st a cheerfulness, almost amounting to gaiety,
enables him to reconcile differences and keep his neighbours in good
humour. "I lost my horse," said a woman to me, "but ever since, when I
want to send to the mill, or go out, the Mayor lends me one. He scolds
if I do not come for it."

A criminal was branded, during my stay here, for the third offence; but
the relief he received made him declare that the judge was one of the
best men in the world.

I sent this wretch a trifle, at different times, to take with him into
slavery. As it was more than he expected, he wished very much to see me,
and this wish brought to my remembrance an anecdote I heard when I was in
Lisbon.

A wretch who had been imprisoned several years, during which period lamps
had been put up, was at last condemned to a cruel death, yet, in his way
to execution, he only wished for one night's respite to see the city
lighted.

Having dined in company at the mayor's I was invited with his family to
spend the day at one of the richest merchant's houses. Though I could
not speak Danish I knew that I could see a great deal; yes, I am
persuaded that I have formed a very just opinion of the character of the
Norwegians, without being able to hold converse with them.

I had expected to meet some company, yet was a little disconcerted at
being ushered into an apartment full of well dressed people, and glancing
my eyes round they rested on several very pretty faces. Rosy cheeks,
sparkling eyes, and light brown or golden locks; for I never saw so much
hair with a yellow cast, and, with their fine complexions, it looked very
becoming.

These women seem a mixture of indolence and vivacity; they scarcely ever
walk out, and were astonished that I should for pleasure, yet they are
immoderately fond of dancing. Unaffected in their manners, if they have
no pretensions to elegance, simplicity often produces a gracefulness of
deportment, when they are animated by a particular desire to please,
which was the case at present. The solitariness of my situation, which
they thought terrible, interested them very much in my favour. They
gathered round me, sung to me, and one of the prettiest, to whom I gave
my hand with some degree of cordiality, to meet the glance of her eyes,
kissed me very affectionately.

At dinner, which was conducted with great hospitality, though we remained
at table too long, they sung several songs, and, amongst the rest,
translations of so