eir vessels with all the colours
of all the nations of the world. At an appointed signal the tents were
thrown open, and the royal party having retired to the pavilion, the
company sat down to an entertainment, where a profusion of choice wines
and viands covered the extended line; then commenced the interchange of
bright eyes and soft sayings, and the rosy blush of maiden beauty tinged
the cheek of many a sylphic form as the accomplished beau challenged the
fair to wine with him, and many a heart from that day's sportive scene
shall date the first impression of the soveieign passion which blends
with life's red current all of happiness or misery here below. The
repast over, the company again met the royal party and promenaded on
the lawn, and while thus ~174~~engaged, a new delight was prepared for
them--a scene not less congenial than peculiar to the English character,
and one which may well uplift that honest pride of country which ever
animates a Briton's heart. The tables being again replenished, the
peasantry of the surrounding districts were admitted and regaled with
unrestricted hospitality.

And round the gay board cheerful Industry shone,
In a pureness and brightness to wealth oft unknown;
'Twas a feast where a monarch might wish to preside,
For the cottager's comfort's his country's pride;
And Benevolence smiled on the heart-moving scene,
And music and beauty enlivened the green,
While the labourer, gratefully raising the glass,
Gave his king, then his donor, his dame, and his lass.

The commodore's liberality is proverbial; he had sold his old yacht, the
Falcon, and the new vessel was not likely to be launched this season,
yet he would not forego the pleasure of a grand fete, and as it could
not be given on board his own ship, according to annual custom, he
seized upon this opportunity of the royal visit to unite Loyalty and
Friendship under one banner, and it must be recorded, that he displayed
an excellence of arrangement which left no wish ungratified. An
excursion round the island, sailing in a westerly direction, is one of
most delightful amusement to a lover of the picturesque; the circuit
is nearly eighty miles, every where presenting new features of the most
beautiful variety and romantic scenery, a voyage we made in the Rover
in about eight hours. Clearing Sconce Point, which is the first object
worthy notice from Cowe