been, for time immemorial, to write it Cinapi. In another case, which I have before me, the most serious consequences once followed a very trifling mistake in orthography, and by which the offending party lost no inconsiderable property. Mon's. Varillas, a French author, well known among divines, had a nephew, whom he proposed to make his heir but who, in a letter to his uncle, was unfortunate enough to close it with" votre tres hobeissant," instead of "obeissant." This little errour so exasperated Mons. Varillas, that he never forgave it,-set his nephew down for an egregious blockhead, unworthy to be the successor to the fortunes of a man of learning, and left his estate to pious uses. Thus much for orthography.

Remainder next month.

LETTER TO A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN.^

DEAR MADAM,

As you occupy a very handsome house, and are able to furnish it in a proper manner, will you excuse a friend who is anxious to give you a little advice on the subject ?

Your building being formed of the finest materials, it will shew in a moment any flaw or spot that may accidentally tarnish the surface; it is of a proper height, a well-propor tioned size, and built on a regular plan.

:

On the top stands a turret, of a globular form, with two crystal windows in front; these are so constructed, as to command an extensive prospect, and, if always kept clean and bright, will prove of considerable utility, as well as a great ornament to the house I advise you not to look through them at every object that passes, and above all things, I 'would have you shut them early at night, as many disagreeable circumstances happen from a neglect in this particular; you may open them as early as you please in the morn ing.

On each side, I observe a small portal to receive company; pray take care they do not always stand open; as you will be crowd ed with visitors, and perhaps with some you may not like; let them never be shut against 'your worthy parents, a sincere friend, or a fellow creature in distress.

I took notice of one gate in the front, at which all your company goes out; in gener al I recommend it to you to keep it closely barred, lest, should any bad characters be seen forth coming, you draw a scandal on your residence; if at any time, on necessary occasions, it should be opened, I would lay a strict injunction of watchfulness on the two porters, who stand as sentinels, in liveries of scarlet, just without the ivory palisade.

Some ill advised people paint the two pan'nels, 'just below the windows; an example which I hope you will shun rather than fol low.

This part of the edifice is supported by a pillar of Corinthian marble, whose base is ornamented with two semi-globes of alabaster, before which most prudent people draw a curtain of needlework; a practice of late years strangely neglected by some, who, by such conduct, prove themselves grossly deficient in policy, propriety, and good taste.

Beneath, is the great hall, in which I understand you have a small closet of exquisite workmanship; this I suppose is the place of your secret retirement, open to none but yourself, or some faithful friend: take care always to keep it clean, and furnished with a small but well-chosen library of the best prac tical authors: enter it frequently, especially when you return from publick worship, or from visiting your friends..

Avoid two opposite errours, which the owners of many houses fall into : let not the outside hall appear like the shop of an undertaker, fitting out a funeral, and crowded with gloomy objects, and woeful countenances, nor like a lord mayor's coach, bedaubed with gilding and finery; let it be plain, neat, and always clean, to convince the world that you attend more to utility than ornament.

You must not be surprised to find the tenement yon inhabit subject to decay and accident; it is the common effect of time to efface beauty, and diminish strength; during the short space you have already lived in it, repairs have been frequently wanted; these, you

must consider as plain intimations, that the house itself, in a certain number of years, will fall, and like the baseless fabrick of a vision, leave not a wreck behind."

6

If I recollect right, you are only a tenant at will, and may be turned out, with or without warning, for that was the condition on which it was let to you: be always ready therefore to go, at a moment's notice, and be patticularly careful to keep the furniture in the globular turret, and the contents of the little closet, arranged in good order, that you may, be able to lay your hand on them without perplexity or confusion.

It will be in vain to attempt to do it, as some have fancied they can, in the bustle and hurry of a sudden removal; a neglect of this important precaution has proved an irreparable injury to thousands.

Excuse this hasty epistle, pardon the liberty I have taken, and impute it to the warm zeal and sincere attachment of

(Monthly Mirror.)

Your humble servant.

THE FISHERMAN AND THE TRAVELLER. BY DR MAYOR.

A FISHERMAN, whose only property was a miserable hovel, lived on the bank of a small river. His gains were so trifling, that he was scarcely able to earn a scanty subsist

ence.

Notwithstanding he was contented in his poverty, because he wished for nothing more than he possessed.

One day, this fisherman took it into his head to visit the city and he resolved to ga there on the morrow. While he thought of making this journey, he met a traveller, who inquired if he had far to go to reach a village, in which he might find lodging for the night? "It is twelve miles," replied the fisherman, and it is very late if you will pass the night in my cottage you are heartily wel

come.

The traveller accepted the offer; and the fisherman who wished to entertain his guest as well as he was able, lit a fire to dress some small fish. While they were at supper, the fisherman sang, laughed, and appeared full

of merriment.

"How happy you are," said the traveller. to his host, “in being able to divert your self thus! I would give all that I have in the world to be as gay as you." he world to be

*******And what prevents you ?" said the fisherman, my mirth costs me nothing; and I have never been subject to melancholy. Do you labour under any great, affliction that does not permit you to be cheerful "

"Alas!" replied the traveller, "all the world believes me the happiest of men. I was a merchant, and I gained great wealth, but I had not a moment of rest. I was daily fear of becoming a bankrupt, of failure