high hill, "Thither," said he, "you behold multitudes climbing from different quarters, struggling who should get foremost, and pushing down those before them. On one side of it, is a steep and slippery precipice, from which the most part, after having with infinite toil and contention gained it, tumble headlong into a bottomless gulf, and are never heard of more. On the other side, is a secret path which grows broader by degrees. At the entry to it, stands a smooth and artful villian, called Corruption, holding in one hand ribbons, and in the other bags of money, which under many specious pretexts, he presents to travel. lers, according to their several tastes. The path, after winding up the hill, leads down again by a straight descent, till it terminates in a dark dungeon, styled the Dungeon of Infamy. You observe what numbers are drawn into it. And of these there are not a few, who not only rejected for a long time the offers of Corruption, but exclaimed loudly against all who embraced them.

"The valley below," continued my guide, bending down the telescope, "is possessed by Vanity, whose district you may perceive, is still better peopled than those of the other retainers to pleasure, which you have already seen. She allures into her gaudy mansion, most travellers, by promising to lead them to the palace of her mistress through the temple of Fame, which she pretends is just in the neighbourhood, and only to be come at by passing through her dwelling, although indeed the right road to it lies through the Temple of Virtue, hard by which it stands. Those who are so foolish as to be decoyed by her, are generally consigned over to the scoffs of Ridicule, a formidable figure, who wears on his face a perpetual sneer, and, who after treating them with proper marks of scorn, shuts them up in an obscure cell, called the Cell of Contempt.

After this, Contemplation pointed out to me, in a remote corner of the country, that looked as if it had been disjoined from all the rest, a castle, which he

said was inhabited by an old usurer, named Avarice, who sat starving amid heaps of gold, and who, though in reality a chief retainer of Vice, refused to acknowledge her under the form of pleasure, and would never come near the court of that jolly goddess. "His castle, you see, is situated in the centre of a deep wood, and defended with high walls, and strongly fortified. That iron gate, which you perceive with the assistance of the glass, is the only entrance. It is secured within by many strong bolts. Without, stand two sharp eyed guards, with visages emaciated and keen, called Hunger and Anxiety, who let none pass into the castle, till they have manifested their good affection to the master of it, by serving a sufficient time in an outer yard, where some are digging, some hewing stones, others carrying on their shoulders heavy burdens, and many filling great chests with earth. It is remarkable," added he, "that from the lowest cellar in the house, there is a long subterraneous passage, which communicates with the Cave of Poverty."

Section VIII.

THE TEMPLE OF VIRTUE.

The Temple, in full sight of which we were now come, stood on the summit of the hill. My guide perceiving me captivated with the view of so glorious a structure, said, pointing to it, "That, sir, is the Temple of Virtue, and the abode of Happiness. There the monster who so lately frightened you, Self-will and his gloomy partner Bigotry, dare not venture. Spleen never spreads her sable wings there. From thence are for ever excluded Corroding Cares, and fearful forebodings, with those infernal furies, bitter Strife, blind Passion, brutal Revenge, Jealousy of jaundiced eye, fell Hate, pining Envy, rapacious Appetite, and pale Remorse. Neither the indolent nor

the busy adherents to Pleasure, can breathe in so pure an air. Her dependants, who are at the same time inhabitants, pass the festal hours in a perpetual round of pleasing exercises divided into different social bands, loving and beloved, improving and improved by one another, without any contention but this, who shall pay the highest homage, and do the most acceptable service to their common Sovereign, who is always sure to dispense her noblest boons to the most active and deserving."

Meanwhile we approached nigh to the sacred mansion, which was built of a transparent stone, that admitted light from every quarter. It was of a quadrangular form, and had at top a magnificent dome. Its portal was supported by a double row of pillars of the Doric order. The entry was guarded by two sentinels, who had something in their looks so awful, that several travellers recoiled at the sight of them. Their names were, Temperance and Fortitude. The former held in his hand a bridle, and the latter a spear in her's. Though their first appearance was rather stern and forbidding, methought it softened on us, as soon as they observed the company we were in. The gates stood wide open, as I was told they always do. Ascending by easy steps, we entered. I was transported with the beauty and greatness of the place. The height and circumference of the dome, both filled and delighted the eye. The manner of the whole was simple and solemn. There was no need of adventitious decorations, and there were none.

