immense value of his sculpture. A lady, called the Marchesana, sent him some beautiful lines in praise of his varied and wonderful genius; he replied in verses equally beautiful, accompanied by a pieta of exquisite workmanship. The poetical correspondence continued for many years, with now and then gifts from Michael Angelo, all in sculpture. These were afterwards ascertained to be worth thirty thousand pounds.

The conversation now took quite a different turn, being about our own little island-not little in their eyes, for they consider her the greatest power in Europe and it was quite clear on which side their feelings are embarked. The power of France is no doubt paramount in Tuscany, yet it is quite evident the hearts of the population are all in favour of Great Britain. I was amazed, however, to find even the Queen's minister so ignorant of our government and institutions. All his life accustomed to absolute government, he considered the democratic part of ours a bore, a burden, and a nuisance. He seemed to think it incredible that six hundred intelligent men should waste the midnight hours in the close, noxious atmosphere, listening to the long harangues of Pitt and Fox, and their followers; men, in his opinion, much more actuated by party spirit than the love of their country; men much more intent on defeating their rivals, than on carrying on the business of a great empire, consider

ing their long speeches-una seccatura-or horrid bore; and was amazed at our members having patience to listen to them (not aware that many of them were fast asleep on the benches, or enjoying themselves in the neighbouring recesses till the vote should take place), or that John Bull should waste so many dull hours in reading them. He could not conceive that our army was of the same population as the navy, which he was quite convinced was the first in the world; and believed, that if so good a man as George III. had the whole government in his own hands, he would, with the assistance of Pitt, manage the empire much better, more decidedly, and more for the interest and happiness of the people. Two noblemen present gave each a little anecdote of George III. When first married, the queen felt rather surprised that his majesty went to sleep immediately after dinner. During his nap, her majesty occupied herself with painting, of which she was particularly fond, and giving an occasional glance at the comely face of the king, now in such sweet repose, it occurred to her that it would be much improved by a pair of moustaches, which she had been accustomed to see worn by most of the princes of Germany. She, accordingly, came very quietly forward, and painted on the king's face a pair of very handsome moustaches, so softly, that the king did not awake. Soon after, some

of the pages entered, and other persons, with despatches, letters, etc., and the king was surprised to find that they all looked very hard at him, and with difficulty repressed a smile. By and bye he accidentally saw his face in one of the numerous mirrors of the apartment, and observing the queen, who had been watching him, now laughing, he joined her with great good humour, crying, "This is a trick of yours, Charlotte." I know it, I know it, no more snoozing in your company. No, no." The other nobleman informed us that he had just heard the following anecdote the preceding evening, from an English gentleman:-He said that there had been lately observed, in the king's state of mind, some slight symptoms which surprised, and almost alarmed those that were much about him. His regard and attentions to the queen were always so tender and affectionate, heightened, it was thought, in a man of so excellent a heart, by the consciousness of her being so very plain a woman, that the attendants at Windsor were amazed to find that he had become exceedingly courteous to one of the maids of honour. After days of importunity, he at length persuaded the young lady, a very handsome person, to give him a meeting in the dusk, in one of the towers of the palace. This assignation she immediately communicated to the queen, who posted herself at the appointed hour, in the appointed place. True to his engagement, the king hurried with delight,

in the bright hope of embracing this lovely young creature. In approaching, however, the secret tower, he began snuffing a most unwelcome odour, for the queen used a great deal of high-flavoured snuff, and crying, "so it's you, Charlotte, it's you. I know it. I smell you, I smell you," and turning about, trotted down stairs as fast as possible. This little anecdote was quite in their own style, and the Florentines were exceedingly amused, and had a hearty laugh at the expense of the sovereign of the greatest empire in the world.

LETTER NINETEENTH.

FLORENCE, August, 18—.

MY DEAR

It is impossible to be in Florence for a day without hearing the praises of Michael Angelo, whom, the people here conceive to be the first sculptor, painter, and architect that ever lived. The inhabitants of Florence are naturally proud of their countryman, and of his transcendent genius, and feel that an increase of dignity is given to themselves and their fair city by a recital of his wonderful qualities. My friend is intimate with an amiable family, his descendants in Florence, and has done me the favour to introduce me to them. It consists of a widow, two daughters, and an only son, Cosmo, the young cavalier, a title given them by the Medici, in honour of their great ancestor. Young Buonarroti is a beautiful boy of thirteen, a splendid scholar, and possessing much of the ardour, perseverance, and genius of his celebrated ancestor. The eldest