The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 13, No. 373, Supplementary Number

In Short

This supplementary periodical number offers contemporary commentary, vivid extracts from Sir Walter Scott’s novel of Swiss and European history, and fugitive literary notices. It follows young Arthur Philipson through Alpine passes, secret German tribunals, and the dramatic political downfalls of Charles the Bold and Queen Margaret of Anjou. Alongside Scott’s romance, the number preserves rare reminiscences of Lord Byron, musical memories of the Hebrew Melodies, and architectural sketches of St. Petersburg. It has lasted as a fascinating window into early nineteenth-century literary taste, criticism, and popular reading culture.

The Story

The volume opens with contemporary critical reflections on the enduring genius of Sir Walter Scott's Waverley Novels, specifically introducing his venture into Swiss history with Anne of Geierstein. The narrative framework follows young Arthur Philipson and his father, disguised merchants travelling through rugged Alpine territories. Early on, Arthur engages in a fierce duel with Rudolf Donnerhugel near the castle of Geierstein, narrowly avoiding a fatal outcome before being interrupted by the local Landamman.

As the journey proceeds into Alsace, the travellers fall into the hands of the brutal governor Archibald Von Hagenbach, facing imminent execution until a local uprising and mysterious interventions by Anne of Geierstein save them. Following these narrow escapes, the elder Philipson experiences a chilling nocturnal descent into a subterranean vault, where he is tried before the terrifying, invisible judges of the Secret Tribunal, known as the Vehme. Displaying steadfast composure, he is acquitted of malicious intent and restored safely to the upper world.

Moving deeper into European politics, the narrative shifts to Strasburg, where the Philipsons encounter the exiled and melancholy Queen Margaret of Anjou before the shrine of St. George. Concurrently, negotiations unfold with the volatile and contradictory Duke Charles of Burgundy. The historical canvas expands to include the sunlit yet troubled courts of King René of Provence, the tragic struggles of young Ferrand of Lorraine, and the complex web of English and French rivalries.

The political tragedy culminates on the battlefield. Duke Charles, spurning diplomacy and rational counsel, launches reckless campaigns against the stern valour of the Swiss cantons, suffering catastrophic defeats at Granson and Morat. In the final military convulsions before Nancy, Arthur engages in a fatal final duel with his old rival Rudolf Donnerhugel, piercing him through the breastplate. Charles of Burgundy is utterly defeated and killed through internal treachery and Swiss resolve. Following these tumults, the fortunes of the House of Lancaster are miraculously revived, leading to the pivotal battle of Bosworth, where Arthur and his father secure victory for Henry VII, allowing Arthur to unite happily with Anne of Geierstein at the English court.

Interwoven with this grand historical romance, the periodical concludes with distinct literary miscellany. Musical composer Mr. Nathan contributes intimate reminiscences of Lord Byron, presenting previously unpublished verses such as "Speak Not—I Trace Not" and "They Say That Hope is Happiness," alongside personal recollections of Sir Walter Scott visiting Nathan in London. A final brief architectural description details the vast proportions of the Russian Admiralty in St. Petersburg, rounding out a dense sample of contemporary nineteenth-century reading.

How It Unfolds

Critical introduction The number begins with warm appreciation for the enduring brilliance of the Waverley Novels, celebrating their psychological depth and setting the stage for a tale of Swiss mountains. Reviewers highlight the author's mastery of human passion and picturesque description, preparing readers for a sweeping historical journey.

The Alpine duel Arthur Philipson matches heavy two-handed swords with the towering Rudolf Donnerhugel near the castle of Geierstein, displaying swift evasion and cool resilience. Their intense combat is abruptly halted by the stern intervention of the local Landamman before any fatal blow lands.

The Secret Tribunal During a restless night at an Alsatian inn, the elder Philipson's bed descends via trapdoor into a subterranean vault filled with masked figures. He faces the hooded judges of the Vehme, maintaining his dignified composure until he is formally acquitted of subversion.

The encounter at Strasburg Father and son meet the dejected former queen, Margaret of Anjou, illuminated by dim lamplight inside a cathedral chapel. Their solemn conversation bridges personal grief with the overarching, tragic dynastic struggles of England, France, and Burgundy.

