ing at the answer of the profound antiquary that shewed
them, that _they were ancient enough; for, to his knowledge, they had
been there these forty years_. But the next cabinet diverted me yet
better, being nothing else but a parcel of wax babies, and toys in
ivory, very well worthy to be presented children of five years old.
Two of the rooms were wholly filled with these trifles of all kinds,
set in jewels, amongst which I was desired to observe a crucifix,
that they assured me had spoke very wisely to the emperor Leopold. I
won't trouble you with a catalogue of the rest of the lumber; but I
must not forget to mention a small piece of loadstone that held up an
anchor of steel too heavy for me to lift. This is what I thought
most curious in the whole treasure. There are some few heads of
ancient statues; but several of them are defaced by modern additions.
I foresee that you will be very little satisfied with this letter,
and I dare hardly ask you to be good-natured enough to charge the
dulness (sic) of it on the barrenness of the subject, and to overlook
the stupidity of, Your, &c. &c.

LET. XIV.

TO THE COUNTESS OF ----.

_Prague, Nov_. 17. O. S. 1716.

I HOPE my dear sister wants no new proofs of my sincere affection for
her: but I am sure, if you do, I could not give you a stronger than
writing at this time, after three days, or, more properly speaking,
three nights and days, hard post-travelling.--The kingdom of Bohemia
is the most desert of any I have seen in Germany. The villages are
so poor, and the post-houses so miserable, that clean straw and fair
water are blessings not always to be met with, and better
accommodation not to be hoped for. Though I carried my own bed with
me, I could not sometimes find a place to set it up in; and I rather
chose to travel all night, as cold as it is, wrapped up in my furs,
than go into the common stoves, which are filled with a mixture of
all sorts of ill scents.

THIS town was once the royal seat of the Bohemian king, and is still
the capital of the kingdom. There are yet some remains of its former
splendour, being one of the largest towns in Germany, but, for the
most part, old built, and thinly inhabited, which makes the houses
very cheap. Those people of quality, who cannot easily bear the
expence of Vienna, chuse to reside here, where they have assemblies,
music, and all other diversions, (those of a court excepted) at