to Montgomery, is built in the ancient style of domestic architecture, participating of the castle and mansion. It stands on the ridge of a rock, is constructed of red sand stone, and the di lapidations made by time in the external walls, have been repaired by a coat of red plaistering. The entrance is by an ancient gateway, between two massy circular towers, into the area, or court, round which the apartments range. Several other towers are still standing, flanked with semicircular bastions. The site is elevated and commanding, looking over a vast tract of country, the greater part of which was, formerly, subject to its lords. In front two immense terraces, rising one above another, form the ascent, by means of a vast flight of steps, to the house. These are ornamented with vases, statues, antique remains, &c. &c. The edifice is kept up, as an habitable mansion, though rarely visited by its noble owner. The inside has a heavy, and unpleasant appearance from the great thickness of the walls: and the whole building brings strongly to the recollection the cumbersome magnificence of former times. The interior exhibits little worthy the curious traveller's notice, excepting the principal gallery, measuring one hundred and seventeen feet in length, by twenty in breadth. This was originally much longer; but in the modernizing plan a large room was taken from it, at one end. This is of a later date than the other part of the building; and is said to have been detached from it, about seventy years ago. The apartments on the ground floor, are gloomy, as are also the dining, and state, bed rooms; but the saloon and library are well lighted; and afford a most cheering and delightful prospect: the view from the former embracing the rich vale of the Severn, with the Freidden hills in the contrasted back ground. These contain some valuable antiques. In the large parlour, within the dwelling house, is a full length picture of Roger Palmer, earl of Castlemain, who obtained the peerage by the influence of his wife, a mistress to king Charles the second, the notorious duchess of Cleveland. Dressed in the costume of the times, a black wig, large cravat and scarlet mantle, he is re

presented

presented as in the act of dictating to his secretary the nature of his instructions. This singular character was sent by his master, James the second, to endeavour to obtain a pardon, for the three realms, under his sovereignty, on account of their long lapse to heresy; and, if possible, procure a reconciliation, by means of the Holy see, between the two dissevered churches. The pope well convinced of the folly of such an attempt, under the then existing circumstances, it is said, never could give an audience to the English ambassador, without being seized with a fit of coughing; which invariably interrupted the subject of consultation. Wearied with delay, the Envoy took umbrage; and in the warmth of zeal for his master's cause, threatened, if not speedily granted a satisfactory answer, he would pack up his credentials, and leave Rome. His holiness, with that sang froid, best understood, and most easily adopted, by deep politicians, replied, that, if such were his determined resolution, so hastily, and perhaps unadvisedly formed, he would, with the most cordial affection, recommend him to travel early in the morning, and to rest at noon, least by over fatigue, and the effects of heat, he should endanger his health*.* Thus ended the catholic mission from the crown of England!!!

A narrow gallery, leading to the sleeping rooms, is hung round with family portraits, most of which appear indifferently executed, and less interesting in point of public character. On one of the ceilings is displayed much pictorial flattery, to the female part of the family; in the representation of three daughters of William, second marquis of Powys. One is depicted as truth; lady Throgmorton appears as charity; lady Mary as Minerva; and Justice is seen driving away envy, ma lice, and other vices. Few ladies have made so conspicuous a figure as lady Mary. She was engaged deeply in the Missisippi scheme, and dreamt of millions; aimed at being royal consort to the late pretender; failed in her plans; and, with another

A very copious and interesting account of this ridiculous business is given by Misson, Vol. III. p. 176, &c.

9

another noble adventurer, retired to Spain, in search of gold in the deceptive mines of the Asturias.

"The crown of Poland, venal twice an age,
To just three millions stinted modest gage :
But nobler scenes Maria's dreams unfold;
Hereditary realms, and worlds of gold.

Congenial souls! whose life once av'rice joins,
And one fate buries in th' Asturian mines.”

In a detached building, more modern than the castle, is a collection of 60 or 70 pictures. Some of these are by the first masters, as Poussin, Claude, Bassano, Vleiger, Canaletti, Cuyp, &c. The virgin and child by Carlo Dolce; three owls by Rubens, and an ancient painting in fresco, from the ruined city of Pompeii. The portrait of the late lord Clive, by Dance. In an adjoining closet is the model of an elephant, covered with a coat of mail, with two Indians upon its back; brought from India by the late lord Clive.

The hanging gardens, composed of terrace upon terrace, are ascended by flights of steps cut out of the solid rock; the clipped shrubs, and the remains of water-works, discover the imitations of the wretched taste displayed at St. Germain's, which one of its possessors had unfortunately too great an opportunity of copying. All was lately in the style of the last century, and the description of Timon's villa was here realized:

"Lo, what huge heaps of littleness around!
The whole a laboured quarry above ground;
Two cupids squirt before: a lake behind,
Improves the keenness of the northern wind.
His gardens next your admiration call,

On every side you look, behold the wall!

No

This was the titular duke of Powys, the honour having been a post-ab→ dication creation. The nobleman followed the fortunes of his royal master, James the second, and died at St. Germain's in 1696.