stantly eluded my grasp, or to pluck some flower that pleased my fancy; which, almost as soon as gathered, drooped, withered, and died; or else, being armed with thorns, upon attempting to seize and place them in my bosom, they wounded me severely. But I was now to quit the smooth enamelled turf, and traverse many a rough, intricate, and perplexing path; then bleak commons, whose sole vegetation consisted of the flowering thistle, brambles, and thorn-bushes, through which I made my way as best I might. Fain would I have yielded to the temptation held out to me, by smoother and more inviting paths, apparently tending to the same point as the route I had been directed to pursue; but I had heard from unquestionable authority that the woods and thickets abutting upon these green and shady lanes were infested by various beasts of prey. The danger, therefore, that would be incurred by a deviation from the track previously indicated acted as a counterpoise to the strong desire I naturally felt, to luxuriate amid the cool green herbage, instead of toiling over the hot, sandy, uninteresting plains which frequently lay in juxta-position with these, it must be confessed, most alluring paths. On then I went, repelling the calls of hunger by plucking the wild fruits and berries from the hedges by the way-side, though in so doing my hands were sadly scratched and torn by the briars among which they grew. At length I reached the sea-shore, when perceiving a crystal spring at no great distance issuing out of a rock, I gladly hastened towards it to quench my thirst, which was now become intolerable. Wearied and foot-sore, the sun too in his zenith beating with fervor upon my head, increased the lassitude I experienced, so that I looked eagerly around for shelter and a resting place, both of which the same friendly rock afforded me. I entered a cave therein, and seating myself upon a rude couch formed by a projecting piece of stone, watched the breakers dashing upon the shingly shore; upon which each approaching wave deposited portions of sea-weed, coloured pebbles, and shells, whose exquisite forms and delicately varied tints excited my ardent admiration ; but brief was their stay! each retiring wave carried them away, and flung them back into the ocean.

Meanwhile the gentle murmuring of the receding waves, and the dashing of their successors upon the shingles, had such a lulling effect upon my senses, that, from a sort of dreamy thoughtfulness, I became gradually unconscious of all around, and sleep surprised me. At first I was sensible of nothing, but after a time, beheld this same ocean covered with an impenetrable mist, nothing was to be seen, save one bright star in the horizon. I watched this brilliant planet, which every moment seemed to increase in size and splendour, till at length a train of light shot from it, and reached as far as the spot where I was seated; wondering at this unusual appearance, imagine how my astonishment was augmented, upon perceiving an ethereal form glide with inconceivable swiftness down the train of light and place itself at my side!-Though awe-struck, I was yet allured by the benignity of his countenance and emboldened to address him.-"Bright inhabitant of yon fair star," said I, "why am I, a child of clay! honoured by such a visitant? On what errand dost thou quit thy blissful home?" He motioned me to silence, and raising the staff upon which he leant,

pointed in the direction of the ocean: presently I heard a murmuring sound as of bees, which grew louder and louder, while at the same time the mist began to roll itself up as it were, like a scroll, as far as I could see; and assumed the appearance of a dark stagnant river. In the place of the sea, I beheld a vast wilderness thronged with people; this had caused the sound that struck upon my ear, and which at first I had mistaken for the hum of bees. I gazed around, some parts of this wilderness consisted of arid plains, others of tangled thickets impervious to the sun's rays, others of rocky ground full of deep ravines, while here and there a small but fertile spot was discoverable, with turf green as an emerald, walks tastefully cut, and well gravelled, intersecting parterres filled with flowers of surpassing loveliness, and whose fragrance exceeded anything I ever remembered. I beheld trees studded with blossoms, others bending beneath the load of fruits arrived at maturity, luscious to the taste as beautiful and tempting to the sight. These oases were but thinly scattered over this vast domain, and the eye delighted to rest upon them after the contemplation of so much sterility. But it was now time to survey the motley assemblage before me; I observed they were divided into two distinct classes, which had each its respective chief; the disproportion as to numbers was immense, and filled me with amazement. The majority acknowledged as their sovereign a man of gigantic stature, whose apparently faultless features a perpetual smile irradiated, which seemed to allure, and retain in his allegiance, the innumerable multitudes that flocked from every quarter to do him homage; his diadem as also his throne were resplendent with gems of untold value, most gorgeous, nay, dazzling his apparel, crowds of courtiers on bended knee awaited his commands, or flew to execute his slightest behest. I was not a little surprised to see a fetter upon the right arm, and another upon the right leg, of every man! while each woman wore a massy chain around her neck; it is true they appeared to be of gold, but the weight must have been irksome, since their gait was awkward, constrained, and every way ungraceful; yet they appeared totally unconscious of sustaining any inconvenience, or if they chanced at all to observe these badges of servitude, contemplated them with visible satisfaction because apparently of gold. None seemed stationary, all were coming and going, with the velocity observable in a dream. I noticed that some had charts in their hands, others books, writing materials, and various implements; whilst among these groups strutted two fantastically attired personages-one with wings at his heels, a caduceus in his hand, and a peacock's feather in his cap-the other, his inseparable companion, was decked in a suit of colours varied as the rainbow, with a brazen trumpet, which ever and anon he applied to his mouth, though the blast that thence issued reminded me forcibly of the note of an animal not held in much repute for wisdom. Others I perceived were wholly engrossed with toys of various sorts, such as dolls, pictures, beads, and some strange misshapen things; to what use applied I was at a loss to discover, till I found they, as well as certain cabalistic scrolls, were held in such high estimation that, unless my sight deceived me, acts of worship were actually performed to them; though, however engaged, no one person ever omitted rendering

