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days before, when seeking to screen myself from the mid-day sun among the thick trees, I perceived a little winding path leading inwards, which following, I was conducted to where the Druids might have been supposed to hold their councils. Thick and lofty trees were completely interwoven over head. The grass beneath was moist and tenderly green; birds trooped hither, fearless and sportive, unsuspicious of man from being familiar with seven stone representatives of the human species, who kept their silent stand in this retreat,―harmless, majestic and awful. I fancy they were meant to represent the seven days of the week ; but from the solitude and mystery of the place, I felt, on first entering, as though I intruded upon these venerable inmates, and half expected their marble worships would advance and bid me welcome.There is, however, a charm sometimes in having a little fear mingled with ones admiration. A gothic castle, a lonely heath, a gloomy forest, or stupendous precipice, are not without the lurking dread of robber, spectre, or brain-sick fancies. By degrees, however, these imaginings passed away, and the coolness of the place refreshed and delighted me. Again, therefore, I sought its shade, and throwing myself at the feet of one of these statues, alternately amused myself with reading and watching the glimpses of blue sky that showed among the leaves. Suddenly my ears were regaled with the sound of sweet music, drawn from the breathing tones of several wind instruments, which floated upon the rapturous air like angel wooings;

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and presently after came a company of ladies and gentlemen into the very place where I lay. At first, I imagined they were sight-seers, who would pass on and leave me unobserved and unmolested; but I was disappointed; they seemed equally with myself desirous of remaining, and I was reluctantly concluding to withdraw, when I observed a beautiful vision approach, and examine the statue under which I couched. It seemed the resemblance of Belphoebe, or some young and shapely wood nymph; but, from its white dress and straw hat, I was tempted to believe it a woman. The pleasure I experienced in looking upon this lovely creature, kept me motionless, until at length, warmed into a belief of her being a divinity, I lifted the end of her scarf and kissed it fervently. This motion alarmed her, and she looked down, expecting no doubt to find a serpent or some other venomous reptile. I trust she was pleasantly deceived, although she could not have exhibited much more surprise had she really discovered some such hideous deformity; but, checking an exclamation that had nearly escaped her, she with most ineffable grace apologised for having disturbed me. I, in my turn, sought to excuse the alarm I had occasioned her; and we were thus reciprocating compliments, when a gentleman interrupted us, whom I instantly recollected to be an old young friend of mine, an excellent and accomplished gentleman, by name Florio. He appeared delighted with the meeting, and pressed me earnestly to join

their party, saying many complimentary and friendly things in assurance of welcome.

I found they had come to spend the day in Stowe Gardens, and had chosen this pleasant recess wherein to pass the noon and spread their pic nic. There needed not much persuasion to induce my accepting so pleasant an invitation. Loneliness is the curse of batchelors, and in the midst of nature's delights, I had begun to have symptoms of desiring the society of my fellow infirmities. Florio now introduced me to his company, which consisted of two ladies and three gentlemen, besides himself. The ladies were Amanda, his young bride, and her sister, Graziana, whom I have before-mentioned as deceiving me into a belief of her being Belphoebe: the gentlemen were Dorilaus, the father of these ladies, and Flavius and Cynthio, fellow students, and gallant companions of Florio, upon occasion of whose recent marriage the present company had assembled. Florio had a pleasant estate in this neighbourhood, whither, immediately after his nuptials, he had retired, as modern custom judiciously and pleasantly enjoins: but the jovial and warm-hearted Dorilaus, not brooking a longer absence from his children, took suddenly the resolution of invading their retirement, by inviting these young men, whom Florio greatly esteemed, to accompany him and Graziana on a visit to The young couple received the invaders with all the cordiality of their natures, and in a manner that disappointed the arch pleasantly of Dorilaus, who ex

pected at least a little vexation on their part. In the midst of happiness they had not forgotten their friends, and intended inviting them to a participation of their content; but day after day passed, and they only talked of writing invitations; nor could they be scarcely convinced that upwards of a month had elapsed since their departure from Paddington Church for Buckinghamshire. The sisters were warmly attached to each other: and I have rarely seen a finer sight than these two lovely women hanging on each arm of their kind, venerable parent, coaxing and charming him to some pleasant purpose.

Among the amusements which the presence of these visitors bespoke, were frequent excursions to neighbouring pleasant scenery, where they might pass the day

A summer party to the greenwood shade,

With lutes prepar'd, and cloth on herbage laid,
And ladies' laughter, coming through the air.

Stowe Gardens were too beautiful to be overlooked, and this happened to be the day dedicated to visit them. Their attendants had brought musical instruments and music books, (the education of the party not allowing a neglect of this charming science), baskets of provisions, with wines and fruits; and were then dismissed until evening, that their presence might not act as a restraint upon the conviviality of the meeting; for in parties of this unbending nature, the true luxury is equality and similarity of tastes and

pleasures. Nothing can be a greater damper to a genial, generous heart, than in the midst of his own. enjoyment to catch the stiff air and solemn unpartaking countenance of a domestic. My friends had usually also provided themselves with some delightful book, which in the intervals of conversation or music they read by turns; but this morning they had neglected so to do, and after a time, the omission was perceived and regretted. Graziana, who was usually the provider of these supplies, was now the first to take blame to herself, and lament the loss they would sustain through her carelessness. Each one sought to excuse the fair offender, for she was universally beloved for her gentleness and obligingness. I availed myself of this opportunity to propose a favourite plan of mine, which I had usually found productive of much diversion and ingenuity; it was, that each one should tell a tale, either invented for the occasion, or remembered from old legends and curious histories. The company highly approving my proposal, we formed ourselves into a circle, sitting, lolling, or lying upon the turf, at pleasure.

Dorilaus, with his fine white head and happy face, sat like an Arcadian elder upon the pedestal of one of the statues, overshadowed by a spreading oak, its ample trunk encircled by "lush woodbines." Amanda and Graziana placed themselves at his feet, apt personifications of graceful humility. Florio contrived to insinuate himself next his bride, which we bachelors generously overlooked, contenting ourselves with be

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