No. 17. Morning Exercise in India. "She set her horse with a very graceful air; and when I saluted her with my hat, she bowed to me so obligingly, that whether it was her civility or beauty that touched me so much I know not; but I am sure I shall never forget her."-Sir Richard Steele. "Critics we know, by ancient rules may maul it But sure gallants must like-the; what-d'ye call it ?" Gay. Morning Exercise in India!!! In this sunny land, the European does not show that vigour, or thirst for knowledge, he would do, were he in a colder clime, which is natural enough, since all must allow there is some slight difference between Thermometers of 30 and 90 degrees. He frequently becomes languid and melancholy, and consequently is denied all those passing pleasures which surround the cheerful man. Is not this sad state of things caused through want of action in his physical and mental condition? that such is the cause (particularly in India) is acknowledged by all; and through all ages, exercise has been named Natures' Great Physician for man, in whatever clime he may be placed. Burton in his great book on melancholy, highly recommends exercise, as in accordance with the sublime nature of man; he says "The heavens themselves run continually round, the sun rises and sets s; the moon increaseth and decreaseth, stars and planets keep their constant motions, the air is still tossed by the winds; the waters ebb and flow to their conservations; no doubt to teach us that we should ever be in action." In India before Sol begins to illume the eastern horizon, what a pleasure it is to take a cool morning ride; and how that pleasure is increased, when our fair countrywomen honour us with their presence, blooming like so many Spartan Huntresses of the days of yore; it is not an uncommon sight to see a large assembly of female and male (the ladies first) equestrians, taking in the morning at six a QUIET ride; perhaps may be seen in the cavalcade a Subaltern (talking to some lovely girl) who has left his Mess-house about two or three in the morning. Perhaps some metaphysical moonstruck poet gets a little in advance of the others, and looking back mutters to himself from Shelley "There is a woman beautiful as morning," such characters I say might be seen in a morning ride in India. To young ladies especially, exercise on horseback is highly recommended, but in case they should not take the advice of a "child un known," I have much pleasure in giving them the remarks of Sir Richard Steele on the subject. Tatler No. 248. "Methinks it should be one of the first things to be regarded among people of condition to find out proper amusement for young ladies. I cannot but think this of riding might easily be revived among them, when they consider how much it must contribute to their beauty. This would lay up the best portion they could bring into a family, a good stock of health, to transmit to their posterity. Such a charming bloom as this gives the countenance, is very much preferable to the real or affected feebleness, or softness, which appears in the faces of our modern beauties." The Spectator also treats on the usefulness of exercise; likewise the Rambler in No. 48, every line of which marks the powerful genius of Dr. Johnson: but these books are generally in most houses and libraries; therefore I shall not weary my readers by drawing on those Wonders of the Times. I have a work beside me, which I do not think is so common, and which contains some excellent medical advice, and which I will give with pleasure without asking a fee. "Riding may be varied according to our strength, or the nature of our disorder, by walking, pacing, trotting, or cantering our horse. All those diseases which are attended with a weakness of the nerves, such as the hysteric and hypochondriac disorders, which show themselves in a weakness of the stomach and bowels, indigestion, low-spirits, &c. require this exercise. In riding to preserve health, eight or ten miles a day ("five is sufficient for India") are sufficient to answer all the purposes we would wish for; but in riding to restore health, these little excursions will avail nothing. The mind as well as the body, must be roused from its languor. In taking an airing, as it is called, we ride over the same ground for the most part every day. We see no new objects to divert us, and the very consideration of our riding for health sinks our spirits so much, that we receive more harm than good from it. Upon this account long journies are recommended to such people, in order, by the variety or novelty of the journey, to awaken or divert the mind. Many have by these means been surprised into health." POLYPHILUS. Thursday, February 8, 1844. No. 18. Alexander the Great in the Punjaub. "Though Alexander's urn a show be grown, On shores he wept to conquer, though unknown- LORD BYRON. The Age of Bronze. Alexander, when his father wished him to run for the prize of the race at the Olympian games, for he was very swift, answered; "He would, if he might run with kings." This little anecdote at once gives an insight into the character of Alexander the Great, he who in after years became the most successful and most renowned warrior of his time. The name of Alexander resounded through the then known world, he conquered all, and at length sat down and wept like a child, because he had no more worlds to conquer. It is not my present intention to give a biography of Alexander, but merely to present to my Eastern Readers, a very slight description of this great warrior's sojourn in the Punjaub. At this critical moment "while great |