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On arrival at the Beaufort Arms, I was informed that Mr. Gethen, who has the care of the Abbey, had been called from home on urgent business,-while the rest of his family in the house were sorrowing over a recent domestic affliction. Under these circumstances, I did not press for an attendant, but took the key of the door, to survey the Ruin at my own leisure.

In common with every other traveller, I entered this interesting pile with a mingled portion of awe and admiration, and not having before seen any monastic edifice (except Newstead Abbey, in Nottinghamshire, and that only at a distance, as I rode, during my apprenticeship, when a boy, at Nottingham, from thence to Mansfield), I fancied myself transported into the regions of ancient fable. I surveyed again and again. every part of the fabric with the most insatiable curiosity; but not having read any part of its history, I wanted some intelligent guide to impart innumerable circumstances, which the contemplation of such a scene naturally excited in the mind of every curious and observant stranger.

I returned to Ragland highly gratified in having accomplished my wishes; but with ten-fold pleasure should I have enjoyed the scene, had there THEN been such an ACCOUNT as THIS I have NOW collected.

The Spring of the succeeding year fixing me as a Printer at Monmouth,-Tintern became the favorite object of my leisure moments, and many happy hours were passed under the shade of its venerable walls. As

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