Europe, and at last died in an expedition to explore the internal parts of Africa, gave a most decisive and pleasing testimony in favour of the superior character of women, whether savage or civilized. I was so much pleased with it, that I put great part of it into verse; and if it will not make you vain, I will give you a copy of my lines.

C. O, pray do!

P. Here they are. Read them.

LEDYARD'S PRAISE OF WOMEN.

THROUGH many a land and clime a ranger,
With toilsome steps, I've held my way
A lonely unprotected stranger,

To all the stranger's ills a prey.

While steering thus my course precarious,
My fortune still had been to find
Men's hearts and dispositions various,
But gentle Woman ever kind.

Alive to ev'ry tender feeling,

To deeds of mercy ever prone,

The wounds of pain and sorrow healing
With soft compassion's sweetest tone.

No proud delay, no dark suspicion,
Stints the free bounty of their heart;
They turn not from the sad petition,
But cheerful aid at once impart.

Form'd in benevolence of nature,
Obliging, modest, gay, and mild,
Woman's the same endearing creature
In courtly town and savage wild.

When parch'd with thirst, with hunger wasted,
Her friendly hand refreshment gave,
How sweet the coarsest food has tasted!
What cordial in the simple wave!

Her courteous looks, her words caressing,
Shed comfort on the fainting soul:
Woman's the stranger's general blessing,
From sultry India to the Pole.

END OF VOL. V.

Bensley and Son, Bolt Court, Fleet Street.