miliarly of persons whom they never knew, and describe places which they never saw. When fertility of invention deserts the standard of truth, to aid the boasts of vanity, it becomes not only a dangerous, but a despicable talent. Captain Lemuel Sinbad, (vho never extended his travels beyond Flanders) will tell you he shook hands with old Frederic the last time he reviewed his troops at Potsdam. Mention the emperor of Germany, he will positively assert that he had a private conversation with him upon the improvement of gun barrels. As for the earthquakes in Calabria, he accompanied sir William Hamilton to ascertain the extent of their effects: he went frequently to shoot with the king of Naples; and was informed at Constantinople, by a bashaw of three tails, that the grand signor would certainly declare war against the empress. The captain relates his incredible adventures in different companies with such material variations of circumstances, as repel belief, and destroy probability. He is generally as much at war with himself, as with the accounts given by others: but neither the incredulous laugh, nor shrewd cavils of his friends, can cure him of his darling passion for fiction, because he can support the tottering fabric of romance with the props of subtle and prompt argument. Nothing pleases him more, than to find that the eel of sophistry will often elude the strongest grasp of objection. The captain bears a close resemblance to the noted Psalmanazar, to whom, when it was objected, that, as the sun was vertical at Formosa, all the fires must be extinguished, readily replied, "that to prevent such inconve niences, the chimneys were built obliquely,”

By way of conclusion to this paper, such a sketch of character and detail of circumstances shall be exhibited as may probably be thought Utopian. Whether they be matters of fact or not, is by no means a subject of importance. If the plan laid down be practicable, the salutary effects resulting from its execution cannot be denied; because it will remove various inconveniences, and supply obvious defects in the instructions which have been frequently given to young travellers.

Frederic Manly, after having passed through a public school with applause, was sent to the university at the age of eighteen, under the immediate care of a private tutor. He applied with great diligence to classical and mathematical studies until he reached his twentieth year, when his father thought it was necessary for him to lay a solid foundation of domestic knowledge, before the superstructure of foreign travel was erected. This domestic knowledge consisted in an investigation of the principles of the constitution, the system of laws, and the administration of justice it comprised a general inquiry into the several branches of commerce and manufactures; the state of agriculture, learning, and the arts; and concluded with an examination of the reasonableness of national religion. The defects or errors of books on these interesting topics, were remedied by conversations with intelligent persons; and the vague systems of theory were rectified by observations on the actual state of things. To diversify these pursuits, Manly made the regular tour of Great Britain, with the double intention of surveying natural and artificial curiosities, and of conversing with

those who were eminent for manners, attainments, or genius. On visiting the continent, a more extensive and interesting prospect was displayed to his view; but he did not dissipate his curiosity amidst a frivolous and perplexing variety of objects. As he had been long habituated to the acquirement of useful knowledge, his researches were directed to that alone. He possessed the best means of procuring satisfactory and genuine information, as he conversed in the French, Italian, and German languages, with elegance and fluency. Such was the success with which he sacrificed to the Graces, that the ladies were charmed with the politeness of his manners; and such was the highly cultivated state of his mind, that foreigners, in general, gained considerably by the interchange of ideas. His heart was happily secured against the seductions of illicit amours, by an early attachment to a lady, whose temper and turn of mind were congenial with his own. Their absence was alleviated by a regular correspondence. His desire to contribute to her entertainment and information made every object doubly interesting, and gave the keenest edge to his curiosity. He surveyed the best specimens of ancient and modern art with a degree of rapture which bordered on enthusiasm. His taste was not the offspring of affectation, but the gift of nature, improved by experience. Harmony of colours, symmetry of parts, and the name of a great master, were, in his estimation, merely excellences of the second class. Sculpture and painting had no charms for him, exclusive of the force and beauty of their effect. Rome and Florence were the principal places of his residence, because in them the

fine arts had deposited their most valuable treasures. At the expiration of three years he returned to his native country, and was united to the mistress of his affections. His manners were refined, but not formal; his dress was fashionable, but not foppish; his deportment easy, but not finical. His constitution was invigorated by exercise, and his fortune unimpaired by extravagance. Scepticism had not undermined, nor bigotry contracted, his religious principles. He gave a proof how high a polish the British diamond will take; his example fully evinced, that it cannot be excelled either in solidity or lustre. His prejudices were worn away by enlarged intercourse with mankind. His philanthropy was ardent, and his patriotism not less spirited than rational. Manly, in short, was a citizen of the world, who had carefully weighed the merits of all cultivated nations, and made England the place of his residence, because her excellences preponderated in the scale.

MONRO.

No. XXXVII.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1787.

Continuation of the Vicar's Tale.

SUPPER being removed, after chatting some time, my worthy host conducted me to my bed-chamber, which was on the ground floor, and lined with jas

mine, that was conducted in at the windows. After wishing me good night, he retired, leaving me to rest. The beauty of the scenery, however, and my usual propensity to walk by moon-light, induced me to leave my fragrant cell. When I sallied forth, the moon was darting her temperated rays through the shade that surrounded the cottage, tipping the tops of the venerable oaks with silver. After taking a turn or two on the lawn, I wandered to the spot," where the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." It was small, and for the most part surrounded with ewe-trees of an ancient date, be. neath whose solemn shade many generations had mouldered into dust. No sooner did I enter, than my attention was caught by a pillar of white mar ble, placed on the summit of a small eminence, the base of which was surrounded with honeysuckles and woodbines, whilst a large willow overshadowed the pillar. As I was with attention perusing the epitaph, I was not a little alarmed by the approach of a figure, clothed in a long robe. The apparition continued advancing towards me with a slow step, and its eyes fixed on the ground, which prevented it observing me till we were within reach of each other. Great was my wonder at recognising my worthy host in this situation; nor was his astonishment less at finding his guest thus courting the appearance of goblins and fairies. After each had expressed the surprise he felt, I proceeded to inquire whose dust was there enshrined. To my

question he returned answer, "There, sir, sleeps Harriet's mother, an innocent, but unfortunate woman. Pardon me, sir," said he, " if for a moment I indulge my sorrow, and bedew my Harriet's grave