marvelled at Velasquez: the conversation turned from these to the horrors of the Inquisition and the power of the church of Rome. There were not wanting some however who maintained that a belief in its dogmas engendered a higher spirit of devotedness and enthusiasm than the colder doctrines of Luther and Calvin, not only in religious feelings, but in numerous instances of love, friendship, and loyalty, displayed in former times. I ventured to hint, that the spirit of feudal law might have caused this effect more than the mode of worship employed towards the Supreme Being; that the appointments of society being then so different, called forth a more frequent display of great actions; whereas at present the rights of men being more justly and equally classed, diminished the recurrence of splendid virtues, and I hoped also of flagrant injustice. The ladies seemed inclined to favour the gallantry of other times, from whatever source it might proceed; and indeed I have always observed, that women, whose imaginations tend towards the romantic and sentimental (in their best signification) associate the tender and gallant with those ages which perhaps least deserve the character; nay, I verily believe (but let this be a secret) that they are for the most part as credibly possessed with the identity of Amadis, Palmerin, &c. as ever Don Quixote was; and have they not Ariosto and Petrarch, Chaucer and Spenser, to confirm them in their belief!

The queen being called upon for her story, said

she recollected a legend which came in aid of the argument, that Chivalry and the Catholic tenets fostered a spirit of devotedness in its disciples; which she would with pleasure relate; and thus began the story of Adelaide.

TALE II.

THE STORY OF ADELAIDE.

"No longer mourn for me, when I am dead,
When you shall hear the surly, sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled

From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell;
Nay, if you read this line, remember not

The hand that writ it; for I love you so,
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
If thinking on me then should make you woe."

SHAKESPEAR.

In the district of

in Lower Hungary, are still remaining the ruins of a baronial castle, whose lords were distinguised for their valour in battle and for their zeal and liberality to the church.

Julian, the 5th baron of that name, joined the Christian standard on the plains of Palestine, and like his ancestors was distinguished by his Christian hatred of the Saracens, and the zeal with which he pursued the good work of Pagan destruction. Masses and Te Deums were sung in the monastery near his castle, on every fresh account of his valiant deeds, and Pope Gregory sent over a consecrated banner and a special indulgence to Julian and his followers; exhorting

them in the meek name of Jesus not to cease the hallowed work of extirpation, but to carry fire and sword to the eternal desolation of the infidels, who had dared to keep possession of the Holy Sepulchré. Alas! that such holy aids should be ineffectual, or rather that they should have tended to his ruin; for the pious baron, willing to prove his sense of the Holy Pontiff's notice, wrought such furious and bloody acts among the infidels, as caused him to be way-laid and taken prisoner, when being bound hand and foot, he was cast into a deep dungeon, lone and dark.

When the dreadful news arrived at his castle, Adelaide his wife offered rewards and ransoms; but in vain: the "Paynim king" refused every offer, and swore by his Prophet's beard he would keep the relentless blasphemer of his God as a sacrifice and atonement for the many faithful he had slain in combat.

Enthusiasm in love and religion was the prevailing characteristic of that age; and Adelaide, with every grace of mind and person, was highly gifted with that quality. She took the habit of a Pilgrim, joined a band of Devotees (who were seeking the Sepulchre of Christ) and arrived at the holy city.

She was lodged in the convent of Mount Carmichael, and in less than a month had acquired the rudiments of the Saracenic tongue. At the end of which time, arrayed in the magnificent costume of her country, resplendent with gems, she threw herself at the feet of Adalem (the Syrian Monarch) and besought

her husband's liberty. Her youth and beauty, the fervency of her manner, joined with the touching inaccuracy of her newly acquired dialect, moved the Sultan. One by one she unclasped the jewels from her neck, arms, and waist, and laid them at his feet, as tempting earnest of her Lord's ransom. Their costliness and workmanship made them worthy an Eastern bride; yet well might the form of Adelaide spare those lesser aids, more especially, when unwinding the long string of pearls from amidst her hair, its clustering profusion gathered round her pale face, in which anxiety strove with despair, and lent to her bending and imploring attitude a desolate yet touching aspect. The heart of Adalem was generous; nor had he ever shown a dislike to diamonds or golden crowns. Julian's pardon was pronounced; and the delightful task of unclosing his prison gates was Adelaide's. They lost no time in departing from Syria, fearing the Sultan's opinion might alter as to the propriety of yielding to his compassionate feelings.

Now, who so grateful as Julian, or who so blest as Adelaide? Each look, each word of his, how fondly dwelt upon her eye rapturously following him, or, tearful with much joy, for did she not watch by the side of her rescued husband? Arrived at their castle, mirth and largess were liberally bestowed on the peasantry and retainers of their domains; while unvarying delights dwelt with the princely owners. Time however, which seemed, to increase the affection of Adelaide, acted counterwise upon the baron. Whe