not perceive it; on withdrawing it the apparition was there.  Closing his eyes he went through a mathematical calculation to convince himself he was in his right senses; upon reopening them he still perceived her there.  The fire then went out and he saw no more.  I confess I see no difficulty in accounting for this, by supposing the gentleman was afflicted with that horrid disease of which Sir Walter Scott gives many cases in his Demonology and Witchcraft. Although I have no warrant for asserting spirits do not return, yet I must say, all the tales I have ever heard do not necessarily require any such interpretation on them.  It may be true, and so may everything which we have no evidence against or for.  If my opinion on the subject was to be shaken by anything, it would be with the following story, which was given to me by one whose veracity I have no reason to doubt.

There is, or rather was, a very ancient castle in Lancashire, near Liverpool, called Castle de Bergh, which belongs to a noble family of that name.  Many years ago the possessor of the castle, Mr. de Burgh, died, and the castle was then let out to various of the tenantry, among whom was a carpenter.  Two years after the death of Mr. de Burgh, as this carpenter was employed in his workshop, about a quarter of a mile from the castle, melting glue, it being evening, and only four of his men with him, he perceived a gentleman in mourning passing the lathe where the men were at work.  He was immediately seized with a violent trembling and weakness, his hair stood on end, and a clammy sweat spread over his forehead.  The lights were put out, he knew not how, and at last, in fear and terror, he was obliged to return home.  On his arrival at the castle, as he was passing up the stairs, he heard a footstep behind, and on turning round he perceived the same apparition.  He hastily entered his room, and bolted, locked, and barred the door, but to his horror and surprise this offered no impediment to his ghostly visiter, for the door sprang open at his touch, and he entered the room!  The apparition was seen by various others, all of whom asserted it bore the strongest resemblance to their deceased master!  One gentleman spoke to him, and the spirit told him “that he was not happy.”

Foley Place. An antiquary.

* * * * *

LINES.

(For the Mirror.)

  Upon the silent grassy bed,
  Shall maiden’s tears at eve be shed,
  And friendship’s self shall often there
  Heave the sigh, and breathe the pray’r. 
  Young flowers of spring around shall bloom,
  And summer’s roses deck thy tomb. 
  The primrose ope its modest breast
  Where thy lamented ashes rest,
  And cypress branches lowly bend
  Where thy lov’d form with clay shall blend. 
  The silver willow darkly wave
  Above thy unforgotten grave,
  And woodbine leaves will fondly creep,
  Where * * lies in holy sleep.