not possible for a white man to retain them for more than sleeping under one of the sofas, suddenly rushed out, and a month."

What would gentle English housewives say to such cupboard guests as the following account will bring before them?

"It is surprising to watch how rapidly familiarity diminishes all these antipathies. I never shall forget the cold chill which crept over me, on first seeing a huge lizard crawling on the wall of my bed-room; yet in time I not only was amused by the rapid movements of the large lizards, as they chased each other up and down the verandah where I sat, but even fed them daily. A snake close to me, I thought would be death, but at last I became so careless about them, that, although there was a nest of deadly snakes in a hole in the wall, which it was necessary to pass, in going the shortest way to the kitchen, I used to watch for a minute or two, and then dart past, when they drew their heads in; a dangerous experiment, for they are very fierce when they have young ones. A battle between a snake and a rat was a curious sight, to which we were summoned by hearing, in the hall above the store-room, a hissing and squeak. ing, for which we could not account. On opening the store-room to ascertain the cause, a snake was to be seen rearing its beautiful, many-coloured neck and head, while a rat's black eyes were glistening with rage. They were in too great a fury to be disturbed by our approach, and flew at each other several times: at length the rat died in great agony, swelled up to a frightful size, and covered with foam; the snake was immediately destroyed by the servants."

leaping on the woman's back, stood there with his head the very personification of mischief. The governor on one side, his tail swinging backwards and forwards, and myself, hearing the noise, also came to the scene of action, when Saï descended from his station, and held his head to us to be patted, as if in approbation of his feat.

"The time came for him to be embarked, and he was shut into a large, strong cage, with iron bars in front, and put into a canoe; while there, the motion made him restless, and he uttered a howl, which so frightened the canoe-men, that they lost their balance, set up a howl in echo, and upset the canoe. We were watching his embarkation from one of the castle windows; and when we saw the cage floating on the waves, we gave our pet up as lost, and I am not sure that we did not make a trio in the cry; but fortunately a boat immediately put off froin the ship, the men in which caught hold of the cage just as it was on the point of sinking. The panther was installed close by the fore-mast, and I did not fail to pay him a visit the moment I went on board. He was very dull; and, perhaps, a little sea-sick, but was half frantic with joy on seeing me."

Of the splendid vegetation of these tropical climates, Mrs. Lee observes:

"The luxuriance of the parasitical and climbing plants of these virgin forests, can only be fully comprehended by those who have seen them. Sometimes the whole of an enormous trunk will be covered to a great height with the most brilliant convolvuli, which, stealing unperceived through the branches, reach the summit, and

We must give an account of a panther which again shooting forth their gay blossoms in the sun, seem Mrs. Lee brought to England:

"Nothing can exceed the beauty of the jessamine; it hangs from the summits of the highest trees till it sweeps on the ground; large clusters of pure white blossoms yield the raost exquisite fragrance, and perfume the air for miles around. As the people return from their labour, they often cover themselves with it, tearing it down in large handfuls."

"The wild pineapples of the forest are generally red, and only fit for cooking; but the slightest cultivation, even watering, makes them of delicious flavour. My uncle had some in his garden, which had been originally brought from St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verde islands; they were of enormous size, of a bright gold colour, and each was a heavy burden for one man to carry to any distance. They perfumed the whole house, and were eaten with a spoon."

