Mr. Bowles made me obferve, that the transverse ftones were fixed on the perpendicular fupporters by a knob formed on the top of the upright ftone, which entered into a hollow cut in the croffing ftone. This is a proof that the enormous edifice was raised by a people who had not yet the knowledge of mortar; which cannot be fuppofed of the Danes, who came hither in ships, and were not ignorant certainly of the arts of life. This proves likewise the ftones not to be factitious; for they that could mould fuch durable maffes could do much more than make mortar, and could have continued the tranfverfe from the upright part with the fame paste. You have doubtlefs feen Stonehenge, and if you have not, I fhould think it a hard talk to make an adequate defcription. It is, in my opinion, to be referred to the earliest habitation of the ifland, as a druidical monument of at least two thoufand years; probably the moft ancient work of man upon the island. Salisbury cathedral and its neighbour Stonehenge, are two eminent monuments of art and rudeness, and may show the firft effay, and the laft perfection, in architecture. I have not yet fettled my thoughts about the generation of light air, which I indeed once faw produced, but I was at the height of my great complaint. I have made enquiry, and fhall foon be able to tell you how to fill a balloon. I am, Madam, your, &c. LETTER LIII. To Mrs. THRALE. DEAR MADAM, London, Dec. 27, 1783. THE wearifome folitude of the long evenings did indeed fuggeft to me the convenience of a club in my neighbourhood, but I have been hindered from attending it by want of breath. If I can complete the fcheme, you shall have the names and the regulations. The time of the year, for I hope the fault is rather in the weather than in me, has been very hard upon me. The muscles of my breast are much convulsed. Dr. Heberden recommends opiates, of which I have fuch horrour that I do not think of them but in extremis. I was however driven to them last night for refuge, and having taken the ufual quantity, durft not go to bed, for fear of that uneafinefs to which a fupine posture exposes me, but refted all night in a chair with much relief, and have been today more warm, active, and cheerful. You have more than once wondered at my complaint of folitude, when you hear that I am crowded with vifits. Inopem me copia fecit. Vifitors are no proper companions in the chamber of fickness. They come when I could fleep or read, they ftay till I am weary, they force me to attend when my mind calls for relaxation, and to speak when my powers will hardly acuate my tongue. The amufements and confolations of languor and depreffion are conferred by familiar and domeftick companions, which can be vifited or called at will, and can occafionally be quitted or difmiffed, who do not obftruct accommoda tion by ceremony, or deftroy indolence by awakening effort. Such fociety I had with Levet and Williams; fuch I had where I am never likely to have it more. I wish, dear Lady, to you and my dear girls many a cheerful and pious Christmas. I am, your, &'c. LETTER LIV. To Mrs. Piozzi. DEAR MADAM, London, July 8, 1784., WHAT you have done, however I may lament it, I have no pretence to refent, as it has not been injurious to me; I therefore breathe out one figh more of tendernefs, perhaps ufelefs, but at least fincere. I wish that God may grant you every bleffing, that you may be happy in this world for its fhort continuance, and eternally happy in a better ftate; and whatever I can contribute to your happiness I am very. ready to repay, for that kindnefs which foothed twenty years of a life radically wretched. Do not think flightly of the advice which I now prefume to offer. Prevail upon Mr. Piozzi to fettle in England: you may live here with more dignity than in Italy, and with more fecurity; your rank will be higher, and your fortune more under your own I defire not to detail all my reafons, but every argument of prudence and interest is for England, and only fome phantoms of imagination feduce you to Italy. eye. I am afraid however that my counsel is vain, yet I have eafed my heart by giving it. Ff3 When When Queen Mary took the refolution of fheltering herself in England, the Archbishop of St. Andrew's, attempting to diffuade her, attended on her journey; and when they came to the irremeable ftream that separated the two kingdoms, walked by her fide into the water, in the middle of which he feized her bridle, and with earneftness proportioned to her danger and his own affection preffed her to return. The Queen went forward.—If the parallel reaches thus far, may it go no farther.-The tears ftand in my eyes. I am going into Derbyshire, and hope to be followed by your good wishes, for I am, with great affection, your, &c. |