f^ [OMlP»4J^IOJP TO THE LEASOWES, H4GLJEY; £I»VI£iI«£. ■ » <»•♦» 4 " BIRMINGHJM HvOcetls, ^, Edebaston SfreKt ; and may Prn:t Is. 0\1. y-' N<1- Oi C -^"" ^ '*^^ l>^. A ^-^^-^ vii^l.^^ eoMTjp^^jTiojr TO THE LEASOWES. HAGLEY, AND ENVII.I.E. BIRMINGHAM. Sold by William Hodgelts, 3, Edgbaston Street ; and may be Lad of the other Book&ellers. Price Is. 6d. s: LEASOWES. ■OXtiLv^^> A COMPANION TO THE L E A S O W E S, esfc. ALT HO' in this delightful EPITOME of rural elegance, 'tis poffible to difcover that the Hand of Art has done much, guided by the moft glowing imagination, and refined tafle, yet it is evident that nature has done infinitely more : — The chief merit of Mr. Shenftone, the cele- brated defigner of the Leasowes, vifibly confifted in lopping off exuberances and fupplying omiflions ; now heightening a beauty, and now concealing a blemifh. — In the courfe of our progrefs thro' the varied fcenes which the Leasowes prefent, we fliall have frequent occafion to admire the fkill and difcernment of its arranger. Or 2 THE LEASOWES. On the road leading from Birmingham, about fealf a mile fhort of Hales-Owen, we turn to the entrance on the left, and by a declining hollow way, rendered rather gloomy by the lofty over- hanging trees, we arrive at a G a t e, arched over with rude flones, which condufts to THE PRIORY W A L K; Through whofe fequeflered Path, the mind, luird into a calm repofe, is fuddenly roufed, upon arriving near the firfl Seat, by the harfli clamours of A CASCADE, tumbling impetuoufly over rocks and irregular breakers, while a fteep ftony hill, on the oppofite fide, implanted thickly with trees, and befet with bufhes, gives it an awful grace, and every appear- ance of the work of chance. Befide a feat jufl within the entrance, is the following infcription ; ■ ■ Lucis habitamus opacis, Riparumque toros, et prata recentia rivis Incolumus. ViR. JEstio 5— '5/3. THE LEASOWES. — . I ■ Thro' various fceties we rove As fancy guides, from verdant grove to grove, Or ftretch'd on flow'ry turf extended He, Luird by the tinkling rills that murmur &igh. Anon. One fide of this varied recefs is richly covered with trees, bufhes and green-fwerd, decorated with numerous fcattered flowers of fpontaneous growth, whilft here and there the bending trunk of a tree, or the expanding root of a rifing oak, ftretches acrofs and interrupts the path, by the femblancc of rude negleft, adding to the real beauty and wildernefs of the fcene. The other fide of the Dell is crowded with bufhy tufts, from top to bottom, through whofe cluftering fprays the current, winding from the fall of the Cafcade, mingles with the unruffled lake* beneath. Here the ferene beauties of the fcene are particularly ftriking, after the romantic wildhefs of that we have left behind. Advancing A 2 to * Tlie Pool formed here by Mr. Shenftone, has been enlarged into a beautiful Lake by the prefent Proprietor. 4 THE LEASOWES. to the water's *edge, the view becomes more open, taking in H ALES-OWEN STEEPLE, and the [hady flielving fides of the Clent Hills. A feat judicioufly placed here by the prefent proprietor, allows us to contemplate at eafe this charming landfcape. From hence turning to the left we enter a path, winding its mazy way by the fide of the ftream till the eye catches a rill gently murmuring down the fleepy banks, and lofmg it- felf in the pool below. Soon after we come to a Seat which bears thofe lines : Hue * Near to this place was formcly fixed the following infcrip- tion, AMICITIA ET MERITIS RICARDI GRAVES. Ipfae te Tityre, pinus Ipfii te Pontes, ipfa haec Arbufta vocabunt. ViR. iftEc. To the Friendfliip and Merit Of RICHARD GRAVES. For thee, the bubbling Springs appear'd to mourn, And whifp'ring Pines made Vows for thy jetum. Dryden. THE LEASOWES. 