyhood, and given themes to the romantic fancy of his college days. The "climes of gold," as they were delineated by the Spanish writers, floated before him, like a gorgeous dream, mingled with indignant hatred of Spanish tyranny. Thus, while a solitary recluse in the Middle Temple, those plans might have taken possession of his mind, which eventually So young! So widowed!--yet the bitter tear For holy faith doth rise Pointing to cloudless skies, Where He amid yon white-robed train, Doth for thy coming wait, never to part again. The scaffold frowns. Vindictive Queen Hast thou such doom decreed? Dwells Draco's soul beneath a woman's mien? A rush of crimson dies the new-fallen snow, No! she hath found a crown that 'tis no sin to wear. No vengeful hand shall tear. 1549 PHILIP DE MORNAY. PHILIP DE MORNAY, Lord of Plessis Marly, a French nobleman, illustrious both for rank and valor, was born November 5th, 1549. Mas Descended from an ancient family, which had produced other distinguished characters, he was educated with the greatest care. ters in various languages and sciences were provided for him, and his proficiency was what might have been expected from superior talents and rigid application. With his earliest training, his mother instilled into him the purest principles of integrity and benevolence. She inspired him also with her own deep love of the Protestant faith, |