now come, therefore, for the decision of our collector's fortune: he packed up his most precious cargo of japan; and, having at all times access to his patroness, he astonished her by this inestimable addition to her store. She was now so completely oppressed, that nothing could set her mind at rest till she had evinced how deeply she was affected by her worthy friend's goodness. On this the collector humbly presumed to inform the princess, that though he never had been moved by any other ambition than that of gratifying her taste, yet there happened just then to be an object, which, if it could be procured by her gracious interest, would make him the happiest man in the world. The princess was impatient to know what it was; and that very instant hastened to her excellent father to urge the request, that her much valued friend might succeed to the expected vacancy. The King, who had long penetrated into the secret views of this apparently disinterested virtuoso, could not refrain from laughing: but, after much importunity, he said, “Well, well: go along; your china merchant must be paid for his mugs I suppose, but let me tell you, that the price is unconscionable."

Much as has been said of the increase of vice in latter days—an increase we shall not deny, considering the increase of population and of luxury, we have, perhaps, very ample reason to be grateful that the increase has not been much greater. And

to whom are we indebted for this? We shall at once say, under Providence, to the virtuous pair who so long filled the throne of Great Britain.

To God, our first thanks are due; but let us not be unmindful of the instruments which he was graciously pleased to raise up for our happiness and moral improvement.

At the commencement of the reign, vice was advancing with rapid steps into the recesses of private life; and it is to the throne that we owe the check which was put upon its progress. In fact, it had already taken such high ground in the empire of fashion, that nothing but the example of the monarch, and his prudent, though so youthful bride, could have driven it into disgrace and privacy.

The first efficient duties fell upon the Queen; and well has it been said, that pure and immaculate herself, she from the first required that the same qualities should attach to her court, refusing to consent to any act of self-degradation, or to identify herself with those who had stained their reputation. Indeed, as the presentation to the drawingroom was then most particularly considered as the sole introduction to high life, she had a powerful weapon to wield; and she wielded it to good purpose, by at once proscribing from her society all females of bankrupt or even of ambiguous character demireps, as they were then called; never ad

mitting to her public or private parties any lady, however high in rank, if she had in the slightest degree forfeited her claims to general respect.

The palace thus became like the sanctuary of religion and virtue, where, like the good genius of the place, she sat with a magic circle around her, over which no unhallowed footstep could pass.

This scrupulous observance of propriety of conduct in the higher ranks soon found its way into all the subordinate gradations of society; and we can safely assert, whatever those of morbid sensibility may say to the contrary, that in proportion as the higher circles became virtuous and discreet, and in proportion as they left off French manners and French fashions, so the descending ranks improved their morals by copying their examples, and formed their manners by the improved practice.

To those who only know society since the importation of the dissolute habits and shameful nudities of the French revolution, this may appear exaggerated; but to those whose memory extends through half a century, we fearlessly call for justification.

This amelioration, first begun with the fair sex, had soon an evident improvement upon the male, notwithstanding the macaronies, the fops, the bucks, the bloods, &c. who then disgraced society, like the dandies and exquisites of the present day;

and in proportion as the loveliest part of society were accustomed to hold themselves in due reverence, to maintain their own dignity, and to preserve their own worth unsullied, so did they now begin to be respected, worshipped, and paid homage to by the men.

In fact, patriotism was now fixed upon a sure foundation. He who could depend upon the truth of his partner-he who could look round his fireside, and call every thing there his own, could not fail to love the country which contained such blessings; and to that increased love of country, thus engendered and nurtured, it is not going too far to say, that Britain is indebted for her escape from French revolution, and from French invasion and plunder. For this happy nation GOD raised up virtue as our shield and defence-it is now our duty to be grateful.

Such are some of the results of the royal system, aided as it was by the co-operation, support, and advice of our lamented monarch; all of whose actions were in strict unison and concert with the virtuous plans of the partner of his heart. Throughout the whole of their long reign, their private economy, their domestic arrangements, were a pattern to every class of their subjects. Employing their whole influence to arrest the torrent of fashionable dissipation, they never gave the slightest sanction by their authority, by their example, or

their neglect, to any innovation on the established and accredited moral usages of life. They never allowed novelty to be an excuse for admitting specious refinements on ancient discipline, nor for weakening or abrogating the calls to the moral duties. They never for a moment permitted it to be believed that rank could confer any privilege to violate the laws of moral order; but by their practice evinced their own belief that it rather founded an additional claim for the strictest compliance with the behests of virtue.

One great object with them was to do away a silly prejudice, then daily becoming more fashionable, that a husband and wife should never be seen together. In this respect, indeed, they set a splendid example, shewing themselves to be, when not prevented by state affairs or ceremonies, what God and nature intended a married pair should be in the mutual offices of protector and companion; always filling up the intervals of public duty by domestic endearments, whether in the shades of retirement, or joining in public scenes, as they often did, laying aside all the reserve of royalty, and mixing with their subjects in every laudable and inno

cent amusement.

Respecting domestic arrangements, the King had some peculiar habits. Buckingham House, for instance, was embellished with the choicest works of art from Hampton Court, Windsor, and the old