see kings lying by those who deposed them when I consider rival wits placed

side by side, or the holy men, that divided the world with their contests and disputes I reflect with sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, factions, and disputes of mankind: when I read the several dates of the tombs of some that died yesterday, and some six hundred years ago I consider that great day when we shall all of us be contemporaries, and make our appearance together.'"

On reaching Westminster-Hall, Mr. Richardson informed them it was built by William Rufus, or, more probably rebuilt, as a large hall was ever a necessary appendage to a palace.

"We are informed," said he, "that in this hall, and the adjoining apartments, Henry the Third entertained, on Newyear's day, 1236, six thousand poor men, women, and children. It became ruinous before the reign of Richard the Second, who rebuilt it in its present form in

the year 1897, and in 1399, kept his Christmas in it, when twenty-eight oxen, three hundred sheep, and fowls innumerable, were daily consumed, the number of his guests being each day ten thousand."

They then left Westminster-Hall, and Mr. Richardson, with his children, entered the carriage. On passing Whitehall, he informed them, that on that spot stood a palace, which, after the destruction of the ancient palace of Westminster by fire, became the residence of our Kings, until it was almost wholly destroyed by the same element, in the year 1697.

As they passed Charing-Cross, Mr. Richardson observed he had read that, in the year 1262, a hermitage stood near that spot; as also a chapel, dedicated to St. Catharine.

Charles replied, "What an alteration, Sir! It is now one of the most populous parts of the town nay, I wonder it was not so then, as the court was held at Westminster, for so many centuries."

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Though the court was held there," answered Mr. Richardson," there was no conjunction between London and Westminster until about the year 1533, when a few scattered houses were erected, and, in 1560, a street formed, though very loosely built, with large gardens, and, on the south side, stairs to the river, for the convenience of taking boat, which at that period was the mode of conveyance for great personages. The Strand, in the year 1353, was an open high way, with only some scattered noblemen's houses, with gardens to the river, and so impassable for want of repair, that, in the reign of Edward the Third, a tax was laid on all goods carried that way to Westminster, for the repair of the road. The noblemen's houses have since given way to the various streets that branch from the Strand: but their situation may still be known by the names which have been preserved.

"In the reign of Queen Elizabeth the

people were so prosperous and secure, that by the year 1600, the buildings greatly increased, and many of the streets completed, to the great convenience of the city."

On their reaching home the conversation ceased, and the children retired to their apartments.

SOME few days the weather proving unfavourable, the children did not go out, but appeared perfectly satisfied at home; for if any little shadow of discontent was perceptible in the countenance or manners of Mary, Charles took such pains to repress and banish it, that, ashamed not to merit his kindness, she strove to be amused until some interesting subject caught her attention, and she was in reality so.

One morning Mr. Richardson sent for them down as soon as their lessons were concluded, and addressing them said, "I have, my dear children, procured