ually between them. Since that period it has
undergone several reparations; but a most complete and substantial one
was commenced in 1820, under the direction of Mr. Geo. Smith, architect
to the Mercers' Company, the estimated expense of which was nearly
L33,000; and staircases on the north, south, and west sides have since
been built of stone, at an expense of about L6,000.
The emoluments derived by Lady Gresham from the Royal Exchange are
stated to have amounted to L751. 5_s_. per annum; and these she
continued to enjoy till her decease, in the year 1596; but the Mercers'
Company, instead of profiting by the donation, had, after the late
repairs, expended out of their own fund no less a sum than L200,500.
We are indebted to an active Correspondent for the original of
the engraving (a pencil drawing), and the abridgment of the previous
description, from a neatly compiled work--the _Percy_ History of London,
and from original and authentic sources. We are, however, compelled
to omit the "dimensions of the ground on which the original Exchange
stood," notwithstanding our Correspondent has been at the pains to copy
the items from "an old record in the Chamber of London, never before
made public." The document is of considerable value, in illustrating the
topography of ancient London; but its interest is hardly popular enough
for our pages.
* * * * *
SONNET,
ON LEAVING WINCHESTER.
Winton--ere thee I leave in hoary pride,
Thy hallow'd temples, and thine aged towers,
Lifting their heads amid the rural bowers
That grace fair Itchen's ever-rippling tide,
I gaze--and think how many a century
Hath slowly roll'd along, since in their might
The British Chieftain and the Roman Knight
First met in thee in triumph or to die.
But now in peace along thy vale I rove,
Or mark with awe thy venerable pile
Of mitred pomp, and down the lengthen'd aisle
Listen to notes divine, with those I love.
These are the charms that memory must renew,
Till I shall gaze again, with reverence due.
TOSCAR.
* * * * *
EQUANIMITY.
HORACE. Part of Ode 3rd, Book 3rd, paraphrased.
_"Justum et tenacem propositi virum"_
Nor direful rage, nor bois'trous tumult loud,
Nor looks infuriate of the threat'ning crowd--
Nor haughty tyrants, with their angry scowl,
Like beasts that o'er the traveller's pathway prowl--
Nor s
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