to mock their less aspiring brethren. Scarlet, orange, and pink flowers will cover the lower boughs, and hang "He came from Coomassie with Mr. Hutchison, the in festoons from one tree to another. Often the climbers resident left there by Mr. Bowdich, and as he was very will become larger than the support to which they cling, young, the efforts made by that gentleman and others to and constantly form chains which look big enough to tame him, were completely successful. Nothing alive fetter the Atlantic. Then the runners, or slender fibres, was ever given to him to eat, and so well was he train-dropping from the twigs, take root below, and, vegetating ed, that frequently on their march to the coast, when the in their turns, form the whole of these mighty forests natives would not contribute any provisions, he would into a maze of network." catch a fowl, and lay it at the feet of Mr. Hutchison, who always rewarded him with a select morsel. On arriving at Cape Coast, he was tied up for a few days with a slight cord, and after that remained at liberty, with a boy to watch that he did not annoy the officers of the castle. He especially attached himself to me and the governor, probably because we bestowed more caresses on him than any one else: we took care, however, to keep his claws well filed, that we might not get an unintentional scratch. He was as playful as a kitten, and a few days after his cord had been taken away, he took it into his head to bound round the whole fort; the boy ran after him, which he, mistaking for fun, only increased his speed, and caused him to dash through all the narrow spaces. Most of the inhabitants were frightened out of their senses, and it was highly amusing to see the sudden disappearance of all living things, even to the sentinels. When tired, he quietly walked in at my door, and his pursuers found him lying on the ground beside me, composing himself to sleep, whence he was taken without the least resistance. ** Saï's chief amusement was standing on his hind legs, resting his fore paws on the window sill, and fixing his head be- “This is a constant custom among the higher classes, tween them, in this posture to contemplate all that was and the jewels, or rather gold ornaments, form no incongoing on in the town below. The governor's children, siderable portion of family property; they descend from however, often disputed this post with him, and dragged mother to daughter: and one woman, on state occasions, him down by the tail, which he bore with perfect good-will frequently wear many hundred pounds' worth of gold humour. An old woman, who always swept the great hall before dinner, was performing her daily office with a small hand-brush, and consequently going over the floor nearly on hands and knees. Sai, who had been VOL. XXVII. SEPTEMBER, 1835.-33

But it is only fair to give a picture or two of human nature in these remote regions, for the entertainment of those who take less pleasure than Mrs. Lee in the beauties of nature:

about her person. A very pretty Mustee girl (of the palest shade of colour) came to see me the morning after her marriage, and had on a very fine linen shirt (a covering adopted by all above the black shade), and over that two

tish, and made slight allusions to what had passed. The next day both were poisoned: the one died after a few weeks suffering, but the other survived a few years, with impaired health, and great bodily torment."

cloths, one of which had cost sixty pounds. Her fair | fact of their having witnessed the ceremonies of the Fehair was combed in the form of a cone to the top of her head, and profusely ornamented with golden butterflies and devices; her shirt was fastened in front with four brooches, and a large golden button at the collar and each wrist; manillas encircled her arms half-way up to the elbow, and the most splendid chains were hung across her shoulders; every finger was covered with rings as far as the first joint; her cloth was girt round her hips, and on this girdle hung golden lions and other ornaments; her ankles were also laden, and every toe was decorated like her fingers. The two slaves who followed her into the room were also richly dressed, and each had a bandeau of English guineas round their heads, fastened together with pieces of gold wire. The workmanship of many of these ornaments is exquisite, and they sometimes represent musical instruments, bells, stools. &c., and many are imitated from European patterns."

Her Ashantee visiters are thus described :"An Ocrah was sent to Cape Coast by the king, while I lived there; and, prompted by an anxiety which taught me to conciliate the Ashantees as much as laid in my power, I yielded to his proposal to dine with me. He insisted on it that Mr. Bowdich had desired him to do so; but I knew this to be untrue; and, uninfluenced by the falsehood, I appointed a day for the visit. The hour was to be three o'clock, and I was rather puzzled as to the choice of viands. At ten o'clock in the morning the gentleman arrived, with a retinue of at least fifty persons, some ragged and dirty, and among them the usual chamberlain, a piece of African state which is very absurd, for he bears a large bunch of rusty keys, for which Here is the reverse of this pleasant sketch:his master has not a single lock. I was obliged to tell "The existence of anthropophagi in this part of Afri- the Ocrah that I could not have him all day, and he left ca is but too certain, and not only do these Kaylees eat me in no very good humour. At the proper hour he retheir enemies, but they go to each other's houses to bar-appeared with his train; but on my further informing gain for the dying. Those who do not eat human flesh, him that I was not prepared for so many, he disview them with horror; and the very enquiry if they eat missed all but his intimate friend, to the hall below. such food, seems to inspire them with disgust and shame. The two then sat down to the table, and I helped them Three men at Sierra Leone, (I believe among the libe- to fish, which they began to eat with their fingers; but, rated Africans,) enticed a fourth into the forest, murdered on observing the use I made of a knife and fork, they him, immediately ate a part of his flesh, and cover- begged to be instructed how to handle theirs. I could ed the rest slightly with earth. The next day they re- scarcely keep my countenance at their attempts, nor at turned to their feast, but two of them became alarmed, their putting a piece slily into their mouths with their and did not go again: the third, however, was unable to fingers, when they thought themselves unseen; but resist the temptation, and the disappearance of the mur- when Ocrahnameah had eaten half of his fish, he dered man, and the frequent visits of the glutton, at begged permission to send the remainder to his length created suspicion; he was watched, and caught wife. An uncooked fish and a bottle of porter settled in the act of devouring the remainder of his comrade. this matter to his satisfaction, and we proceeded to a He was taken, and brought to trial on the charge of chicken pie, but I had been unfortunate in my selection. murder; this could not be proved against him, and, as The Fetish had forbidden him to eat fowls, and he dared there is no English law against eating human flesh, he not touch them; he, however, devoured mutton and pascould not be capitally punished." try by wholesale, and then returned to the fish ; he drank wine and porter till he was nearly intoxicated, and I was very glad when he found himself so sleepy that he was obliged to retire. After this, it was difficult to keep him at a distance, and he thought himself entitled to come at all hours of the day. The good for nothing person returned to Ashantee, saying, he had received neither kindness nor presents, but my letters having in. formed Mr. Bowdich of the truth, and all his property being seized by the king, numerous proofs of hospitality and attention were found, and Ocrahnameah was disgraced, and stripped of every thing that he possessed.

