It was no slight evil to be interrupted just as I was going on my morning expedition; but what was my horror, when Lady Courton entered with a shawl twice as beautiful as my own! I nearly fainted: she saw my distress, and instantly discovered the cause of it; but, with her usual malice, began to tease me by desiring me to admire it, and to guess its value.

After harassing me for half an hour, she observed that she would not detain me, as I appeared to be going out. We went down stairs together; but, to my astonishment, I could not see her carriage. "What's the matter, my dear cousin ?" she exclaimed. "Where's your carriage?" I asked. "Is that all?" she said, laughing: "O-I sent it away; for you must know that I intended to lounge away the morning with you at your pianoforte; but, as you are for a ride, I'll accompany you." Was ever any thing so consummately ill-natured? You know, sir, it was quite impossible that I could take her into my chariot, and make myself a foil to show her finery. I felt a sudden giddiness, and declined going out.

Phys. It certainly was a matter of much embarrassment, but I doubt whether it amounted to a physical or moral impossibility.

Lady. The case, sir, is so peculiarly feminine, that I can not allow you to be an adequate judge of it.

Phys. Your reproof is very just. But how did you spend the remainder of the day, which began so miserably?

Lady. Worse and worse. My cousin tormented me till nine o'clock, when I left her and went to the opera.

Phys. Herc, madam, you received, no doubt, some pleas urable compensation for the troubles of the day.

Lady. Quite the contrary. I was tired to death. How could it be otherwise, when I heard only one tolerable song, and saw only one tolerable dancer. I was engaged to a supper party at Lady Belville's; but as I knew that treacherous professor would be there, I would not go to swell her insolent triumph: so I drove home, and went to bed. Now, sir,

you have heard my case, what remedy do you suggest for my miseries?

Phys. My remedy, I am afraid, will not be very palatable; but I will stake my reputation on its efficacy. In the first place, madam, I must positively insist that you go but to one rout in a week, if to any.

Lady. Monstrous and impossible !

Phys. It may be so, madam; but you must vanquish the monster, and make "impossibility slight work." In the next place, you must never breakfast in bed, but must rise-let me see, I will not be too harsh-at eight o'clock, under penalty of

Lady. What penalty, sir?

Phys. Under penalty, madam, of losing that cheerful bloom of your complexion, and that elastie elegance of your limbs, for which you are now so justly celebrated.

Lady. Sir, you seem a judicious person, but your prescription is very rigid.

Phys. In the third place, you must become more independent of your dress. I see, madam, and understand that contemptuous frown; but hear me further. While you rely for fame on the splendor or beauty of your dress, you are likely to be perpetually worsted by the lucky purchaser of some more exquisite ornament, or the ingenious propagator of some new fashion. Surely, madam, it will be better to trust to the irresistible graces of your person-I speak, madam, merely professionally-to the enchanting character of your conversation, than to a French bonnet or a French shawl. You will thus be sure of perpetual admiration; for I can not learn that you need fear any competitors on this score.

Lady (smiling most graciously). I am sure, sir, you will never find me an intractable patient: you know, sir, I always had the utmost confidence in your judgment.

Phys. You do me honor, madam. In the fourth place, you must not give up your music, because a mean-minded professor has so shamefully affronted you. I presume, madam, that

you have no cause of complaint against Mozart; he can not have been so ungrateful as to offend a lady who adds grace to his most consummate harmonies.

Lady (affecting to laugh). You are very pleasant this morning, sir; and really your advice seems very reasonable: I shall consider it very seriously. But come, sir, I feel as if I were much better. The carriage, I see, is at the door; and you must allow me to ask your company to Johnson's, where I want your judgment on a picture which I think of purchasing. Your carriage can follow.

Phys. I have not much time for viewing pictures, but I shall be proud to attend you for a short time. I am glad to see you so much better.

Lady. My spirits are much less depressed than they were. Phys. If you follow my advice, you will continue to be equally cheerful as now.

But

Lady. We will talk more about that as we ride along. You must not administer your remedy all at one time. come, sir, the carriage is ready.

Phys. I attend you, madam. (Aside.) O Flattery! were you never used for worse purposes, a flatterer might become, in some sense, a benefactor of the race.

EXERCISE XLVII.

About ten miles to the south of Dublin, and just on the borders of the county of Wicklow, is situated a very beautiful and romantic glen, called "the Dargle,” the joint property of Lord Monk, and the Hon. James Grattan, son of the late celebrated orator. To this cho sen spot many a gay and happy party repair from the noise and bustle of the city, to enjoy its delightful scenery, a cold dinner in "Grattan's Cottage," and a dance at evening on the grass. A rock, which is called the "Lover's Leap, rises to a considerable hight above the glen. The circumstance which gave it that name, is detailed in the following little poem, which is supposed to be recited dear the spot.

THE LOVER'S LEAP.

LITERARY MAGNET.

1. Behold yon beetling rock, whose brow Hangs pending o'er the glen below;

A tale, not easily forgot,

Is told of that same fearful spot;

And thus it runs :-One summer's day,
A bridal party blithe and gay,

Came hither to enjoy the scene,
And dance at evening on the green.
Maria was the gentle bride,

Her husband's joy, her parents' pride,
That morning sun arose, to shed
Its luster on her happy head,

But ere its parting beams glanc'd down,
On valley green, and mountain brown,
A mourning bride she was!-

2. They laugh'd and revel'd till the sun
In heav'n his mid-day course begun,
When, to avoid the scorching heat,
In groups they sought some cool retreat.
Maria, with her bosom friend,

In yonder grove, retir'd to spend
An hour of confidence, and share
The breezes that were sporting there;
While William, full of hope and joy,
His happy moments to employ,
Wound through that rocky path to gain
A prospect of the neighb'ring plain,
Which, bounded by the distant skies,
In variegated beauty lies.

3. His steps were watch'd, his way pursued, By one who thirsted for his blood,

Inflam'd by jealousy and fir'd
By fiendish rage, he but desir'd
To live to strike a deadly blow,
And lay his hated rival low.
He lov'd Maria, and he strove,
By every stratagem of love,
To captivate her gentle heart;
But vain he found his ev'ry art,
That undivided realm to share,
For William rul'd supremely there.

4. Enraged and stung, his hair he tore, A deep and deadly vengeance swore. And, to fulfill his dark intent,

The bridal morn he chose to vent

His smother'd rage. He trac'd his way,
Like blood-hound hov'ring on his prey,
Silent and sure. (") While gay and light,
The happy bridegroom climbed the hight,
Borne on the wings of bliss-elate,
And thoughtless of impending fate,
He just had gain'd the dizzy place,
And felt the fresh breeze fan his face,
(2) When pale and trembling in his ire,
With quiv'ring lip, and eye of fire,
His foe sprung on the fatal spot-
Their conference was brief and hot :

5. Insult began, (=) defiance flash'd,

A rash and sudden blow was dash'd

They grasp'd, they strove, they strain'd for oreath,

Their struggle was the strife of death.

Twice to the dizzy ledge they roll❜d,

Clasp'd in each other's deadly fold,
And twice they backward fell, and then
Renew'd the fatal fight again;