benefactress, and the daughter of his lord; but this had been partly removed by her needing his assistance; for it is the noble-hearted only who do not presume upon confidence, and who feel the power which a trusting heart reposes in them, an additional appeal to their generosity. Though but little discourse had passed between them during their journey, the vulgar mind of Stephano felt that circumstances had placed his mistress more upon a level with him; and conseTM quently what he lost in respect and distance, he advanced in familiarity of thought; and these thoughts strengthened with the present temptation. It has been often imagined that dreams are dictated by some watchful spirits to warn us of the approaching danger. I know not how this may be, and in general am apt to consider this but a superstitious interpretation of a natural effect; but it is impossible to say what influence the open air may have in quickening our capabilities, or what power the woodland deities may possess in their native haunts; for it is to be hoped, that all is not poetic fiction related of these beings. Angelina was possessed in her sleep with the idea that, while lying in this bower, a bloated toad drew its slime through the transparent waters of the fountain, and, though shrinking from its vicinity, she thought herself unable to remove, and by some fascination kept her regards fixed on its loathsome movements, until by degrees the reptile enlarged and became one of those satyr heads that decorate fountains, grinning and gloating upon her.

The

vision seemed realized when (disgust mastering sleep) the brutal features of Stephano presented themselves fixed full upon her. She started on her feet, and snatching up her hat and staff, proposed they should proceed on their way; but the clown was in no mood to obey; and, approaching her, dared to express his brute admiration. With a beating heart she assumed a haughty tone, and chid him for his want of respect; but, when he would have laid hands upon her, she shrieked aloud, and fled along a path that led inward the wood.

And as she runs, the bushes in the way,

Some catch her by the neck, some kiss her face,
Some twine about her thigh, to make her stay,
She wildly breaketh from their strict embrace.

The fables of old seemed indeed realised, in the fair form of the flying Angelina, and the eager pursuit of the boor Stephano, who came snorting on her steps like a chafed bull, trampling and rending down the obstructing boughs. Welcome sight! a horse appears in view; and his rider one, who, from his warlike appearance, should protect the defenceless. The gallant steed came picking out his way among the green alleys, tossing his head proudly, and filling the air with his short shrill neighings, whilst the rider, (a stout audacious looking man, his dress half military, half rustic) sung with a clear loud voice the chorus of a drinking song; but no sooner had he spied Angelina and Stephano, than he hastened to prevent the progress of the latter, placing himself between him

"

and the seeming boy; who, nearly exhausted, panted thickly, and whose uncertain feet stumbled over each lurking impediment of bush and brake. "How now!" exclaimed the stranger; "what are your intentions towards this youth? By St. Francis, you wrong your manhood to injure one so delicate and pretty. Nay, nay; you pass not until you have satisfied my curiosity, and informed me what crime the youngster has committed, to call forth all the vehemence expressed in your furious gestures. By our lady, you have more the air of a fiend than a man. Oh! oh if you are inclined for a struggle, we shall see who is the more powerful; Marco is not the one to flinch from a contest when his will is disputed.Courage, my lad; I shall soon settle this braggart, who sets his strength against a child's, and will then bear you in safety out of this wood, provided you give a good account of yourself." The latter part of this speech was addressed to Angelina, who, seeing the new comer willing to protect her, leaned against a tree, gasping for breath. Stephano, with the long knife which is often worn by the peasantry, made several desperate attempts to wound the cavalier, or his horse; but in a very little time it was evident that mere strength, even though unusually exerted, were no match for the skill, coolness and power of his antagonist. After a violent struggle, Stephano was brought to the ground with a tremendous shock, deprived of his weapon, and the sword of the stranger hanging over his throat.

you,

"So, knave, thus ends your villainy; five minutes are the most I shall allow therefore make your confession speedily, and ask for that mercy you were so unwilling to bestow. How now! where is the boy?" For Angelina, dreading the issue of the combat might prove unfavourable to her champion, seeing Stephano lay about him so furiously, and moreover reflecting that the hurry of her spirits might expose her to detection with the stranger, whose appearance bespoke not an over delicacy, had fled from them both, and sought to bury herself in the thickest shade of the trees; whither we will follow, leaving the conqueror to settle his own conditions with the faithless guide. Refreshed by the food and repose she had taken, and at a distance from the conflict, Angelina felt her spirits renew; judging from what she remembered to have heard Stephano say, that Il Torre Mare was scarcely three leagues distant, she doubted not to effect her journey's aim alone, and her feet caught a nimbler movement from the hopeful tenor of her determinations. The shadows of evening were lengthening, and the dews fast falling. This was most welcome to our Pilgrim, who drew in long draughts of the cool air, rejoicing in its freshness, while it served together with her earnest thoughts to beguile the way; which, by reason of the many intricacies in the wood, was somewhat painful and long. The moon however stood her friend, and assisted her in discovering the narrow paths, which seemed mostly but the track of deer and hares along the short mossy turf. At length the dash

ing of waves fell upon her ear, and as she emerged from the woody way, the dark and lonely sea-tower she sought, stood within bow shot; its sharp outline strongly depicted against the clear blue horizon. As she advanced, the soil lost its firmness, and became of a crumbling consistency; then loose, stony, and sandy; sparkling against the moonbeams like a shower of glittering star-points. Arrived at Il Torre, she walked round it, in order that she might the better judge in what part her husband was confined; and at length, espying a little light, whose feeble rays were scarcely perceptible through the brightness surrounding herself, conjectured this to be his prison. With a view to ascertain whether her surmise were wellgrounded, she began to sing part of a serenade, which at that time was in every peasant's mouth: the words and air ran thus