to beguile her leisure hours, has recourse to painting and music, in both of which she eminently excels. As she possesses also a talent for poetry, she has written several little pieces, on various subjects; the following poem I received from her lately.

THE ROSE.

As through a garden late I rov'd,

And musing walk'd along,

While list'ning to the blackbird's note,
Or linnet's cheerful song.

Around were flowers of various hues,

The pink and daisy pied,

When in the centre of a grove,

A blushing rose I spied.

Eager to pluck the beauteous flower,

I quickly hasten'd there;

Securely in my bosom plac'd,

And watch'd with tender care.

Its fragrant odours grateful were,
And pleasant to the sense;

Its leaves with brightest colours glow'd,

Like virgin innocence.

But, lo! ere ev'ning dews descend,
Those beauteous tints were fled;
Wither'd and blasted in their prime,
It droop'd its head and died!

Sweet blossom, then I sighing said,
How soon thy beauties fly!

The fairest flower the garden knows,
With thee could never vie!

Be thou my silent monitor,

And warn my heedless youth,

To follow true religion's paths,

In piety and truth.

That while youth's transient charms decay,

Those of the mind remain,

Which, like the polished shining ore,

Their lustre still retain.

For outward charms, of shape or face,

Soon wither like the rose,

But virtue only is the source,

From whence true pleasure flows.

O my friend, what a lesson does the life of this young and lovely female convey to the unthinking of her sex! Were my narration to be made public, to them I would say, Ye amiable part of the creation, imitate Miranda. Behold her, in youth and beauty's brightest bloom, shunning the unmeaning

follies so eagerly pursued by thousands of both sexes, to the waste of that most precious time given them by the bounty of the Creator; of every moment of which they must one day give an account. Behold her, without austerity or bigotry, dedicating her life to the service of her God. View her ministering to the lowest of her fellow-mortals, smoothing the brow of affliction, and speaking peace and comfort to the torn heart; then go and do so likewise. Though few have such extensive powers of usefulness, ALL have the means of doing good. ALL may improve in the ways of religion and virtue, and accomplish, in some degree, the highest ends of creation, by faithfully discharging their duty, and living so, that they may at last make a happy exit, and then find themselves in a better state.

LETTER III.

FROM LADY

TO HER FRIEND.

My dear Ophelia,

Surrounded with misfor

tunes, but for your friendly cares, I had sunk beneath the burden of my afflictions, how then can I refuse to your friendship, the relation you have requested? Whatever I may suffer, by retracing scenes of happiness, past, never more to return, to you will I give the recital. May you find instruction in my sad story, and avoid, by my example, the like misfortunes!

I am, as you well know, the only child and heiress of a noble family. Idolized by