5 Hue ades, O Melibae ! caper tibi falvus et haedi ; Et, fi quid ceflare potes, requiefce fub umbra. ViR. 7 Ec. Hither, O Melibaeus, hafte, Safe are thy goats and kids,— And if no greater cares difturbyour mind. Sit here with us, in covert of the wind. Dryden. Proceeding further we come to a fmall bench, from whence we catch a view on the other fide of the flream of a lonely Urn, the pedeftal is thus infcribed : INGENIO ET AMICITIiE GULIELMI SOMERVILLE G. S. POSUIT. Debita fpargens lacryma favillam Vatis amici. To the genius and friendfliip Of WILLIAM SOMERVILLE, W. S. rais'd this urn, Bedewing the afhes of his poetical friend with tears. A 3 The 6 THE LEASOWES. Tlie next obje6l that fixes our attention, is THE WOOD HOUSE; Seated in a fine grove, richly befet with chefnuts and larches ; from the entrance of whofe mofs grown feat, we are channed with one of themoft romantic fcenes, ever formed by the joint labours of art and nature. This fpot was originally infcribed to the Earl OF Stamford ; — but the prefent proprietor has, with abundant tafte and propriety, dedicated it ta the memory of its late owner, and placed the fol- lowing infcription againfl: the rude mofs-grown trunks which form this recefs : GULIELMO SHENSTONE Qui hujufce Ruris amaenitates Nee gratas olim, ncc cognitas, Ingenio Suo Indagavit, LiUeris exomavit, Moribas commendavit : Sedem cum Rivo Dedicat E.H. TO THE L E A S O W E S. TO WILLIAM SHENSTQNE Whofe tafle difcovered, Whofe learning adorned, Whofe manners grac'd The charms of this Rural Spot, Formerly neither admir'd nor known, E. H. Dedicates This Seat and Stream. Dire6lly in front, on a tumulus furrounded with fmall firs, ftands a plain white Urn, thus infcribed : GENIO LOCI. 'To the Genius of the Place. From a considerable height rapidly ruflies dpwn, oyer breakers of different kinds, a Cascade: the da£hing fall of the waiter from fo ftupendous a rock, the irregular plantation of matted fhrubs, ^intermingled with afties, yews, and other trees ^f bolder growth : the overhanging, circling branches, which fpread a gloomy horror over the iffuing head of the foaming furge, the deep ragged fides, where the roots of large trees are left bare by the violent force of the gufhing ftream, are obje6ls 8 THE LEASOWES. obje6ls which cannot fail of flriking forcibly. The whole is beheld with great advantage from a little feat at the root of a venerable oak. It is with a kind of dread that we purfue the track leading to the firfl: water-fall, but on reaching the fummit, our fears infenfibly vanifh, and our labour is abundantly rewarded by the moft: {imply delight- ful fcene that ever graced the wilds of nature. On our return to the Wood-houfe, we take a road leading up the fhady valley, clofely begirt with buihes, gofs, and thorns, which afford to the whole vale a wild ruftic appearance. — This is judicioufly contrived, to prevent the fcene from breaking off too abruptly, which it would other wife do, and the noble Cafcade already defcribed, would thus too flrongly indicate the ingenious hand of the defigner. Proceeding further on, the view, by degrees, becomes more lively by the diftant extenfion of noble waving trees. Amidfl a clump of young oaks we find a circular Bench, thus complimentarily in- fcribed : TO THE LEASOWES. 9 TO Mr. D O D S L E Y. Come then my Friend, thy Sylvan tafte difplay, Come, hear thy Faunus tune his ruftic Lay ; Ah ! rather come, and in thefe Dells difown The care of other's ftrains, and tune thins own. Dire6lly behind this feat, in the midftof a grove of oaks, roughly edged with coppice and gofs, is the ftatue of Faunus playing on his pipe, well ex- ecuted and throwing a fine effe6l on the clofe en- folding wood. From hence we have a pleafing profpe6l of the rural vale, terminated by a ftately grove which winds into the bottom, well fenced on each fide by a wide (kirted wood. The path condu6ls from this lovely fpot, and leads winding through the dale, under the umbrage of (lately beech trees, to another feat on a fteep afcent, which bears thefe lines: me gelidum nemus, Nympharumque leves cum fatyris chori, Sccernant popiilo — - HOR. THE LEAS0WE8. Be minp, amid the breezy grove. In facred folitude to rove ; To fee the Nymps and Satyrs bound. Light dancing thro* the mazy ground. Francis, Here a charming valley opens to our view, in the clofe of