"The ground floors of native houses are all made of earth, and contain the bodies of the family. The cellar of the house, in which I lived for many months at Igwa, was the burial-ground of a numerous race; and such a circumstance attaches the people to every spot that has been once inhabited."

"The transactions, mystery, and power of the Fetish, bear a strong analogy to the history of the Inquisition. At all hours, and in all places, the natives of Western Africa are subject to its visits and interference, vengeance is never laid aside, though it may sleep for years; the most inviolable secrecy is observed by all its mem- "He was a very unworthy specimen of Ashantee bers, and, after intervals long enough to banish suspi- manners, for a better behaved person than Adoo Bradie, cion, the victims suddenly disappear. It were vain to nephew to the king, never appeared. His great delight ask what is become of them; all are afraid to own the was a portrait of Mr. Bowdich, at which he would grin truth, and a shrug af the shoulders, or shake of the head, and nod, and to which he would chatter by the half hour invariably accompany the profession of ignorance. The together. But, above all other things, my piano conpriests know every thing, meddle in all affairs, share tributed to his happiness. It had been spoiled by every piece of good fortune, rob their followers without neglect, during a long illness on my part, and I therefore scruple, and even prevent the extirpation of panthers, suffered Adoo to thump it at pleasure. He brought all hyænas, &c., by making them sacred animals, and de- his friends to see and hear, but never suffered them to manding a fine from every one who takes a part in touch it; and no sooner had I given him leave to play destroying them; and, by means of communications than he flourished a chair before it, sat down, and amidst with the Fetishes of other countries, extend their influ- the vilest din that could be conceived, looked at the ence far beyond the calculation of ordinary mortals." group of black faces for their admiration. This good. "Two English gentlemen, living at Sierra Leone, ex-natured creature went on board Captain Willis's frigate, pressed a wish to one of the priests, that they might be then at anchor in the roads, and the men happening to admitted to some of the orgies of the Fetish; and, after have leave to wash on that day, the rigging was covered bribing high, permission was given. Conditions were with red and blue shirts, which Adoo thought were flags sworn to on their parts that they would never publish in honour of his arrival. He was accompanied to the what they saw and heard, and they kept their promises coast by a well behaved captain, who came to us one for a long period. One unlucky evening, however, be-day with the most sorrowful countenance, and stated, ing elated with wine, they imparted to some friends the that the governor had just presented the royal nephew

with regimentals, like those of the officers, and he had imagination, and when she looked round the nothing of the sort, which 'put shame on his face too room, started at the fantastic figures on its walls much. Fortunately, Mr. Bowdich had an old red coat,-how, in the heroine style, she must needs rise into which the captain squeezed himself; he then insist- and examine these by her taper-when lo! ined on having a neckcloth, and this, and a worn-out cock- stead of prince or paladin, or frowning ancestor, ed hat, were all we could muster." the object of her fear proved a Jemmy Jessamy shepherd,

We cannot part from this pleasant volume without recommending it to our readers, of all classes-but especially to those who have to cater for the amusement of the young.

