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There was something in the hour-and the scene-and the novelty of the excursion-that enjoined silence.

Arrived at the Hermitage, the party dismounted. Acmé clung to the strap, fastened round their guide, and they commenced the ascent. In a short time, they had manifest proofs of their vicinity to the volcano. The ashy lava gave way at each footstep, and it was only by taking short and quick steps, and perseveringly toiling on, that they were enabled to make any progress.

More than once, was Acmé inclined to stop, and take breath, but the guide assured them they were already late, and that they would only just be in time for the sunrise.

As the last of the party reached the summit, the sun became perceptible—and rose in glory inThe scene afar how gorgeous!

describable.

around them how grand!

Panting from their exertions, they sat on a cloak of Salvador's, and gazed with astonishment at the novelties bursting on the eye.

Each succeeding moment, gusts of flame issued

forth from the crater.

They looked down on the bason, above which they were. From a conical pyramid of lava, were emitted volumes of smoke, which rolled up to heaven in rounded and fantastic shapes of beauty. Below, a deep azure-above, of a clear amber hue -the clouds wreathed and ascended majestically, as if in time to the rumbling thunder-the accompaniments of nature's subterraneous throes.

Their fatigues were amply repaid. Sir Henry's curiosity was aroused, and he descended with the guide to the crater. George and Acmé, delighted with the excursion, remained on the summit, partaking of Salvador's provisions.

The descent they found easy and rapid; the lava now assisting, as much as it had formerly impeded them.

At Portici, Salvador introduced them to his apartment, embellished with specimens of lava. They purchased some memorials of their visitpartook of some fruit-and, after rewarding the guide, they returned to Naples.

Another of their excursions, and it is one than

which there are few more interesting, was to that city-which, like the fabulous one of the eastern tale, rears its temples, but there are none to worship; its theatres, but there are none to applaud; its marble statues, where are the eyes that should dwell on them with pride? Its mansions are many-its walls and tesselated pavements, show colours of vivid hue, and describe tales familiar from our boyhood. The priest is at his altar-the soldiers in their guard-room-the citizen in his bath. It is indeed difficult, as our step reechoes through the silent streets, to divest ourselves of the impression, that we are wandering where the enchanter's wand has been all powerful, that he has waved it, and lo! the city sleeps for a season, until some event shall have been fulfilled.

Our party were in the Via Appia of Pompeii, when Acmé turned aside, to remark one tomb more particularly. It was an extensive one, surrounded with a species of iron net work, through which might be seen ranges of red earthen vases. Acmé turned to the custode, and asked if this was the burial place of some noble family.

"No! Signora! this is where the ashes of the

gladiators are preserved."

From the Appian Way, they entered through the public gate; and passing many shops, whose signs yet draw notice, if they no longer attract custom, they came to the private houses, and entered one-that called Sallust's-for the purpose of a more minute inspection.

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Nothing appears to be more strange,” said George, "on looking at these frescoed paintings, and on such mosaics as we have yet seen; than the extraordinary familiarity of their subjects.

There are many depicted on these walls, and I do not think, Henry, we are first rate classics ;— and yet it would be difficult to puzzle us, in naming the story whence these frescoes have their birth. Look at this Latona—and Leda—and the Ariadne abbandonata-and this must certainly be the blooming Hebe. Ah! and look at this little niche! This grinning little deity-the facsimile of an Indian idol-must express their idea of the Penates. Strange! is it not?”

"But are you not," rejoined Sir Henry, "some

what disappointed in the dwelling-houses? This seems one of the most extensive, and yet, how diminutive the rooms! and how little of attraction in the whole arrangement, if we except this classic fountain.

This I think is a proof, that the ancient Romans must have chiefly passed their day abroad-in the temples the forum-or the baths-and have left as home tenants none but women, and those unadorned with the toga virilis.

These habits may have tended to engender a manlier independence; and to impart to their designs a loftier spirit of enterprise. What say you, Acmé?"

"I might perhaps answer," replied Acmé, "that the happiness gained, is well worth the glory lost. But I must not fail to remind you, that— grand as this nation must have been―my poor fallen one was its precursor-its tutor—and its model.”

Hence they wandered to the theatre-the forum-the pantheon-and amphitheatre which last, from their converse in the earlier part of the day-fancy failed not to fill with daring comba

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