having caused the messenger to be kicked out of the palace, there arose
a furious storm, attended with thunder and lightning, which the night
season rendered still more awful; the liquid element fell into the royal
apartment, and consumed the queen's wardrobe. The terrified king
immediately sent in search of the hermit, begged pardon of God, and
confessed his impiety.

* * * * *


CHARACTER OF ISABEL OF SPAIN.


If we except our Elizabeth, and Catherine of Russia, no princess of
modern times can equal Isabel in ability, or in the success of her
administration: and, in the qualities of her heart, in Christian
fervour, and an unspotted life, how far does she not exceed either!
Prudent in the formation, yet prompt in the execution, of her plans;
severe towards guilt, yet merciful towards misfortune; unbending in her
purposes, yet submissive to her husband; of rigid virtue, yet indulgent
to minor frailties; devout without ostentation, and proud without
haughtiness; feeling towards the pains of others, yet exhibiting no
sentiment of her own, she might well command the respect, no less than
the affection, of her people. Of her humble piety an anecdote is
related, with great applause, by catholic writers. When the sovereigns
of Castile were at confession, it was usual for the priest to kneel at
the same time with themselves. The first time she attended this duty,
after her elevation to the throne, she knelt; but the priest, Fernando
de Talavera, quietly seated himself beside her. On her expressing some
surprise that he also did not kneel, the friar replied, "This, senora,