SONNETS.

with a frill, and a flowered waistcoat, and a fine bowpot at his breast,

tranquilly plucking cherries in a tree for the benefit of some equally Arcadian Silvia or Corisca below. But she loved best to talk and write of Abbotsford-she could not only enjoy the conver

ON SEEING THE GREEK TROOPS PASS THROUGH A TOWN IN Sation of its master, and appreciate the treasures

BAVARIA.

"Trust not for freedom to the Franks!" Thus sung
Thy poet, Hellas; for his eye was clear
And watchful as a mother's; and, in fear
And love commingled, over thee he hung,
Even as a wild bird careth for her young.

This was his warning; but thou wouldst not hear-
And thou hast given thine ancient shield and spear
To one who from a line of despots sprung.
Did those who fell by Missolonghi's wall

Pour forth their blood to purchase such a crown?
Was this the only triumph which they sought
To win by battle and by death? Thy thrall
Beneath the Ottoman had more renown:-
One conquered thec-the other only bought.
W. E. A.

From the London Athenæum. PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LATE MRS. HEMANS.-NO. II.

I

he had hoarded up, such picturesque and rare things as she delighted in, but could answer him in his own vein-could give him legend for legend-and receive his enthusiastic descriptions of any trait of romance or bravery with equally genuine enthusiasm. Some, however, of her letters and tales of the "North Countrie," told of lighter things than these ;-the one which follows, in particular, is strikingly characteristic of her in her lively and wilful mood, which sometimes made those sigh most who loved her best. In all matters of personal care and foresight, she was, alas! as thoughtless as a child-and would give way to ebullitions of passing gaiety and animal spirits (always, however, tempered by the exquisite refinement of her nature,) which some denounce as indiscreet in all who have come out of the green years of childhood-and others, more gravely would discountenance, though I cannot but think unjustly, as incompatible with deep feeling. This letter, like all which follow marked with an asterisk, was addressed to a correspondent of her own sex. I have given them because they show the grace and liveliness which she could throw round the most familiar matters -and have found it impossible, in glancing over them for the purpose of selection, to avoid measuring them against other specimens of eloquence de billet left by her predecessors most famed in this class of writing-and equally impossible to avoid feeling how well they stand the comparison.

"How I wish you were within reach of a post letter like our most meritorious Saturday's messenger, my dear —, amidst all these new scenes and new people,

My last paper left Mrs. Hemans enjoying and want so much to talk to you all. At present I can appreciating a close and frequent intercourse only talk of Sir Walter Scott, with whom I have just with Sir Walter Scott; in the present, I think, I been taking a long delightful walk through the "Rhymay again take up the same bright passage of her mer's Glen-I came home, to be sure, in rather a disas life without becoming wearisome or superfluous. trous state after my adventures, and was greeted by my With herself, her first journey into Scotland was maid with that most disconsolate visage of hers, which always a favourite topic of conversation. She invariably moves my hard heart to laughter, for I had spoke with delight of the romantic scenery of got wet above my ancles in the haunted burn, torn my Hawthornden, and of the hospitality extended to gown in making my way through thickets of wild her in not a few ancient and stately houses. I roses, stained my gloves with wood strawberrics, and regret that I have been unable to find a letter, one even-direst misfortune of all!-scratched my face with of her best, dated, I think, from Dalmahoy, in rowan branch! But what of all this? Had I not been which she described, with inimitable grace and walking with Sir Walter Scott, and listening to tales of liveliness, an adventure of hers in a haunted elves and bogles and brownies, and hearing him recite chamber there-a tapestried chamber too; how like the sound of the trumpet'? I must reserve many some of the Spanish ballads till they stirred the heart she had retired to her pillow, conjuring up a of these things to tell you when we meet; but one very thousand weirds and shadowy images, till she be-important trait, (since it proves a most remarkable symcame almost afraid of the phantoms of her own pathy between the Great Unknown and myself,) I can.

