BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF MARTIN HAPPERTZ VAN TROMP, THE CELEBRATED DUTCH ADMIRAL

Summary

His valour shewn upon our crests—

Hath taught us how to cherish such high deeds,

Even in the bosom of our adversaries.

Shakspeare.

THE adoption of a foreign subject for our Biography, will probably be considered as transgressing its assigned limits; we are, however, not conscious of such exclusive bounds; and if we were, should, notwithstanding, think the fame of Van Tromp a justification of the anomaly.

The chief use of Biography consists in its being the vehicle of incentive or abhorrent example—as affording various displays of the human character, and tending to prove the value of men's actions by their correspondent consequences, although it must be allowed, these will not always be found a just criterion.

Considering our Biography in this general view, and the hesitation evinced by too many of our own countrymen to record their public services for the laudable purpose of example to those who shall succeed them, we feel ourselves warranted in giving a place in our Chronicle even to those of an illustrious enemy, whose exertions for the honour and commercial interests of his country, may be equally efficacious in promoting a like zeal for their country's good in the breasts of Englishmen. To the valour of Van Tromp our Blake was indebted for a great portion of his due fame.—Peace to their Manes!—for by their honorable rivalry, the martial character of their respective countries was most honorably exalted.