of his
powers, and inspired him with a proud confidence, that he
should yet shine down these calumnious mists, convert censure
to wonder, and compel even those who could not approve to
admire.

"The route which he now took, through Flanders and by the
Rhine, is best traced in his own matchless verses, which leave
a portion of their glory on all that they touch, and lend to
scenes, already clothed with immortality by nature and by
history, the no less durable associations of undying song."

* * * * *

THE GATHERER.

A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
SHAKSPEARE.

SELDEN,

Towards the close of his life, was so thoroughly convinced of the
superior value of the Holy Scriptures, as to declare that the 11th,
12th, 13th, and 14th verses of the second chapter of St. Paul's
Epistle to Titus, afforded him more solid satisfaction than all he had
ever read.

H.B.A.

* * * * *

FULL-BOTTOMED WIGS.

The full-bottomed wigs which unfortunately envelope and cloud some of
the most distinguished portraits of former days, were in fashion
during the reigns of our William and Mary. Lord Bolingbroke was one of
the first that tied them up, with which the queen was much offended,
and said to a by-stander, "he would soon come to court in his
night-cap." Soon after, tie wigs, instead of being an undress, became
the high court dress.

H.B.A.

* * * * *

A WINDOW THE CAUSE OF A WAR.

When the Palace of Trianon was building for Louis XIV. at the end of
Versailles' Park, that monarch went to inspect it, accompanied by
Louvois, secretary of war, and superintendent of the building. Whilst
walking arm in arm with him, he remarked that one of the windows was
out of shape, and smaller than the rest--this Louvois denied, and
asserted that he could not perceive the least difference. Louis XIV.
having had it measured, and finding that he had judged rightly,
treated Louvois in a contumelious manner before his whole court. This
conduct so incensed the minister, that when he arrived home he was
heard to say, that he would find better employment for a monarch than
that of insulting his favourites: he was as good as his word, for by
his insolence and haughtiness he insulted the other powers, and
occasioned the bloody war of 1688.

* * *