underwood, and kept so low, as not to prevent a prospect to every pleasing remote object.

Finding one of the garden doors left open, I entered immediately, and to screen myself from the scorching beams of the sun, got into an embowered way, that led me to a large fountain, in a ring or circular opening, and from thence, by a gradual, easy, shady ascent, to a semicircular amphitheatre of evergreens, that was quite charming. In this were several seats for ease, repast, or retirement; and at either end of it a rotunda or temple of the Ionic order. One of them was converted into a grotto or shell-house, in which a politeness of fancy had produced and blended the greatest beauties of nature and decoration. The other was a library, filled with the finest books, and a vast variety of mathematical instruments. Here I saw Miss NOEL sitting, and so intent at writing, that she did not take any notice of me, as I stood at the window, in astonishment, looking at the things before me, and especially at the amazing beauties of her face, and the splendour of her eyes; as she raised them now and then from the paper she was writing on, to look into a Hebrew Bible, that lay open upon a small desk before her. The whole scene was so very uncommon, and so vastly amazing, that I thought myself for a while on some spot of magic ground, and

almost doubted the reality of what my eyes beheld; till Miss NOEL, by accident, looked full at me, and then came forward to the open window, to know who I wanted.

Before I could answer, I found a venerable old gentlemen standing by my side, and he seemed much more surprised at the sight of me than his daughter was; for, as this young lady told me afterward, she guessed at once the whole affair; seeing me with my gun and dog, in a shooting dress; and knew it was a natural curiosity brought me into the garden, and stopped me at the window, when I saw her in such an attitude, and in such a place. This I assured them was the truth of my case, with this small addition, however, that I was ready to perish for want of something to eat; having been from four in the morning at hard exercise, and had not yet broke my fast. If this be the case, says the good old man, you are welcome, Sir, to Eden Park, and you shall soon have the best breakfast our house affords.

Upon this Mr. NOEL brought me into his house, and the lovely HARRIOT made tea for me, and had such plenty of fine cream, and extraordinary bread and butter set before me, that I breakfasted with uncommon pleasure. The honour and happiness of her company rendered the repast quite delightful.

VOL. 1.

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There was a civility so very great in her manner, and a social goodness so charming in her talk and temper, that it was unspeakable delight to sit at table with her. She asked me a number of questions relating to things and books, and people, and there was so much good sense in every enquiry, so much good humour in her reflections and replications, that I was entirely charmed with her mind; and lost in admiration, when I contemplated the wonders of her face, and the beauties of her person.

When breakfast was over, it was time for me to depart, and I made half a dozen attempts to rise from my chair; but without her laying a rosy finger on me, this illustrious maid had so totally subdued my soul, and deprived me of all motive power, that I sat like the renowned Prince of the Massagetes, who was stiffened by enchantment in the apartment of the Princess Phedima, as we read in Amadis de Gaul. This Miss NOEL saw very plain, and in compassion to my misfortune, generously threw in a hint now and then, for a little farther conversation to colour my unreasonable delay. But this could not have been of service much longer, as the clock had struck twelve, if the old gentleman, her father, had not returned to us, and told me, he insisted on my staying to dine with him; for he loved to take a glass after dinner with a facetious companion, and

"At

would be obliged to me for my company. present," continued he, “ you will excuse me, Sir, as business engages me till we dine; but my daughter will chat the hours away with you, and show you the curiosities of her library and grot. will supply my place."

HARRIOT

This was a delightful invitation indeed, and after returning my hearty thanks to the old gentleman for the favour he did me, I addressed myself to Miss NOEL, when her father was gone, and we were walking back to the library in the garden, and told her ingenuously, that though I could not be positive as to the situation of my soul, whether I was in love with her or not, as I never had experienced the passion before, nor knew what it was to admire a woman, having lived till that morning in a state of indifference to her sex, yet I found very strange emotions within me, and I was sure I could not leave her without the most lively and afflicting inquietude. "You will pardon, I hope, madam, this effusion of my heart, and suffer me to demonstrate by a thousand and a thousand actions, that I honour you in a manner unutterable, and, from this time, can imagine no happiness but with you."

"Sir," this inimitable maid replied, you are an entire stranger to me, and to declare a passion on a few hours' acquaintance, must be either to try my weakness, or because you think a young woman

is incapable of relishing any thing but such stuff, when alone in conversation with a gentleman. I beg then I may hear no more of this; and as I am sure you can talk upon many more rational subjects, request your favour to give me your opinion on some articles in this Hebrew Bible you see lying open on the table in this room. My father, sir, among other things, has taken great pains to instruct me, for several years that I have lived with him in a kind of solitary state, since the death of my mother, whom I lost when I was very young, and has taught me to read and understand this inspired Hebrew book; and says we must ascribe primævity and sacred prerogatives to this language. For my part, I have some doubts as to this matter, which I dare not mention to my father. Tell me, if you please, what you think of the thing?"

"Miss NOEL," I answered, "since it is your command that I should be silent as to that flame your glorious eyes and understanding have lighted up in my soul, like some superior nature, before whom I am nothing, silent I will be, and tell you what I fancy on a subject I am certain you understand much better than I do. My knowledge of the Hebrew is but small, though I have learned to read and understand the Old Testament in the ante-Babel language.

"My opinion on your question is, that the Bib