lace begun here by Charles II., I was in raptures with its commanding situation, and thought, if I were a king, I would finish the fabric, aud make it the place of my residence.

In the cathedral, repose the dust and ashes of a long line of Saxon kings. This is a stately pile, and is worthy of the rich see to which it belongs. The school founded by William of Wickam did not escape observation; and I viewed it with particu. lar attention, because it is endeared to some of my juvenile friends. The remains of the old Castle are only interesting to the an tiquary, but the Cross and Arthur's Round Table, are curiosities which still please the eye.

You must recollect the beautiful sonnet, by the late poet laureat, Warton, on this famous table, which, however, is modern, compared to the time to which it refers.

High hung remains, the pride of warlike years,
Old Arthur's board: on the capacious round
Some British pen has sketch'd the names renown'd,
In marks obscure of his immortal peers.

In a meadow adjoining the city, Guy Earl of Warwick is said to have defeated and slain the Danish giant Colbrand. I mention this tale of former times, because it connects with Warwick Castle and some trophies of Guy still preserved there, which I have already seen, and should be happy to see again.

About a mile from Winchester, towards Southampton, stands the hospital of St. Cross, founded and endowed for the support of a master, and a certain number of brethren. Every traveller on knocking at the gate, may receive refreshments and a groat, to assist him on his journey; but as it stands at a small distance from the road, my father was unwilling to gratify my curiosity, by stopping to make the demand.

We passed through the village of Otterborne, situated in a rich sylvan vale, and adorned with some fine seats in the vicinity. Indeed from this spot, the scene becomes gradually more delightful, and the number of villas which present themselves at small

intervals, on each side, indicate the approach to some place of importance.

At length we came to the ascent, from whence the first view of the spires of Southampton, the distant hills of the Isle of Wight, and the channel which divides it from the main land, with a great part of the New Forest, are to be discerned at once; and if ever I beheld a landscape of more than ordinary beauty, the impression of which I can never forget, it was this! Figure to yourself, my dear Louisa, such an assemblage of beauties; and then think how I must have been affected by the sight! Add to other considerations, the sea which I had never beheld before, and Southampton water, dotted with ships swiftly gliding along, and you will not wonder if I was rivetted to the spot, and almost unwilling to proceed. The evening was extremely beautiful; and the setting sun still gilded the spires of Southampton, and cast a brilliant reflection on the waves.

We descended by a road of uncommon beauty, in many places lined with trees,