At the upper end of the temple, on a throne of state, appeared the goddess. But how describe her wondrous form! Her complexion was clear, healthful, and animated with a native glow more bright than art can confer. Her features were regular, and well proportioned, but had withal a kind of mascu line air. Her eyes were blue, beautiful, and piercing as light itself. In all her mein there was a happy mixture of dignity and modesty. No ornaments about her person, but what were decent and naturalı

Her hair flowed down her neck in artless ringlets. A sprig of laurel was wreathed round her temples. She wore a robe of the purest purple, which was girt with a zone about her waist, from which it fell in ample and easy folds, alike graceful and unencumbered. She held in her hand an imperial sword, the emblem of power and authority. Before the throne, which was of alabaster, were placed various ensigns of dominion, a globe, crowns, sceptres, tables of laws, suits of armour; instruments of war, trophies, and the several symbols of the finer arts.

The sight of the goddess, so divinely great, overwhelmed me with veneration and rapture. I stood for some time immoveable, as if lost in admiration. When I was a little recovered from my extacy, my guide, pointing to the throne, said, "There sits the Divinity of the place, and daughter of those immortal powers, Wisdom and Love. She was brought forth at a birth with Happiness, her sister, and undivided companion; and sent down from above, as the best friend of man, and the surest directress of life, the guardian of youth, the glory of manhood, and the comforter of old age. By her instructions and laws, human society is formed and maintained; and human nature, by converse with her, grows truly godlike."

My guide then acquainted me with the name, and symbols of the numerous attendants of the goddess. Ón either side of the throne, as its supporters, stood two illustrious personages, called Prudence and Justice. Prudence held a rule in one hand, and in the other a serpent, which twined its inoffensive spires round her arm. Justice held in her hand a pair of scales. The votaries, as they approached, were introduced to the presence by a young virgin of the most lovely appearance, who could not perform her task without blushing. Her name was Modesty. On the right hand of the goddess, stood Domestic Tenderness, Chastity with a veil, meek-eyed Charity, sacred Friendship, and heroic Indignation, of a

stern aspect and awful mein, grasping the imperial sword which Virtue reached out to him, and leading up Public Zeal, Magnanimity, and Honour, persons of fearless countenance and noble deportment, with several more whose names I have forgot.

On her left hand were placed, amongst others, Honesty, in her transparent vest; Sincerity, of an ingenious face; Resignation, leaning on a column, and looking up to heaven; Clemency, holding an olive branch; and Hospitality, of a liberal and open manner, joining hands with Politeness. Behind the throne, stood ranged, unruffled Serenity; smiling Cheerfulness; everblooming Joy, with a garland of flowers in her hand; and the Graces, encircled in each other's arms. There too appeared Industry, of a hale and active look, and Peace crowned with laurel; supporting a Cornucopia between them; Credit linked hand in hand with Commerce; and both introduced by Civil Liberty, holding her wand and cap. In Virtue's train, I likewise saw Rhetoric, of a bold and enthusiastic air: Poetry, with her lyre; Philosophy, with her speculum; History, with her pen; Sculpture, Painting, and the rest of the Arts and Sciences, each adorned with their respective symbols. The presence of the goddess seemed to inspire the whole generous and amiable band, and gave a fresh lustre to their beauty.

Section IX.

DESCENT INTO THE DOLGOATH MINE, IN 1806.

I was introduced yesterday to Mr. M, a manager of the mines, who called upon me this morning, and conducted me to the Dolgoath mine, situated three miles west from Redruth. It is the greatest mine in Cornwall, and is wrought principally for