whilst the view became more confined, and the banks, thickly umbrageous, appeared to impede further progress, with their branches stretching so widely over the current. On a sudden the river took a direct sweep, and the boat emerging from this forest, brought us in full view of the Spire and Bridge of Monmouth. The approach to this place had the appearance of sailing on a canal, for the banks became low, and the fields sunk into meadows. Landing, I entered the town, and determined from the lateness of the hour, to make this my place of abode. Having taken dinner I began to traverse the town, and its environs. Of the place, as it regards its buildings, I cannot say much, except in terms of disapprobation; and as to the inhabitants, they appeared so inquisitively rude in their observation of a stranger, I shall forbear to mention any farther opinion of their behaviour. Did they but think how much they derive from the pockets of the curious and intelligent traveller, they would, I am confident, shew a very different demeanBut appearances shew an ignorance of our. common propriety, as well as of taste, in not availing themselves more effectually, of the enviable localities of the neighbourhood. I observed a good church, town-hall, aud gaol, and this will I think sum up the "Lions" of Monmouth. Its situation is in a rich vale, with the Wye meandering gently in front, and the Mersey flowing into that river from the back. At a distance, appeared two ranges of hills, embellished with rich foliage, and interspersed with country seats. But the most conspicuous object, on the summit of the highest, is a grand and striking pile, called the Kymen, erected by the inhabitants, in commemoration of a visit from Lord Nelson, to this town. At present it is converted into a banqueting room for the feast of the worthy Mayor and Aldermen, who afford sometimes a ludicrous spectacle as they descend, when their orgies are at an end. Anxious to view the walls of this consecrated pile, I directed my steps towards it, but the evening began so quickly to approach, and every object to grow so indistinct, that I returned from my unsuccessful expedition, by some of the frequented walks in the environs, which I found singularly beautiful, and commanding the most luxurious prospects. I had wished to have visited during my stay here the celebrated ruins of Ragland, which are considered the finest remains of the Baronial Castles; but my time would not permit. I was in the boat by six on the following morning, and in the true enjoyment of an early Summers' day, passed St. Breval's Castle, and came in view of the interesting object of Llandogo, which affords the singular appearance of whitened and rugged rocks, shooting up amidst the surrounding shade. From hence our progress was through scenery of peculiar softness and attraction, 'till at length we appeared completely embayed, amidst the gloom of the woody eminences, which now rose to a towering height around. On a sudden we turned a projection, and instantly Tintern burst on our sight, beautifully overtopped on all sides by woody hills, and situated in a hollow. The abbey seemed to rest in striking magnificence on the bank of the stream, whilst the surrounding acclivity F gave the appearance of an amphitheatre, from its rich mantle of yews and ever-greens. It stood, "A venerable pile, "Clad in the ropy vest of fleeting time." I was so strongly impressed by the sacred retirement of its situation, and the solemn stillness of repose that reigned around, that even at this distance of time I feel both my mind and imagination strongly allured to the meditation and composure, which I fancied I could read in this sequestered situation. Landing, I was conducted to an hospitable little inn, and was soon after on my way to view the remains of this pile of Gothic architecture. On entering, I felt myself overcome by its influential circumstances, and a fancied detachment from the noisy bustle of the world; for on looking around, every thing breathed an air so calm and tranquil, so calculated for the sober enjoyments of meditation and of religion, that I felt an unwillingness to arouse myself from this mental gratification, or to curb such a riot of the imagination, "Surely there is, "A hidden power that reigns, And certainly, if abstraction from the cares of crowded life, and its usual infelicities, have a tendency to raise a true spirit of devotion, it must here have been realized. This thought hastily carried me back to the recollection of past greatness. How often had this building echoed to the prayers and hallelujahs of its inmates; and how often had the full notes of the organ swelled up these once magnificent aisles. Alas!-the wind now whistled shrilly, where hymns were formerly sung; and crumbling stone, and hanging branches of ivy, now occupied the place of architectural elegance. What melancholy substitutes! And how much did the promiscuous heap of statuary around, and its present desolation, provoke the contrast, and verify those beautiful lines of the poet, "Mute is the matin bell, whose early call` "Warn'd the grey fathers from their humble beds, |