a

not possibly defer to that period, but must record it now. I have just received the most exquisite letter ever indited You will expect something peculiarly impressive, I have by the pen of man, from an American, who, being an no doubt. Well: we had reached a rustic seat in the inhabitant of No.- Philadelphia, is certainly not woods, and were to rest there, but I, out of pure per-like to trouble me with any thing more than his 'spiritverseness, chose to establish myself comfortably on aual attachment,' as Mr. - of is pleased to call grass bank. Would it not be more prudent for you, it. He, that is, my American, must certainly be not the Mrs. Hemans,' said Sir Walter, 'to take the seat?' I walking-stick,' but the very leaping-pole' of 'friendhave no doubt that it would, Sir Walter, but, somehow or ship.' Pray read, mark, learn, and promulgate, for the other, I always prefer the grass.' And so do I,' replied benefit of the family, the following delectable passage: the dear old gentleman, coming to sit there beside me,' How often have I sung some touchiug stanza of your and I really believe that I do it chiefly out of a wicked own, as I rode on horseback of a Saturday evening, wilfulness, because all my good advisers say that it will from the village academy to my home, a little out of give me the rheumatism.' Now, was it not delightful? town; and saw, through the waving cedars and pines, I mean, for the future, to take exactly my own way in the back roof and the open door of some pleasant wigall matters of this kind, and to say that Sir Walter wam, where the young comely maidens were making Scott particularly recommended me to do so. I was their curious baskets, or wampum-belts, and singing rather agreeably surprised in his appearance, after all I their To-gas-a-wana, or evening song! How often have had heard of its homeliness; the predominant expres- I murmured Bring Flowers,' or the 'Voice of Spring,' sion of countenance, is, I think, a sort of arch good na-as thus I pensively pondered along! How often have I ture, conveying a mingled impression of penetration and stood on the shores of the Cayuga and the Seneca, the benevolence. The portrait in the last year's Literary Oneida and the Skaneateles, and called to mind the Souvenir' is an excellent likeness." sweetness of your strains.' I see you are enchanted, my It was during her second visit to Scotland that mirers,' as the amiable youth entitles himself, begs perdear, but this is not all: the lowliest of my adMrs. Hemans sat for her bust to Mr. Angus mission to be, for once, my 'cordonnier,' and is about to Fletcher, which, as far as I am aware, is the only send me a pair of Indian mocassins, with my illustri resemblance extant which does full justice to the ous name interwoven in the buckskin of which they are expression of her countenance. It was executed, composed, with wampum beads.' If I receive this preI believe, for Sir Robert Liston, of Milburn Tow-cious gift before I return to Liverpool, I shall positively ers. Few celebrated authors, indeed, have caused make my appearance en squaw, the very first evening I so little spoliation of canvas and ivory as Mrs. come to — street; and pray tell that with these Hemans. She never sat for her picture willing-mocassins, and a blanket to correspond, I shall certainly ly; and the play of her features were so constant be able to defy all the rigours of the ensuing winter. I and so changeful, as to render the task of the ar- of your visiting this lovely country-there is balm in the am much disappointed to find, that there is no prospect tist a difficult one, almost to impossibility; nor, to the best of my knowledge, has any likeness very stillness of the spot I have chosen. The majestic silence' of these lakes, perfectly soundless and waveless of her been engraved. as they are, except when troubled by the wind, is to me most impressive. O! what a poor thing is society in the presence of skies and waters and everlasting hills!"

"Dove Nest, Ambleside.

On her way into Scotland for the second visit, Mrs. Hemans passed a few weeks in a secluded cottage on the banks of Winandermere. Here she had an opportunity of making the personal acquaintance of one whom she had long admired "I am sure you will believe that I have read your letand reverenced as a poet; but I may have occater with a full and most sincere participation in the vasion to speak more fully of the love she bore to ried feelings it expresses. As for your imps! poor dear Wordsworth's writings when I treat more exclu- little things! so great is my compassion for them, that sively of her literary tastes. In the four follow-I, even I, would at this moment of tender feeling, wiling letters, which were written at this happy period, it will be seen how highly she valued him as a man and as a friend; nor will her little pleasantry about the bridal gift be misunderstood -to my thinking, the difference between the poet of daily life, and the poetess of romance and sentiment, could hardly be shown better than in this anecdote. The second letter is more personal than I should have liked to print were the truths it contains one iota less valuable and less nobly expressed.