which formerly ftqod a lonely Urn, de- dicated to the brother of Mr. Shenfton.e, which bore this infcriptioji : FRATRI EJUS UNICO, FRATRUM AMANTISSIMO, JUVENUM SUAVISSIMO HOMINUM INTEGERRIMO. M D C C L II. To his only brother. The moft loving of brothers. The moft amiable of youths. And the honefteft of men. ^752. On the other fide : ^oflquam te fata tulenint, Ipfa Pales agros, atque ipfe reliquit Apollo. V1R.5. Ec. THE LEASOWEe. if ^- — When fete fnatch'd thee away, W^les no longer fwell'd the teeming grain, Nor Phoebus fed his oxen on the plain. Drydek. From a large feat fomewhat further on, we have a fine profpeft down the Dell, of THE PRIORY, Situated within the verge of embowering trees ; its venerable broken afpe6l prefents to the imagination one of thofe ruined piles which the hand of gothic barbarity had heretofore defpoiled, bearing every indication of fuch an awful mould'ring ftru6lure ; — though, in h£t, it is no more than a fimple cot- tage fo difguifed : and was originally defigned by Mr. Shenstone, as an afylum for age and indi- gence, to which purpofe the prefent proprietor kindly deftines it.— Would that every one poffeffed of ample dpn)a(ins appropriated fome fmall portion of them to purpofes fo amiable ! From this feat the Priory appears to great ad- vantage ; the gothic windows wearing every refem- blance of a decayed church, increafe the folem* n|^y of the furrounding fcene. But 13 THE L E A S O W E S. But to purfue our courfe. — Afcending the decli- vity of a fteep hill, by a path on the fide of a ftream nearly hidden with fhrubs and grafs, a Seat of defired refl unexpectedly prefents itfelf, laying open to view a profpeCl too piClurefque to admit defcrip- tion ; which, though fomewhat confined on the left by the luxuriant growth of (lately oaks, com- prehends fuch an extenfive view of the adjoining country, wonderfully variegated with groves, woods, hills, valleys and houfes, as to render it difficult for the mofl faflidious critic to determine What fhou'd be added, what be ta'cn away. Under the direction of fuch diflinguifhed tafte and judgment as Mr. Shenstone*s, no wonder that almofl: every bench fhould offer as many delights to the mind, as each varied profpe6l prefents to the eye ; to convince us of the former, let us refer to the lines njhich heretofore graced this Seat : * Shepherd wou'dft thou here obtain * Pleafure unalloyed with pain ? * Joy that fults the rural fphere ? * Gentle fhepherd lend an ear. * Learn THE LEASOWES. 13 * Learn to rellfli calm delight, * Verdant vales and fountains bright ; * Trees that nod on floping hills, * Caves that echo tinkling rills. * If thou canft no charm difclofe, * In the fimpleft bud that blows ; * Go ! foifake the plain and fold, * Join the croud and toil for gold. * Tranquil pleafurcs never cloy, * Banifh each tumultuous joy, * All but love, for love infpires, * Fonder wifhes, warmer fires. * Love, and all its joys be thine, * Yet e'er thou the reigns refign, * Hear what reafon feems to fay, * Hear attentive and obey. — ** Crimfon leaves the rofe adorn, ** But beneath them lurks a thorn ; *• Fair and flow'ry is the brake, ** Yet it hides the vengeful fnake. ** Think not fhe whofe empty pride *• Dares the fleecy garb deride ; *' Think not fhe, who, light and vain, ** Scorns the fheep, can love the fwain ! «' Artlefs THE LEASOWES. Artlefs deed ind fimple drefs, Mark the chofen fliepherdefs ; Thoughts by decency cbhtrour^. Well co^ceiv*d aiid freely lold. Senfe, that Ihuhs each cohfcious air, Wit, that falls e'rwell a^are ; Gen'rous pity, protie to figh If her kid or latnbkin die. Let not lucre, kt not pride, Draw thee from fuch charms afide ; Have not thofe their proper fphere? Gentler paiTions triumph here. See, to f\^eeten thy re^ofe, The bloflbm buds, the fountain flows ; Lo ! to crown thy healthful board, All that milk and fruits afford. Seek no itwre^Vhe rdl is vain, Pleafure ending foon in "pain : Anguifh lightly -gilded o'er, Clofe thy wifh, aYid feek no mc3*e." When we refJe^loia'the pottical merit of the late poffeflbr — Should a figh heavie, may it Tidt deferve vent ? — Should even a tear ftart, may we not let it iiow? Faffing THE LEASOWES. is Paflingon through a wicket, we reach the fummit of a mount, furrounded by large Scotch firsj froril whence we have one of the moft extenfive profpe^li throughout our walk : here is placed an o6l:angulMf feat encompaffing an elevated table, which ferves as a pedeftal for a large goblet or vafe with one handle, dedicated to the well known toaft of ♦* All Friends rotmd the W R E K I N." From hence, in different points, we have feveral de- lightful views, as the farm in its fullefl luftre, the dufky top of the Wrekin (a prodigious mountain in Shropfhire), part of the Qlent hills, Witchbury wood, and its obelifk, proudly rearing their lofty heads over the vale, where fcattered houfes, villages, and clumps of trees diverfify the fcene ; and, to add to the pleafing variiety, the town of Hales Owen, appears, enveloped in a degree between fwelling hills, and rifmg woods. Gaining the hill we are indulged with a more extenfive view of fallows, meadsand paftures, where, on the boldefl eminence of the whole farm, en- compafled by a fmall grove, is THE ,6 THE L E A S O W E S. THE GOTHIC ALCOVE; From hence the prorpe6l is greatly heightened by a Terpentine river, meandering through the lawns and glens. — The back part of the Alcove bears thefe lines in old black print : © sou t^at bat^e in €ou;tIge 15Ufle, 5Dr tosU in jFoctmu'jsf siiiDp fpl)eaw; £)o not too rafJjIg Deeme amifle, 2)f ^im tl)3t fciDes cont^ntiu Ijm* 5:50^ ?ct niptu^sn tfj: ruflfct stole, t!Sll)ici) o'c? eacil) carUlTc "ipmbc Ije flingjs; ji^o^ H^t D:rvB: tfjs bmhtn botol, 31n tDJ)icI)e l)e Quaffjs tl)5lgmi3iQ€)pjin52(. JFo^te !)im, if at Cije or 2:)atDn, 2)ei)oiti£ of SSIorlDl? €atk l)e jet^Lay: S)]i all fc£fgtJj Come flotDjrgc latun, ^z t;.aj5t? i)i;3 innoffmtoe ^^^h «5o mas He j^iajuomte iFrauo auD ^tr^ff, 3;f fuel) in piiblgclvj l)aunt Ije fee ; iror JFaultjs t^txt beenc in bufpe li?ff^ irrom toticl) tljefe peaceful (Sflmnza are free. For THE LEASOWES. 17 O ye that bathe in Courtly Bllfs, Or toil in Fortune's giddy Sphere; Do not too rafhly deem amifs, Of him that bides contented here. Nor yet difdain the rulTet Stole, Which o'er each carelefs limb he flings ; Nor yet deride the beechen bowl, In which he quaffs the lympid fprings. Forgive him, if at eve or dawn, Devoid of worldly care he ftray : Or all befide feme flow'ry lawn, He wafte his inofFenlive day. So may he pardon fraud and ftrife, If fuch in public haunt he fee ; For faults there be in bufy life. From which thefe peaceful glens are free. Purfuing the path which flopes down a (hady fteep, we have in view Hales-Owen fteeple, with part of the hills and woods before defcribed, ele- gantly adorned by fcenes, wherein lakes and wind- ing ftreams, irregularly difperfed, diverfify the vales beneath. r B Defcend- i8 THE LEASOWES. Defcending to a hatch, and crofling a road, we are conduced by a path running befide a row of trees to a feat under a lofty beech, bearing thefe lines : Hoc erat in votis ; modus agri non ita magnus ; Hortus ubi, et tedlo vicinus, jugis aquae fons, Et paulura fylvaefuper his foret. Au(flius atque Dii melius fecere. HoR. 6th Sat. L. ii. A little farm, and a pleafant clear fpring, a garden and a grove, were the utmoft of my wifhes; the gods in their bounty have exceede4 my hopes, and I am contented. Dr. Dunster. From this retreat we have too many rich profpe6ls to be particularized; a fine lawn, gently floping down to the houfe, and amply difplaying the fim- plicity of the paftoral fcene,, deferves regard. At the diflance of about ten miles, through a noble clump of large oaks and fpreading beeches, Lord Stamford's grounds are difcernible, and beyond thefe the Clce-Hills near Ludlow. The path from hence dire6ls to another gate, opening on the outfide of the farm, where nature feems THE LEASOWES. 