The court of Burgundy The text explores the stark eccentricities, coarse habits, and dazzling hidden gemstone treasures within the pavilion of Duke Charles. Political ambitions collide as fragile treaties are proposed, abruptly broken, and replaced by rash military aggression.

The fall of Charles Ignoring sound diplomatic counsel, the Duke leads his forces to absolute ruin against the resolute Swiss at Granson and Morat. His final defeat and violent death outside Nancy mark the dramatic collapse of his unyielding ambitions.

Byron and musical miscellany The volume transitions from historical romance to literary journalism, featuring Mr. Nathan’s intimate recollections of Lord Byron. Readers encounter unpublished verses, accounts of poetic sensitivity, and pleasant anecdotes of Sir Walter Scott visiting London musicians.

The People

Arthur Philipson is a young English traveller who wants to execute his diplomatic missions safely and protect his father. Obstacles arise from hostile champions, treacherous governors, and hidden tribunals. He ends up hardened in courage, victorious in his personal rivalries, and happily married to Anne of Geierstein at the English court.

Rudolf Donnerhugel is a gigantic, proud champion of Berne who wants to prove his physical superiority and win the affections of Anne of Geierstein. His fierce jealousy of Arthur and his overconfident combativeness stand in his way, leading directly to his fatal defeat outside Nancy.

Margaret of Anjou is the exiled, heartbroken former queen of England who wants to restore the House of Lancaster to power. Overwhelming personal tragedies, fading royalty, and political instability stand in her way. She remains unyielding in spirit until her death, passing her hopes on to the younger generation.

Charles the Bold is the ambitious Duke of Burgundy who wants to expand his territory and defy rival sovereigns. His stubbornness, inconsistent temperament, and refusal to heed counsel stand in his way, culminating in his catastrophic military ruin and death.

Mr. Nathan is a musical composer and memoirist who wants to preserve the true artistic character and unpublished works of Lord Byron. Public misunderstanding and critical calumny stand in his way, but he succeeds in sharing intimate recollections and preserving precious literary fragments.

In Its Own Voice

Reflecting on the psychological insight and structural brilliance characteristic of the featured works, the contemporary reviewer observes how individual chapters conclude with irresistible theatrical suspense:

The endings of his chapters are like good exits--we are sure to be curious as to the following page or scene.

Describing the terrifying atmosphere and synchronized rituals of the secret judicial society encountered beneath an Alsatian inn, the underground chorus chants its binding decree:

On life and soul, on blood and bone, One for all, and all for one, We warrant this is rightly done.

Recalling Lord Byron's introspective verse, which deals with profound emotional suffering and resilience against harsh public judgments, an excerpted lyric asserts an unyielding spirit:

And the heart which I bear shall expire undebased, And man shall not break it--whatever thou mayest.

What It's Really About

The volume explores the complex friction between private honor and public destiny across changing European landscapes. It questions how individuals navigate rigid institutional justice—whether through the terrifying, invisible machinery of the Vehmique tribunal or the shifting allegiances of feudal courts. Beneath the tales of Swiss mountaineers and fallen royalty lies an inquiry into the permanence of human passion versus the ephemeral nature of political glory. The miscellany extends these thematic concerns into real life, examining how artistic genius, memory, and personal integrity survive public calumny and political upheaval. Through both historical romance and literary reminiscence, the work contemplates the heavy costs exacted by ambition, vengeance, and unyielding pride.

Why Read It Today

Readers who love sweeping nineteenth-century historical romances, atmospheric gothic elements, and intimate literary history will find this periodical number deeply rewarding. It feels like stepping into a bustling nineteenth-century reading room, where serialized fiction sits side by side with fresh memoirs of romantic poets and foreign travel dispatches. Modern readers should approach it prepared for period conventions, including lengthy descriptive digressions, elevated theatrical dialogue, and nineteenth-century critical prose styles that demand patient attention. Yet, the rewards are substantial. The vivid intensity of Arthur's midnight descent into the Secret Tribunal, the poignant sorrow of Queen Margaret in her dim chapel, and the rare musical recollections of Lord Byron provide a uniquely textured reading experience. What stays with you long after closing the volume is the rich juxtaposition of medieval chivalry with authentic nineteenth-century literary gossip, offering a rare portal into the reading habits of an earlier era.