"Dove Nest, near Ambleside.

lingly uncork them all, though I believe the conse
quences would be little less awful than those of untying
the bag of winds. But to speak more seriously,

Let nought prevail against you to disturb
Your cheerful faith.

You will not be cribbed and cabined' by the influence of your daily toils; no, you will rise from them, as all minds gifted for worthier things have risen, with a fresh Tell me one instance of a generous spirit which has sunk and buoyant joy, into a world where they cannot enter. under the mere necessity for stedfast and manly exertion;-many, many, I believe, have been lost and be"I have too long left unacknowledged your letter, but wildered for want of having this clear path marked out the wicked world does so continue to persecute me with to them. I am convinced that you will be all the better notes and parcels and despatches, that even here I cannot for having your track so defined, and for knowing when find half the leisure you would imagine. Yesterday, I and where you may turn aside from it to gather flowers had three visiting cards, upon which I look with a fear-upon which no soil of earthiness will have fallen. I ful and boding eye, left at my house, whilst I was sitting could not write thus, if I thought that one precious gift of in the innocency of my heart, thinking no harm, by the mind was to be sacrificed to the employment upon which side of the lake-imagine, visiting cards at Dove's Nest! you have entered. You know that I believe you to be enRobinson Crusoe's dismay on seeing the print of the dowed with powers for the attainment of excellence; and man's foot in the sand, could have been nothing, abso- where such powers do exist, I also believe them to be unlutely nothing to mine, when these evil tokens of young conquerable. How very gravely I have written! If you ladies with pink parasols,' met my distracted sight on were sitting here beside me, I could hardly have spoken my return from the shore. En revanche, however, Iso; but I really have only wished to cheer and comfort

RECOLLECTIONS OF MRS. HEMANS.

you, and I know you will not let me be proved a false prophetess. However, I think there is but little danger, and that, with the prospect of immediately commencing and besides about fifty pretty little entremets, of which I know nothing, the poor imps may take comfort in their bottles on the mantel-piece, while the 'fish do their duty' in the frying-pan below. *

**

"I wish you were near me just at present. I am going out upon the lake with only the boys, and if our united giddiness does not get us into some difficulty or other, it will be marvellous. To be sure I shall keep the precious mocassin letter-it will be the very key-stone of our edifice. Do you know, that I was actually found out in my nest here last night, by a party of American travellers.-O words of fear! and they came and stayed all the evening with me, and I was obliged to play l'amiable, and to receive compliments, &c. &c.-here, even here, on the very edge of Winandemere. In other respects, I am leading the most primitive life. We literally take no note of time,' as there happens to be no clock in the house. To be sure we get an eleemosynary pinch of time now and then, (as one might a pinch of snuff,) when any one happens to call with a watch, but that is a rare event. I believe I shall have to trouble you and -to make me up a parcel before long. Mr. Wordsworth wishes to read a little of Schiller with me, and he is not to be had at Ambleside; and I want some chocolate, and that cannot be had at Ambleside; and a black silk spencer, after many moving accidents by field and flood,' wants a rifacciamento, neither can that be had at the all-needing Ambleside; but I believe I must write the affecting particulars to

ture greets every sunbeam with an absolute scream of
rapture. I wonder his horses do not take fright, and rush,
with him and his violent delights,' down some of the
ghylls or scars of the mountain."

แ

"Rydal Mount.

