nor busy scene mine eye;
I saw the hills, the meadows and the river--
I heard cool waters plash and green leaves quiver.

II.--PLEASURE.

These sights and sounds refreshed me more than wine;
My pulses bounded with a reckless play,
My heart exalted like the rising day.
Now--did my lips exclaim--is pleasure mine;
A sweet delight shall fold me in its thrall;
To day, at least, I'll feel the bliss of life;
Like uncaged bird,--each limb with freedom rife--
I'll sip a thousand sweets--enjoy them all!
The will thus earnest could not be denied;
I beckoned Pleasure and she gladly came:
O'er hill and vale I roamed at her dear side--
And made the sweet air vocal with her name:
She all the way of weariness beguiled,
And I was happy as a very child!

July, 1850.

T. ADDISON RICHARDS

* * * * *

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

RAMBLES IN THE PENINSULA.

NO III.

BARCELONA, MAY 27, 1850.

My dear friend--I have been exceedingly pleased with what I have seen
and experienced during the time I have already spent in this handsome
and agreeable city. At present I have no traveling companion, and have
moreover only encountered one of my countrymen (with the exception of
the consuls) since my departure from Madrid, in January last. Besides,
I seldom hear the United States mentioned, never see any papers,
associate almost altogether with Spaniards, and converse chiefly in
their language.

The American Consul here (who is by the way a Spaniard) has been very
attentive and kind to me. We have taken several walks together, in
which he has pointed out to me the most notable edifices of Barcelona.
Among these is the magnificent theater called El Siceo, which is one
of the grandest in the world. It is certainly the most splendid of the
kind I have ever seen. It was built by subscription, at an expense of
about half a million of dollars, and is capable of containing nearly
six thousand persons. To my regret it is now closed. There is another
very fine theater here called El Principal, which is open every
evening. Last night I went to see the amusing opera of Don Pasquale,
by Donizetti, which was quite laudably performed. In fact I go most
every night, as I have nothing else to do, and have an excellent seat
at my disposal, with which the consul has been so kind as to favor
me. The appearance and manners of the audience are more interesting
to me than those of