obeisance to the throned giant. The other party-small, very small in number-were habited in the simplest attire; their ruler, one of female form, clad in a robe of the most spotless white, held in her right hand a mirror, in her left a torch; her demeanour, though dignified and commanding, was peculiarly graceful and captivating, while the smile of benevolence, of ineffable tenderness and compassion, that illumined the delicately-formed lineaments of her lovely face, imparted a charm no mere regularity of feature could produce. Those who owned her gentle sway seemed also to partake of her nature, and to consider her approbation a rich reward for any toils they might undergo. I observed in the hand of each a book, which appeared to contain a map of the country, with rules and directions for their use; so that none, had they been so minded, could well plead ignorance in excuse for transgressing her laws. These two parties, though so diverse, were necessarily commingled, and rumour stated, that the larger party were constantly, openly or covertly, at war, with their peaceful and inoffensive brethren; they appeared, however, to entertain a great dread of the female sovereign, on account of the mirror which she bore, wherein, when they saw themselves reflected, the badge of servitude in which they seemed to glory showed itself to be composed of iron, instead of gold, their gaudy habiliments to be all tattered and soiled; while the torch, in bringing to light their inmost thoughts and intents, also disclosed many a foul stain they would gladly have concealed from view. Upon the giant the effect was no less astonishing, his every feature became distorted and convulsed; and as the rays of the one and the reflection of the other fell more directly upon him, I beheld him, first become an unsightly skeleton, then totter and fall from his seat, though immediately upon their withdrawal he revived, reascended his throne, and appeared as before. Such marvellous effects being produced by her presence, I ceased to wonder that as she approached the multitude fled from before her. At length, one arrayed in scarlet, watching his opportunity, threw a thick veil over the mirror; while another, in a garment covered with hieroglyphics, his cap and vest glittering with spangles, with a most sinister expression of countenance, drew near to an engine I had not before remarked, in shape like a dragon, and working it, from its horrid jaws poured forth a stream of a thick dark liquid, in the hope of utterly extinguishing the torch; but though not entirely successful, its brilliancy was for a time somewhat impaired, or in a measuré obscured; upon which he with the brazen trumpet sounded a blast of triumph. Near these persons stood one of most repelling aspect, clad in sables, who looked with ineffable scorn on all around, yet still even he could so far bend his haughty spirit as to do obeisance to the giant. After awhile, I beheld some of those I have described as so simply attired gaze with an eye of wonder at the apparently successful efforts to annihilate the mirror and the torch; and while gaping with open mouth at the proceedings of the two personages with the scarlet mantle and spangled vest, they dropped the book, which till then they had held in their hand, though I particularly observed they had not so constantly referred to it as did their brethren: this the other party perceiving, immediately beckoned to them, and held out a golden cup