19 feems to wear a different afpeft, the diftant views being excluded and confined by rude irregular hilh. Befide the path, which runs amongft a clufter of lofty trees was formerly placed a feat, infcribed to the celebrated Mr. S pence, whofe genuine poetical tafte, heightened by moft extenfive erudition and uncommon critical abilities, placed him in the moft diftinguinied rank of Mr. Shenstone's friends. The path then glides gently down by the fide of a hedge, and leading us through a wicket, we reach THE LOVER S' WALK; Here, from a folitary gloom, the fcene is meta- morphofed to a pleafing retirement, wherein we foon find a feat, in whofe front a fine irregular piece of water prefents itfelf, the banks beautifully decorated on one fide by trees, whofe drooping branches lave in the filver ftream. We are particu- larly ftruck with a fmall ifland which rifes in the centre, thinly fhaded with trees, and through fome opening oaks catch fight of a diftant houfe, peeping over the valley ; while, to render the fpot more enchanting, the found of a gently murmuring rivu- B2 le^ 20 THE L E A S O W E S. let arrefts the attention, and difpofes the mind to the moft pleafing coutemplation: ■ Soft as the gentle power whom all obey. Keeping the margin of the flood we are conduc- ed to another bench, uninfcribed, from whence we diftantly behold Hales-Owen Spire, and the woody, fringed horizon flretching behind ; a little onward we meet another feat which was formerly thus infcribed: " Nerine Gnlatea, thymo mlhidulcior Hyblje, ** Candidior cycnis, hedera formofior alba : ** Cum primum pafti repetent praefepia tauri, ** Si qua tui Corydonis babet te cura, venito. ViR. 7th Ec. Fair Galatea, with thy filver feet, O whiter tlian the fwan, and more than Hyblafweet ; Tall as a poplar, taper as the bole, Come, charm thy fhepherd, and reftore my foul. Come, when my lated fheep, at night return, And crown the filent hours, and ftop the rofy mom. Dry DEN. Here the winding water gradually grows narrower till it forms a purling frream, gliding down in foft meanders to the pool below. From T H E L E A S O W E S. 21 From hence by a fhady path running along the fide of the narrow ftream which empties itfelf be- low, we mount a gently rifing fwell, whereon a gilt Urn formerly was ere6led to the memory of Mifs Dolman, on one fide thus infcribed: PERAMABILI S U ^E CONSOBRINiE. M.D. To his moft beloved coufin M.D. 7'he oppq/ite fide contained thefe lines : AH MARIA! PUELLARUM ELEG ANTI SSIMA AH FLORE, VENUSTATIS ABREPTA VALE! HEU QUANTO MINUS EST CUM RELIQUIS VERSARI, QUAM TUI MEMINISSE. B3 Ah ^2 THE L E A S O W E 5. Ah Maria I Moft elegant of Maidens Snatch'd away, alas I In the bloom of beauty, Farewel ! Alas ! how much lefs pleafure in the Society of thofe remaining, Than In contemplating .thy memory. The path now lifes boldly to a feat, from whence, through the wild copfe, we catch fight of a piece of water in the vale, whofe extremities are hid be- hind trees and fhrubs, from amid which the Houfe, as it were emerging, adds confiderably to the beauty of the view* A little onward, at the foot of a precipice, o'ertop'd by fhrubs, is another bench, formerly decorated by that charming line of Pope, ** Divine oblivion of low-thoughted care.'* Between this and the next feat, -the ground rifes fo abruptly, that it was found neceffary, in order to render it more acceffiblc, to cut a zig-zag path thro' the floping ragged banks. The bench, on the fummit of this hill, is placed very apropos, and prefents TH^ LEASOWES. 23 prefents us with a gay landfcape ; the houfe and copious lawn extending round it ; which, together with the grange in the vale beneath, feated amidft lofty pines, is beautifully contrafled to the gloomy fhades we fo lately deferted. On the back of the feat are the following lines : Hie latis otia fundis, Speluncae, vivique lacus, hie frigida tempe Mugitufque bourn, mollefque fub arbore fomni, ViR. Geor. L. ir. Cool grots, and living lakes, and flow'ry pride Of meads, and ftreams that thro' the valley glide ; And Ihady groves that eafy fleep invite, And after toilfome days, a fwect repofe at night, Dryden. The fame fhady walk flill winds its mazy courfe, till it introduces