his way to London. He was tall and handsome; but a close and unwearied enthusiasm in his application to his art, had evidently impaired his health. I soon entered into conversation with him, and found that he had travelled in Greece and Italy; had once visited Paris, solely with a view of going through the Louvre; and was now journeying to London, for the purpose of studying from the the Elgin Marbles. His great townsman Rubens was the god of his idolatry; whenever his merits formed the subject of conversation, his eye would kindle with unusual light, and his whole frame seemed animated by some extraordinary impulse. It is true, that he was apt to be a little intolerant of those who ventured to differ with him on this subject; but this is a fault with which I fear that we are most of us chargeable, when our favourite topic is undergoing discussion. Opposite to me sat an Officer in the Prussian service, who had distinguished himself in the last campaign in Flanders; and was now conducting his Lady, the only female in our party, over the scenes of his former exploits. He had taken her to view the fields of Waterloo and Ligny, and the ramparts of Antwerp; and he was now about to inspect the fortifications of Ostend. He had proved himself a good Soldier, and was withal a man of strong sense, but not uninfected with strong prejudices. He hated the French; believed that Prussia was the greatest, grandest, and most glorious kingdom in the world; and maintained that the battle of Waterloo was won by Blücher. He did not seem very fond of Catholics, and at first eyed the Abbé somewhat askance; but the good humour and lively manners of the Priest speedily triumphed over the reserve of the German, and before we had proceeded far on our journey, they were seated side by side, and were partaking very cordially of the contents of the same snuff-box. The preceding Fragment, which thus is abruptly terminated in the MS., was originally intended to have had a second title, and to have been called, either "The Decameron of the Canals," or, "Tales told in Flanders;" and to have introduced about a dozen different narratives: several of which are contained in the present Volume, and the remainder are included in Mr. Neele's last work, the "Romance of History."-Editor. HYMNS FOR CHILDREN. I. OH thou! who sitt'st enthroned on high, May Childhood and mortality Hope thou wilt listen whilst they sing! We raise our Songs, but, Oh! to Thee, That jarring instrument, the Heart? Then, Infant warblings in thine ear, As sweet as Angel notes shall roll; Oh! teach us some celestial Song, Then, Time shall hear, while Time is ours, II. Oh Thou! who mak'st the Sun to rise, Listen to an Infant's prayer! Oh Thou! whose blood was spilt to save To share in whose redeeming care, Oh! thou wilt deign from Heaven to lean, Oh Thou! who wilt from Monarchs part, To dwell within the contrite heart, Listen to an Infant's prayer! III. God of Mercy! throned on high, Guide, Oh! guide our wandering feet. Young and erring Travellers, we Scarcely fear the stormy sea, While our bosoms yet are young, Ere the tide of sin grow strong, Take us, keep us, make us, Thine! When perplex'd in danger's snare, When oppress'd with deepest care, Lord! instruct us then, and pour |