TO SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH, KNT. K.C.B. ETC. ETC. VICE ADMIRAL OF THE RED, THESE Anecdotes of Captivity ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY HIS MOST OBEDIENT AND MOST HUMBLE SERVANTS, Sholto Percy THE Queen Zenobia being at war with the Emperor Aurelian, was defeated by him near Antioch, and compelled to retire to her fortified capital, Palmyra. The emperor sent her a written summons to surrender; to which she returned an answer drawn up by the celebrated philosopher, Longinus, which was couched in terms that raised his highest indignation. The emperor made enormous efforts to reduce the place; and the Palmyrians were at length obliged to open their gates and receive the conqueror. Zenobia and Longinus endeavoured to escape into Persia; but were overtaken, and made prisoners, as they were crossing the Euphrates. When the captive queen was brought before the emperor, all her fortitude forsook her; she laid the blame of her conduct on her counsellors; and particularly fixed the odium of the affronting letter on its true author. Aurelian, who was hero enough to conquer, but not to forgive, now turned the whole of his vengeance on the head of the unfortunate philosopher, who was carried off to immediate execution, amid the generous condolence of those who wept to see so much merit thus cruelly sacrificed. Longinus met his fate with calmness. He expressed pity for Zenobia, and comforted his friends. He said he looked upon death as a blessing, since it rescued his body from slavery, and gave his soul the most enviable freedom. "This world," said he, with his expiring breath," is nothing but a prison; happy therefore he who gets soonest out of it, and gains his liberty." CANDID CULPRIT. The Duke of Ossuna, Viceroy of Naples, passing through Barcelona, and having got leave to release some slaves, went on board the Cape Galley, and passing through the crew of slaves, he asked several of them what their offences were? Every one excused himself upon several pretences; one said he was put in out of malice, another by bribery of the judge; but all of them unjustly. Among the rest, there was one sturdy little black man, whom the duke questioned as to what he was there for. 66 My lord," said he, "I cannot deny but I am justly put in here; for I wanted money, and so took a purse near Tarragona, to keep me from starving." The duke on hearing |