us to the opening of a long vifta. In the midfl: of this, upon a fmall eminence, is a capacious feat, from whence looking through an opening in the trees over a woody glade, we are ftruck with a profpe6l inimitably fine* Beyond a fcope of variegated country, rife up two verdant hills of peculiar beauty and correfponding fize, having H THE LEASOWES. having a fufficient intervening fpace to avoid the appearance of being crouded. The charming undu- lation of the outline which marks the horizon is fin- gularlypleafmg. ThefwelUngfidesof thofe delicious orbs as well as the vale beneath, fcattered over with varied foliage ; the neighbouring meads and fallow fringed with fhrubs, form an enlivening contrafi: ; while the dream, winding through the bottom, completes the pi6lure. Continuing the vifta, which is pleafingly varied by gentle fwells, we find at the end a fimple flruc- ture, called the TEMPLE of PAN, with this infcription : Pan primus calamos cera conjungere plures Edocuit : Pan curat oves, oviumque magiftros. ViR. 2d Ec. Pan taught to join with wax unequal reeds. Pan loves the fhepherds, and their flocks he feeds. Dryden. From the Temple we may turn into a path on the right, leading through a fmall gate which condu6ls us THELEASOWES. 25 us up an afcent to a fine natural terrace, and from a feat* judicioufly placed on its fummit, we have a view, which, for extent and variety, infi- nitely exceeds any that we have been before pre- fented with. Thofe two delicious fwells, and the whole profpe6l we fo much admired from the vifta, heightened by an extenfive fcope of richly cultivated country, are relieved by the Clent Hills, the Wre- kin, and WeKli mountains, whofe dufky tops feem loft in the diftant horizon. Returning to the Temple, the walk (hoots abrupt- ly downward, amongft fhady trees and fhelving banks, till running along the fide of a hawthorn hedge, in a beauteous meadow, added by the prefent proprietor, leads us to a feat, (haded by firs, from whence a fylvan fcene expands itfelf, in all the variegated beauty of rural fimplicity; the fwel- ling lawns fcattered o'er with beauteous full grown trees, under whofe friendly (hade the lowing herds and nibbling (heep fecurely feed — from juft below this * This feat was formerly very aptly infcribed, DiviNA Gloria Ruris I i6 THE LEAS OWES. this feat, the verdant turf gently falling, and di- re6lly after, with the mofl graceful rife, mounting up to the bounding wood, has a very pleafing effect, and the fcene is yet heightened by the view of detached groves, and the gothic alcove. The ne«t feat appears amidfl a clump of firs, where the eye is agreeably diverted by fome falls of water, rufhing amidfl the trees with great velo- city down a narrow dingle, banked on each fide by a fwelHng lawn. This view and feat are dedicated to the celebrated George Lord Lyttleton. A little further on we find a bench which but little varies the profpe6l,* and from hence we proceed, through a wicket, to V I R G I L's GROVE, where opens a fcene, — Sweet as the rural ftrains himfelf had fung. This calm recefs difcovers on the right, a plain obelifk, having this infcription on thebafe : GENIO * This Teat was formerly graced with thefe lines: Rura mihi, et rigui placeant in valHbus amr>es, Flumina anaeno, filvafque inglorius. ViRG. GeORG. I, 2, THE i^EASpWES. 97 GENJO P. VIRGILII MAIIONIS LAPIS ISTE CUM LUCQ, To the Genius of Virgil Let this fione and grove Be facred. The path turns to the left by the root of a vene- rable oak, where we find thefe lines: Sweet Naiad in this chryftal wave, Thy beauteous limbs with freedom lave ; By friendly fhades encompafs'd, fly The rude approach of vulgar eye ; Yet grant the courteous, and the kind, To trace thy footfleps unconfin'd ; And grant the fwain thy charms to fee Who form'd thefe friendly ftiades for thee. R. DODSLEY.