yet our own Countrymen were the next both in Number and Dignity.  I was now at Liberty to take a full Prospect of that delightful Region.  I was inspired with new Vigour and Life, and saw every thing in nobler and more pleasing Views than before; I breathed a purer AEther in a Sky which was a continued Azure, gilded with perpetual Sunshine.  The two Summits of the Mountain rose on each Side, and formed in the midst a most delicious Vale, the Habitation of the Muses, and of such as had composed Works worthy of Immortality. Apollo was seated upon a Throne of Gold, and for a Canopy an aged Laurel spread its Boughs and its Shade over his Head.  His Bow and Quiver lay at his Feet.  He held his Harp in his Hand, whilst the Muses round about him celebrated with Hymns his Victory over the Serpent Python, and sometimes sung in softer Notes the Loves of Leucothoe and Daphnis. Homer, Virgil, and Milton were seated the next to them.  Behind were a great Number of others, among whom I was surprized to see some in the Habit of Laplanders, who, notwithstanding the Uncouthness of their Dress, had lately obtained a Place upon the Mountain.  I saw Pindar walking all alone, no one daring to accost him, till Cowley join’d himself to him; but growing weary of one who almost walked him out of breath, he left him for Horace and Anacreon, with whom he seemed infinitely delighted.

’A little further I saw another Groupe of Figures; I made up to them, and found it was Socrates dictating to Xenophon, and the Spirit of Plato; but most of all, Musoeus had the greatest Audience about him.  I was at too great a Distance to hear what he said, or to discover the Faces of his Hearers; only I thought I now perceived Virgil, who had joined them, and stood in a Posture full of Admiration at the Harmony of his Words.

’Lastly, At the very Brink of the Hill I saw Boccalini sending Dispatches to the World below of what happened upon Parnassus; but I perceived he did it without leave of the Muses, and by stealth, and was unwilling to have them revised by Apollo.  I could now from this Height and serene Sky behold the infinite Cares and Anxieties with which Mortals below sought out their way through the Maze of Life.  I saw the Path of Virtue lie strait before them, whilst Interest, or some malicious Demon, still hurry’d them out of the Way.  I was at once touched with Pleasure at my own Happiness, and Compassion at the sight of their inextricable Errors.  Here the two contending Passions rose so high, that they were inconsistent with the sweet Repose I enjoy’d, and awaking with a sudden start, the only Consolation I could admit of for my Loss, was the Hopes that this Relation of my Dream will not displease you.’ [2]

T.

[Footnote 1:  Room is made for this paper, in the original issue, by printing it in smaller type.]