But why regret his want of learning, as it proves, as Cowper observes, too oft a snare? Without literary acquirements, Voltaire, D'Alembert, and the rest of the illuminati, could not have spread the poison of Atheism over Europe, and set such political principles afloat as have lit the most enlightened part of the globe in flames, which have been quenched only by the blood of its inhabitants.

My venerable old friend could read his Bible, and instead of prying into forbidden mysteries, starting objections occasioned only by the real ignorance of the objector, or assuming the character of one of those fools, who (as the poet says) rush in where angels fear to tread,' he had the good sense to regulate bis conduct by the maxims contained in that sacred book. His protracted life was a continued scene of serenity, for he had a head VOL. XXXVIIL

Not far distant stands the tomb, within whose gloomy cavern Clericus, the accomplished Clericus reposes, who was snatched from life when all its blushing honours began to bloom around him. His splendid natural abilities were improved by scientific lore. He was a proficient in music, and played the organ with almost unrivalled skill: and what can seldom be said of persons of superior attainments, he was affable, devoid of pride, wholly divested of that hauteur that oft-times attends exalted genius, and was always willing to impart instruction to the inquiring mind.-He was kind to me:-by his death I lost the freedom of 4 H

in me.-Now no more the juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip.'

In the agitation of her speech she marched up in a parallel line with me; and blew on me such a gale from her mouth-not of the scent of Egypt's grape, but the more common, and less costly juice of juniper berries. But Antony, the noble-minded Antony! Faith, Bob! I have not words in iny vocabulary to do Antony justice, or give you any idea of the fellow's clamorous vociferation. He began his despondent speech of O Sun! thy uprise shall I see no more!' with such a sudden start of passion, that he almost choked himself; and absolutely made me start.

In one of the scenes where a sideboard of plate should have been, a deal board, covered with green baize, and two or three pots, borrowed from the village alehouse, met with an unfortunate adventure. The voluptuous queen taking her asp from a pottle, with an unlucky flourish snatched the green covering from the deal board, and discovered two poor fellows, the living supporters of this ambitious deal board; so true it is that pretenders are often discovered when they think themselves figuring away with more than common elegance.

The heroic Cleopatra went on with her speech.

"Come, mortal wretch! with thy sharp teeth;' but one of the latediscovered heroes found his honour wounded; and, stalking up to the expiring lady, with a tremendous tragedy-oath, demanded Why she whisked the cloth off him when all the time the gentry thought him dead.'

We by this time discovered that he was the lost, the regretted An

tony; though his trappings were somewhat altered, being half equipped for the farce.

I for my part was very glad to find him alive and well; and expected to see Cleopatra fly into his arms; and fly she did, but with no amicable intent: no, the soft, the languishing, the dying Cleopatra raised one of her huge red fists, (which, by the by, I believe would have felled an ox,) and gave the remonstrating Antony such a sudden and violent blow on the face, that his noble blood besprinkled the ground on which the body of the unfortunate hero had been stretched. He once more rose, and with incredible fury attacked the triumphant queen.

The battle now raged with great heat on both sides, when the prompter's voice ordered the curtain to be let down; but the bustle continued behind it, and the words nasty trapes, and shabby, paltry fellow, were very distinguishable.

Champly was clamorous for the blanket to be pulled up to see fair play, but he was not attended to.

The risibility of all ranks was so great, that I am persuaded there never was a merrier end to a tragedy in this world.

We did not stay to see the farcè, for really it would have been too extravagant to enjoy so much farce

at once.

We had had a sufficient quantity of laughter to last a month; but I shall have another peep at them before they are off for good.

This lady Walsingham improves upon one every day: she has the beauty of a Venus, and the sense of a Minerva.-Oh, Legoxton, this woman causes me to break the tenth commandment hourly.

This evening I had the ecstatic

pleasure of driving her to and from the play; and enjoyed so large a portion of her sweet company, that I am in good humour with you, myself, and the whole world. In this pleasing temper I wish you a good night.

[In continuation.]

So Champly, after assuring himself that miss Lester's fortune was full forty thousand pounds, has thought proper to avow himself her lover by an open declaration. We have all, except lady Walsingham and Linley (who set off this morning to attend a sick uncle,) been walking in the park ; where, if you had been to have seen the pert foppish airs of that prince of fribbles, Champly, and the coy, the reserved, and then presently the sour, peevish bebaviour of his mistress, it would have afforded a fund of entertainment for your facetious humour.

By the host I had rather make love to my charming amazon, queen Cleopatra, than to this female Proteus. She is so whimsically capricious, such a contrast at different times, you would swear it was impossible for one woman to have so many fantasies. Now she will be all that is fashionably elegant, and sprightly; one of the most playful, arch, provoking creatures I ever met with: in a few hours you will see her in a becoming dishabille, with a negligent air, assuming all the bewitching softness of languishing beauty. In short she is a good olio: a medley of whim, humour, wit, nonsense, beauty, and ugliness. So if you wish for variety in one, come and throw yourself at the feet of this farrago.

I am now going with Seymore

Not till this morning, madam, I had not; but to day I thought I discovered an unusual depression on the countenance of some of our friends.'

Well, sir, I have observed an alteration for some time back; but this morning I overheard some words that make me tremble for my beloved lady Walsingham. You, sir, are the confidential friend of her husband-Warn, oh warn him to beware of the insidious voice of a siren-Lady Walsinghain's peace ought not to be sacrificed to a false friend.

By Heaven, it shall not be !' said I, with passion. Seymore turned round-- What shall not be?' said he.-Lady Mary pressed my arm Why, you shall not drive this sweet girl back; you shall ride my horse (he had brought her in his phaeton).'

Well, if lady Mary desire itI desire no such thing,' replied she, with her face in a glow.

Come, come, my dear girl, I desire it, if you do not-and will not be denied.'

I handed her in; Seymour mounted Termagant, and galloped on before.

As we proceeded she informed me that the conversation she alluded to passed between miss Lester and her maid; in which

But pray, Baderly,' said the siren, what were you doing with your horses just now? were you giving us specimens of driving; or were you dull, and thought by ploughing up the road to discover wit: Or had you an inclination to break lady Mary's neck?'

Neither, madam.'

Why, thou formal man of starch, I believe in my conscience you have been to a quakers' meeting, or to a methodist sermon.'

To neither, madam.'

Ha, ha, ridiculous: why then I protest you have been making love to lady Mary,--and she has refused to hear you.-Aye, I see I have it at last, by that blush on her cheeks, (the poor girl did blush) and you don't answer with your puritan Neither, madam.'

Well, but my dear Mary, he has done the same to five hundred women, so don't believe him; for I know he makes love to every foolish thing he meets.'

Lady Mary is much obliged to you, miss Lester, as well as myself, but you do me injustice; for