"I seem to be writing to you almost from the spiritland; all is here so brightly still, so remote from everyday cares and tumults that I sometimes can scarcely persuade myself I am not dreaming. It scarcely seems to be the light of common day' that is clothing the woody mountain before me, there is something almost visionary in its soft gleams and ever-changing shadows. I am charmed with Mr. Wordsworth, whose kindness to me has quite a soothing influence over my spirits. Oh! what relief, what blessing there is in the feeling of admiration when it can be freely poured forth! There is a daily beauty in his life,' which is in such lovely harmony with his poetry, that I am thankful to have witnessed it and felt it. He gives me a great deal of his society; reads to me, walks with me, leads my poney when I ride, and I begin to talk with him quite as with a sort of paternal friend. The whole of this morning he kindly passed in reading to me; a great deal from Spenser, and afterwards his own 'Laodamia,' my favourite. Tintern Abbey,' and many of those noble sonnets which you, like myself, enjoy so much. His reading is very peculiar, but, to my ear, delightful; slow, solemn, earnest in expression, more than any I have ever heard; when he reads or recites in the open air, his deep and rich tones seem to proceed from a spirit-voice, and to belong to the religion of the place, they harmonise so fitly with the thrilling tones of woods and waterfalls. His expressions are often strikingly poetical-for instance, 'I would not give up แ My Dear -, I must frankly own that it is my ne- the mists that spiritualise our mountains, for all the blue cessities which impel me so soon to address you again. skies of Italy.' Yesterday evening he walked beside me as I rode on a long and lovely mountain-path, high above From the various dilapidations, which my wardrobe has endured, since I came into this country, I am daily assuming more and more of the appearance of a decayed Grasmere Lake. I was much interested by his showing gentlewoman,' and if you could behold me in a certain me, carved deep into a rock, as we passed, the initials of black gown which came with me in all the freshness of his wife's name, inscribed there many years ago by himyouth, your tender heart would be melted with fearful self, and the dear old man, like Old Mortality,' renews compassion. The ebony bloom of the said dress is de-them from time to time. I could scarcely help exclaimparted for ever; the waters of Winandermere (thrown ing Esto perpetua!" up by oars in unskilful hands) have splashed and dashed over it; the rains of Rydal have soaked it; the winds from Helm Crag have wrinkled it, and it is altogether

somewhat in the state of

"Dove Nest.

I shall conclude my notice for the present with a few more extracts from the livelier letters of my friend-feeling how delightfully they supersede, in the present case, the necesssity of elaborate character-drawing, or the "twice-told tale" of anecdote. They are chiefly fragments of notes, written in the humour of the moment, to those with whom she shared every passing emotion.

Violets plucked, which sweetest showers May ne'er make grow again. * ImaWill you, therefore, be so kind as to send me as soon as possible, the material for this rifacciamento. * "I hope I shall soon be well enough to pay a visit; I gine, my dear, a bridal present made by Mr. Wordsworth, to a young lady in whom he is much interesteda poet's daughter, too! You will be thinking of a brooch really mean to try if I can take a little care of myself, in the form of a lyre, or a butterfly-shaped aigrette; or a (though I do think it requires a natural genius for it,) Forget-me-not ring, or some such small gear. Nothing because, having no kind brother to nurse me, I have of the sort-but a good, handsome, substantial, useful- made the brilliant discovery that there is no pleasure at looking-pair of scales, to hang up in her store-room! all in being ill alone; indeed it is very desolate; to me, For you must be aware, my dear Mrs. Hemans,' added so strangely desolate, that sorrow takes new sadness he gravely, how necessary it is for every lady to see from surprise;' but I will not speak about such things. things weighed herself. Poveretta me!-I looked as I send you an American annual to look at, which I regood as I could, and, happily for me, the poetic eyes ceived a few days ago, and in which you cannot be more are not very clear-sighted, so that I believe no suspicion, surprised to see some forgeries of mine, on the use of the derogatory to my notability of character, has yet flashed word Barb, than I was to see them there. It quite perupon the mighty master's mind; indeed, I told him that plexed me, until I found out that a friend, in this neighI looked upon scales as particularly graceful things, and bourhood, had given Professor Norton a copy of what I had great thoughts of having my picture taken with a had almost forgotten, during his visit to Liverpool. He that I am going to revisit has told the story in the prettiest way for me, but to you pair in my hand. Tell Corriston on Saturday, driven by the same straw-hatted I shall confess the whole wicked truth. It was neither and green-ribanded old bachelor, whom I before de- more nor less than a mystification, practised upon a very scribed to him. If there be many beautiful lights and well-meaning gentleman, (though somewhat earthly,) who, shadows upon the hills, I shall certainly die of ecstacy-in the innocence of his heart, called upon me two or three not my own, but my companion's; for the strange crea- years ago, and asked if I could help him to some authori