reason rather than that of intoxicationrather the joy of angels than that described by our immortal poet, of the infernals when (in the absence of their confounded leader)

"Each his several way

Pursues, as inclination or sad choice

Leads him perplexed, where he may likeliest find
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain
The irksome hours, till his great chief return.

Whilst some,

" with vast Typhæan rage more fell, Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air In whirlwind; hell scarce holds the wild uproar."

As the errors of Wolfred were grounded in ambition, so did those of Athelstan terminate in his pursuit of revenge; the one led on to the injury of others, the

other proceeded from injuries received; the former was culpable for encouraging a passion, and the latter for not checking it; had they invoked reason to their aid, and the spirit of divine assistance, patience might have held them in serenity, and the evening of their days been peace.

Ethelbald's too hasty suspicions were corrected by the events accompanying them, and the rest of the characters punished and rewarded according to their deeds, which we find must occur of course in a physical sense, as time pursues its operations.

To those who do not relish the application of a tale, the conclusion of this volume may be superfluous; but, be our's the task to hold the index up to virtue, whatever event succeeds. May this be perused by our offspring, and teach them to employ reason as the great antidote to

their passions, when these bones are laid in the grave, with a hope of the spirit's safe departure to that abode where all labours cease, and the weary pilgrim, fatigued with his journey, sits down in peace with his God.

FINIS.

J. G. BARNARD, SKINNER STREET, LONDON,