fection.

The elderly gentlemen had a long consolatory conversation on the present
affairs of the country, and their happy termination; the wisdom of the
government and its coinciding regulations, concluding that the late
peace, founded on principles of justice and honour, promised to be
lasting.

These festive scenes of gladness were concluded by a variety of music,
both vocal and instrumental; the powerful influence of which all must
acknowledge; which is alike visible in all places, and in every stage of
society. And while it flings its spell over the gay abodes of pleasure,
it produces likewise its sweet enchantment in the domestic dwelling. The
ladies alternately played the piano, while the gentlemen assisted in
singing, forming altogether a concert of melodious harmony that wakened
the mind to the softest raptures, and threw its bewitching influences
over the imagination, calming all former corroding sensations, and
animating anew all the soft and sympathetic emotions.

Music! wake thy heavenly numbers,
Queen of every moving measure,
When at thy voice all sorrow slumber,
Sweetest source of purest pleasure!

Who listens to thy varying strains,
Will find their bosoms gently sooth'd,
Lulled to repose all cares and pains,
And waked to sympathy and love,

That calms with soft persuasive air
The heart to harmony and peace.
If any grief yet linger there,
But touch thy chords and it will cease.

Who does not feel their bosoms glow,
When the full choir their voices raise,
To the Supreme of all below,
Pour forth their song of ardent praise?

Each heart by sacred impulse driven,
To high exalt his glorious name,
Loud hallelujahs raise to heaven,
And with one voice His praise proclaim.

Then music, queen of every art,
O still thy matchless powers employ;
Since none like thee can peace impart,
And none like thee awaken joy.

CHAPTER XXI.

'Tis true indeed, there's danger in delay,
Then let us speed, and hasten far away;
For what of fear, or what of doubts molest,
When deep affection reigns within the breast.

Several weeks now passed away without any material occurrence, and the
season of the year came round when the winter's snow was passing from
the face of nature, succeeded by heavy showers of rain, and the days had
become more pleasant, because they were something longer. The air was
more salubrious, and invited th