* * Thefe lines alluded to the profped of the Cascade, which was beheld here in the moft favourable point of view, and juft below it, asifrifing out of the white foaming furge, a leaden ftatue of theMedicean Venus was difcovered with the moft charm- ing e£Fed, Of this latter embellifhment we are noxv deprived, through the gothic c'epredation of fome mifcreants, who cut it in pieces, and carried off as much as they could convey, ^on the night of the 6th of June, 1785. 28 THE LEASOWES. A little further, oppofite a dafhing fall of water, we reach a feat addreffed to Mr, Thomfon, (Author of the Seafons, &c.) in thefe words : — CELEBERRIMO POETiE, JACOBO THOMSON; PROPE PONTES ILLI NON FASTIDITOS, G. S. SEDEM HANC ORNAVIT. Quae tibi, quse tali reddam pro carmine dona ? Nam neque me tanlum venientis fibilus Auftri, Nee percuffa juvant fludlu tarn litora, nee quae Saxofas inter decurrunt flumina valles. ViR. 5 Ec. To the celebrated Poet JAMES THOMSON, Nearthofe Fountains in which he delighted William Shenftone Rais'd this feat. What prefent worth thy verfe can Mopfus find. Not the foft whifpers of the fouthern wind," That play thro' trembling trees, delight me more ; Nor murm'ring billows on the founding fhore; Nor winding llreams that thro' the valley glide ; And the fcarce cover'd pebbles gently chide. Dryden. THE LEASOWES. 29 Every obje6l of the grove, from this fweet feat, combines its force to delight the eye and bewilder the imagination. On our left the diftant profpe6l of the foaming Cascade, falls in filver fheets oe'r craggy rocks, till unbending its ruffled brow, it glides in a fmoothly flowing ftream ; when, meeting with interrupting breakers, it rolls down in two feparate divifions, leaving an enchant- ing little ifland between them. Uniting again and continuing a devious courfe, the fmiling current, once more intercepted, precipitately tumbles down a ragged fleep, and conceals itfelf under the arch of a bridge of the mofl: {imple confi:ru6lion. The lines of Mr. Shenstone's friend, Mr. DoDsLEY, are here pecujiarly applicable : *' from the congregated waters pour'd, ** The biirfling torrent tumbles down the fleep ** In foaming fury ; fierce, irregular, *' Wild, interrupted, crofs'd with rocks and roots, *' And Intenvoven trees ; till, foon abforb'd ** An opening cavern all its rage entombs. To 3P THE LEASOWES. To the right (on the oppofite fide) we are equally pleafed with a dropping fountain, creeping through the mofly veins of a wild ftony niafs, and ftealing down the fhelving bounds into the opaque glen, charmingly interwoven with (lately trees and brufh- ing underwood, . The path from hence approaches a fequeftered fpot, whereon formerly was a bench overhung with . thefe lines : O let me haunt this peaceful fhade, Nor let ambition e'er invade The tenant of this leafy bow'r. That fliuns her paths, and flights her pow'r. Hither the peaceful Halcyorv flies, From fecial meads, and open fkies ; Pleas'd by this rill her courfe to fteer, And hide her fapphire plumage here. The trout, bedropt with crimfon ftains, Forfakes the rivers' proud domains ; Forfakes the fun's unwelcome gleam, To lurk within this humble ftream : And THE LEASOWfiS. ^ And fure I hear the Naiad fay, * * Flow, flow, my ftream this devious way ; *» Tho* lovely foft thy murmurs are, ** Thy waters lovely, cool, and fair. * Flow gentle ftream, nor let the vain ** Thy fmall unfully'd ftores difdain ; *' Nor let the penfive fage repine, ** Whofe latent coarfe refembles thine.'* From hence, looking down towards the grove, we take in a fmall profpe^l of the Cafcade on the left, whilft the rivulet ftealing artlefsly through the flowry mead below, is jufl diftinguifhable amongft the fpreading branches of lofty trees. We now return back nearly to Virgil's obelifk, and thence defcending, crofs over a wooden bridge, and are conduced by a winding path on the left, through a beauteous glen dire6lly up to the Cafcade, which breaking at once fully on the view, arrefls us with fudden admiration ; the white foaming fheet precipitately tumbling into a deep expanfe, buries for a moment its fury, and is contrafled by a fmooth cryftalline appearance ; foon however in- terrupted by rude craggy rocks and flumps, which again ^2 THE LEASOWES. again roufe its hoarfe clamours, it bears along with added fury. Advancing to the bottom of the fall, we find a rocky excavation, as if formed by the dafhing down of the Cafcade, within which, on the left fide, we difcover a ftone feat and recefs ; dire6lly oppofite to this, on the other fide of the ftream, rofe up the figure of Venus mentioned to have been deflroyed : — Its ftone foundation is yet dif- cernible, and the pedeftal which refted thereon was embellifhed with the following lines : ** SEMI EDUCTA VENUS."