the Standing Stones of Stennis. These standing stones, (or stones set on end,) are arranged in the form of a large circle, and a smaller semicircle. We first viewed the latter, which perhaps had originally been a complete circle: in that case, it must have been 100 feet in diameter, the curvature of the semicircle that remains measuring somewhat more than 150 feet. Soine of the stones of this semicircle are truly massive, rising about eighteen feet above the ground. At a little distance stands a solitary stone of great size, having, about two or three feet from the ground, a round perforation in it. This round hole, it has been supposed, was intended for tying the sacrifices offered at this rude, but magnificent temple, in times of Druidism. The common people still attach a good deal of veneration to it; if a lover and his mistress join hands through it, this (we are told) is considered as the sign of a vow of the most sacred kind: it is called the Promise of Odin. The more superstitious of the natives also are of opinion, that if, when they are young, they pass their head through this hole, they will never shake with the palsy in their old age.The lake of Stennis is here divided into two by a kind of causeway, or range of stepping-stones, which leads to the large circle. This circle had originally consisted of about sixty huge stones; about fourteen of these are still complete, and stand ~on end; several more lie prostrate on the ground. This circle is exactly geometrical: it is about 300 feet in diameter; consequently about 940 feet in circumference. It is completely surrounded by a ditch, thirty feet wide, and generally about twelve feet deep. This ditch had formerly been filled with water; and to fill it again would be no very laborious undertaking, the great lake of Stennis being in the immediate vicinity. The whole stones are covered, in the upper part, with the finest specimens of lichen calicaris*, of uncommon length, -giving the liveliest resemblance of hoary locks hanging over their aged shoulders. Many of these specimens were in complete fructification, or full of saucers. The stones are of a sandstone, with numerous small specks of mica. They appear to have been dug from quarries on the south side of the lake. ACCOUNT OF TRIANON, THE CELEBRATED VILLA OF THE LATE QUEEN OF FRANCE. "When to gratify a private appetite, it is once resolved upon that an innocent creature shall be sacrificed, 'tis an easy matter to pick up sticks enough from any thicket where it has strayed, to make a fire to offer it up with." STERNE. How often have I seen her majesty, when yet in the early day of youth, turn from its impetuous pleasures, and dissipated delights, by first substituting *Rock moss. for the brilliant balls of Versailles, the rural assemblies of Trianon, which were ever producing some new mark of her goodness; from which time it was every day more and more evident, how her attention was taken up with the cares and duties of a mother. Sometimes unaccompanied by her attendants, she would walk with her children in her gardens, the decorations of which she had converted into mediums of charity*; sometimes, in her own apartments, either mingling in their infant sports, or busily employing herself in needle-work. And, as the mind of Madame Royale gradually expanded, I have beheld her royal mother indefatigable in her efforts to implant and cultivate in her tender breast, all those eminently good qualities which graced her own; and especially enforcing, with all her influence, a regard As appears from those twelve rustic habitations which were built at Trianon by the Queen's orders, and in which she settled twelve poor families, taking upon herself to provide them with constant maintenance. Here misfortune found a refuge, and charity chose her seat; here, in those very gardens, which base and ignorant calumny to this day dares to represent as the theatre of the most licentious scenes! such indeed as are to be read of in loose romances, and which the infamous plagiary has obtruded upon the world as facts of history. We will not so outrage the memory of Marie Antoinette, as to enter into farther vindication of her from such offensive falshoods, while the publications that propagate them can reflect disgrace on none but him who writes, him who reads, and on the government that connives at such miserable productions. for every virtuous qualification, recollection of services performed, love of human nature, compassion for the unfortunate, moderation in high estate, charity, kindness, and forbearance. Truth is the guide of my words, and many a proof exists to corroborate the faithfulness of this description; but the fruits which this day grace the world, are of themselves sufficient to mark the excellence of the culture: and truly one would almost suppose, that the august and suffering mother of the duchess of Angouleme was led, by a secret dictate of Providence, to store the breast of her daughter with every peculiar virtue that her future situation might require. THE POET'S GARRET. COME, sportive Fancy! come with me, and trace Of the heav'n-tutor'd Nine! the airy throne Above the herd of mortals. All around A solemn stillness seems to guard the scene, Of a strong coffer, placed on three-legg'd stool, Scrawl'd o'er and blotted, dash'd, and scratch'd, and torn; Or mark'd with lines severe, or scatter'd wide Of short and simple metre, each by turns On the bed Lies an old rusty suit of " solemn black," A pair of silken hose, whose footing bad Whistling through broken panes, and drifted snows, Of vestal coldness. Now the sullen hour Gleams through the cobwebb'd chamber, and the bard Concludes his pen's hard labour. Now he eats With appetite voracious! nothing sad That he with costly plate, and napkins fine, |