SICILY. THE Island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean, on the coast of Calabria, has a somewhat picturesque effect when viewed at sea. A succession of mountain groups extend across it, of an altitude of from 3000 to 6000 feet; besides the volcanic mountain of Ætna, 10,874 feet above the sea. The island contains but few plains, the greater part of the surface consisting of mountains and valleys. The course of ages has stripped nearly all the moun tains of their ancient forests, but the sides of Ætna are still covered with fine forests of oak, maple, birch, fir, and chestnut. The native wealth of the island is considerable: sulphur is found in abundance; marble and alabaster of the finest quality, in great quantities; manna, oil, almonds, and dried fruits, are considerable exports these, with the wines, exhibit the natural capabilities of the island for a more extended commerce than it at present enjoys. The uninhabited island of Lampedosa, towards the coast of Tripoli, belonging to the kingdom of Sicily, is, according to a theory recently broached by the Rev. Mr. Hunter, the scene intended by Shakespeare for "The Tempest." Б THE WINTER'S TALE. ACT III. SCENE 1. Cleo. SICILY. CLEOMENES and DION. The climate's delicate; the air most sweet; Fertile the isle; the temple much surpassing The common praise it bears. Dion. I shall report For most it caught me, the celestial habits, (Methinks I so should term them,) and the reverence Of the grave wearers. O, the sacrifice! How ceremonious, solemn, and unearthly It was i' the offering! Cleo. But, of all, the burst And the ear-deafening voice o' the oracle, Dion. If the event o' the journey Prove as successful to the queen,-O, be 't so !— The time is worth the use on 't. Will clear, or end, the business: When the oracle, (Thus by Apollo's great divine seal'd up,) Shall the contents discover, something rare, Even then will rush to knowledge.-Go,-fresh horses ;And gracious be the issue! |