fifty stone pillars and
arches, and the view of this immense pile bestriding the valley is
grand beyond description, and contributes much to heighten the effect
produced by the whole scenery; for here grandeur and sublimity sit
enthroned on the mountains, and solitude and human privacy, with
their attendant charms, have fixed their abode in the vallies.

"The beauties of the Vale of Llangollen certainly exceed every idea I
had formed of their grandeur, and on my arrival at the inn in the
village, the muse embodied the following

"LINES ON VISITING LLANGOLLEN.

'Much have I heard, Llangollen, of thy scenes,
And the wild landscapes of thy mountain greens,
The rushing streams, that dash thy rocks among,
Thy snow-topt mountains, thy wild harper's song,
Thy fruitful vallies deep, where oft between
Rise hamlets, rocks, and tow'rs to grace the scene.
Where solitude and calm contentment dwell,
And contemplation roves each rocky dell,
Or climbs the snow-topt mountain's cloudy height
To watch the sinking shades of evening light;
To view the foaming torrent's misty shower,
To list' the brooding tempest's rising roar,
Mark the blue mists the silvery moonbeams shroud,
Or golden ev'ning edge the dusky cloud;
Yet, till this hour my doubting heart has thought
Thy glowing scenes by fancy's pencil wrought,
Or drest in poetry's enchanting hues,
And all the flatt'ring colours of the muse;
But if in winter's storms thy beauties charm,
If the cold breast thy varying landscapes warm,
In summer's smiles it surely stands confest,
That he who draws thee fairest paints thee best.'"

Having thus seen the various amusing and interesting records, which so
many of our most popular authors have given to the world, respecting the
once famous "Ladies of Llangollen," curiosity induced us to pay a visit
to this much frequented abode of ancient friendship. Accordingly in
March, 1847, we made an excursion, in company with our respected
Publisher, to the celebrated retreat of Plas Newydd; and through the
favour of Mr. Jacques, an intelligent and hospitable gentleman resident
at Pen-y-bryn, Llangollen, we were introduced to the present owners, Miss
Lolly and Miss Andrew, and met with a most courteous reception. Their
manners are easy, dignified, and lady-like; totally free from all
affectation, and in nowise marked by that fr