afforded a ſhelter for toads and adders. In many places were heaped the ruins of ornamental buildings, whilſt ſun dials reſted in the ſhade; and pedeſtals, that had cruſhed the figures they before ſupported. Making their way through the graſs, they would frequently ſtumble over a headleſs ſtatue, or the head would impede their progreſs. When they ſpoke, the ſound ſeemed to return again, as if unable to penetrate the thick ſtagnated air. The ſun could not dart its purifying rays through the thick gloom, and the fallen leaves contributed to choke up the way, and render the air more noxious.
I brought you to this place on purpoſe this evening, ſaid Mrs. Maſon to the children, who clung about her, to tell you the hiſtory of the laſt inhabitant; but, as this part is unwholeſome, we will ſit on the broken ſtones of the drawbridge.
Charles Townley was a boy of uncommon abilities, and ſtrong feelings; but he ever permitted thoſe feelings to direct his conduct, without ſubmitting to the direc-
