distinguished English words. A dialogue began between the animal
and his master, which was maintained, on the part of the former,
with great vivacity and spirit. In this dialogue the dog asserted
the dignity of his species and capacity of intellectual
improvement. The company separated lost in wonder, but perfectly
convinced by the evidence that had been produced.

On a subsequent occasion a select company was assembled at a
garden, at a small distance from the city. Discourse glided
through a variety of topics, till it lighted at length on the
subject of invisible beings. From the speculations of philosophers
we proceeded to the creations of the poet. Some maintained the
justness of Shakspear's delineations of aerial beings, while others
denied it. By no violent transition, Ariel and his songs were
introduced, and a lady, celebrated for her musical skill, was
solicited to accompany her pedal harp with the song of "Five fathom
deep thy father lies" . . . She was known to have set, for her
favourite instrument, all the songs of Shakspeare.

My youth made me little more than an auditor on this occasion.
I sat apart from the rest of the company, and carefully noted every
thing. The track which the conversation had taken, suggested a
scheme which was not thoroughly digested when the lady began her
enchanting strain.

She ended and the audience were mute with rapture. The pause
continued, when a strain was wafted to our ears from another
quarter. The spot where we sat was embowered by a vine. The
verdant arch was lofty and the area beneath was spacious.