scarcely possible to say what was its ancient form; but it is most
generally supposed to have been quadrangular, having only one
entrance, a large double portcullis, at the west end of the southern
front, turreted and embattled, as was the whole of the front, with a
tower at its eastern end, corresponding with that on the west. This
front, with its gateway and turrets, are perhaps the only remains of
the original structure. Winding steps, now almost worn away, lead to
what once was a chapel, over the portcullis, and thence to the top of
the turrets.

In more modern times a magnificent building was erected within the
walls of the castle by the Seymour family; but, although upwards of
£20,000 were said to have been expended on it, it was never finished,
and now the whole forms one common ruin, which, as it totters on it
base, the spectator contemplates with awe, while he sighs over the
remains of fallen grandeur.]

[Footnote B: A party from Totness went to Lord Courtenay's masquerade
in this way, there being no other conveyance to be had, and met with
the ridiculous accident here alluded to.]




LINES

TO SIR ROBERT KER PORTER,

KNIGHT OF THE IMPERIAL ORDER OF ST. JOACHIM,