filled with an inebriating liquor, which they greedily swallowed; the. ascending fumes having first thrown them into a profound slumber, next caused a complete vertigo, they suddenly started to their feet whirling round in concentric circles, which, similar to the gyrations of a Dervise, commencing gradually, became accelerated to a frightful degree; such was the impetus thereby given, that it was no longer possible to discern either features or limbs, nothing but a dim indistinct outline of a pyramidal figure remained. The strength of the potion being at last somewhat spent, and exhausted nature unable to sustain such continued violent exertion, the rapidity of their motion subsided as gradually as it had commenced, leaving behind an astonishing exhilaration of spirits, with such a dimness of vision, that they could not distinguish men from trees, or mountains from molehills. With a reeling and uncertain step, they now moved towards some distant object, which they had long been regarding very intently; hearing loud hiccuping expressions of delight, methought I followed to learn the cause; which, however, the thickness of the surrounding woods, and duskness of approaching night, rendered it difficult, nay impossible, for me to discover; but I gathered from their discourse, that it was the before-mentioned cabalistic scrolls, and heard them descant very learnedly upon the exquisite tracery and elaborate finish of the various designs. I drew nearer, straining my eyes in every direction, and while lamenting my inability to penetrate the increasing gloom, a bright flash from the so much dreaded torch fell directly upon these vaunted productions; and lo! they proved the merest daubs possible to conceive, coarse, ill-executed, and utterly devoid of meaning. Having for a time rapturously contemplated what their disordered vision represented to them, as so worthy of admiration, they next glanced at their own sober habiliments, and disgusted with their simplicity, flung them contemptuously aside; they then proceeded to array themselves similarly to their new friends, who willingly assisted them to clasp on the same fetters as they themselves wore. I cannot say I thought the change advantageous, or that their personal appearance was at all improved, by exchanging the snowwhite ample robe which fell in such graceful folds around them, concealing every natural defect, for the heterogeneous mixture of illassorted colours they had assumed in its stead; for certainly a more tasteless inharmonious combination my eye had never before encountered. I also perceived sundry rents, with divers ill-contrived ugly patches, which gave rather an ignoble appearance to the so much coveted garment. The reason was sufficiently obvious, this many coloured robe was so extremely narrow, that upon every attempt to draw it round them, it rent in every direction; and as their imperfect sight caused them invariably to mistake one colour for another, in striving to repair these constantly recurring fractures, they imagined all was in admirable unison, when really their appearance was more that of a mountebank than otherwise. Attired thus to their infinite satisfaction, they instantly began reviling their former companions, nay, it appeared, strove to outdo their new associates, in lavishing upon them opprobrious epithets; and, drawing forth their weapons, seemed to dare the others to combat, though the latter had no other

weapon than the book of rules I had before observed: the challenge was nevertheless undauntedly and unhesitatingly accepted. I own I marvelled at such temerity, in a small and unarmed force, but how was I thunderstruck at beholding the book, upon being raised aloft, transformed into a two-edged sword! Terrific indeed was this most appalling weapon, glittering as though newly bathed in the dews of heaven, and emitting vivid flames, which broke forth in flashes of intolerable splendour. Vainly did the terror-stricken assailants endeavour, by a precipitate flight, to escape inevitable destruction, for the flaming sword turned every way, mowing down whole ranks of the discomfited hosts, who blinded by its effulgence sought for refuge amid the surrounding rocks and forests; but such was its almost incredible sharpness that, upon barely coming in contact with the largest and stoutest trees, nay even rocks of adamant, they were instantly cleft asunder! I next marked, hovering around, a tall, attenuated, shadowy form, with bleached and straggling locks, and deeply indented brow, armed with a scythe; touching with it indiscriminately some of the assemblage, he held up to their view a glass of singular form, then expanding a pair of wings resembling those of a bat, but of an enormous size, he directed his flight towards the dark and stagnant river, motioning those thus summoned to follow him; they were compelled to obey; he meanwhile hovering over the surface of the water, his aspect becoming still darker by its proximity, with a grim and ghastly smile, commanded them to cross it. I remarked, that those especially who had cast away their white robes and joined the larger party, upon entering it, immediately sunk to the bottom as a stone; others attempting to ferry themselves over, in an ample barge, with gold-tipped oars, struck against a rock, and foundered; while those who had kept unsullied the white robe provided for them, fearlessly drew near, grasping tightly the book from which they had never parted, and looking upward, at the word of command, calmly stepped into the dark waters: methought upon their approach the hideous form flitting over the waveless deep, no longer wore so sombre and terrific an aspect, but became brighter and brighter every moment, his portentous smile was exchanged for one of heavenly radiance, the scythe had vanished, and in lieu of it I beheld a glorious wreath of amaranthine flowers, while the other hand sustained a golden harp. If my astonishment was great at such a transformation, imagine to what an extent it must have been increased, upon perceiving those I have just mentioned, instead of being submerged as the others, actually floating upon the surface of the waters!-a Branch apparently of the Olive sustained them. I beheld them safely landed on the opposite shore; my ears were saluted with the most ravishing strains of celestial music; an insupportable brightness dazzled my sight, so that I could not discern what was beyond the river, save that in the hands of each was placed a palm, and on their heads a crown of gold, and around them a robe of purest white. A loud shout of triumph arose as from millions of glad voices, mingled with the sound of harpers, harping with their harps; in which striving to participate, I awoke, and lo! it was a dream.

(To be concluded in our next.)