* To Venus, Venus, here retir'd, My fober vows I pay ; Not her on Paphian pb.Ins admir'd, The bold, the pert, the gay. Not her whofe amorous leer prevall'd To bribe the Phrygian boy : Nor her who clad in armour, fail'd To fave difaft'rous Troy. Frefh * Venus, half abafh'd, reveals Thofe charms her blufh in vain conceals. THE LEASOWES. 33 Frefh rifing from the foaming tide, She every bofom warms : While half withdrawn fhe feems to hide, And half reveals her charms. Learn hence ye boaftful fons of tafte, Who plan the rural fhade ; Learn hence to fhun the vicious wafle Of pomp, at large difplay'd. Let coy referve with coft unite, To grace your wood or field ; No ray obtrufive pall the fight, In aught you paint or build. And far be driv'n the fumptuous glare Of gold, from Britilh groves ; And far the meretricious air, Of China's vain alcoves. 'Tis bafhful beauty ever twines, The moft coercive chain ; Tis fhe that fov'reign rule declines, Who beft deferves to reign. Quitting; 34 THE L E A S O W E S. Quitting the recefs,* we find, on the left of the Cascade, a fmall ftream, highly impregnated with mineral particles : — It iflues from under a fquare ftone, bearing this infcription : PONS FERRUGINEUS DIVAE QUiE SECESSU ISTO FRUI CONCEDIT SALUTI. The Mineral Spring, Dedicated to the Goddefs of Health, In this retreat. By an afcentj, between the recefs and chalybeate fpring, we may mount up to the head of the Cascade, * This recefs formerly bore thefe lines : " Intus Aquae dulcis, vivoque fedilia faxo ; " Nympharumque Domus." ■ Virgil. which, Mr. Dodfley feys, Mr. Shenftone ufed to term a complete definition of a grotto. X It is not cufcomary now to conducl; company this way, but return from the foot of the Cafcade by a winding path, which runs occalionally bcfide the lake, till we are let out by a wict^t into the road juft oppolite our firft entrance. THE LEASOWES. 35 Cascade, where we are prefented with a view of the Lake, which fupplies the fall, and beyond it feme gently afcending fields, blooming with ver- dure; a bench on the fummit of the bank, which o'er-tops the Cafcade, has this line ; ** Claudite jam rivos pueri, fat prati Ilberunt." V1R.3 Ec. Now dam the ditches, and the floods reftrain, Their moifture has already drench'd the plain. On the right, a path ftrikes off through a wicket into the lawn, which furrounds the Houfe, but now only ufed by the family ; we therefore defcend by the Cafcade, and take the path on the left of the winding flream, which, although it condu6ls partly over ground we have already trodden, yet we are delighted with many new and pi6lurefque- fcenes, which prefent themfelves in our devious courfe, the rapid rivulet varies its form, and ftrays with, artlefs beauty through the flowery dell, often but jufl: difcernible amongft the fpreading branches of o'er-han2:in? trees. After S6 THE L E A S W E S. After pafling an arch our walk becomes obfcur'd: this gloomy path formerly led to a root houfe, concealed in a reclufive nook, which having been confiderably impaired by the mouldering hand of time, was removed : — we cannot, however, avoid thus far noticing it, for fake of the beauteous lines that were infcribed within : Here in cool grot and mofTy cell, We rural fays, and fairies dwell ; Tho' rajrely feen by mortal eye. When the pale moon, afcending high. Darts thro' yon limes her quivering beams. We friflc it near thefe chr^'ftal ftreams. Her beams reflected from the wave, Afford the light our revels crave ; The turf with daifies border'd o'er, Exceeds we wot the Parian floor ; Nor yet for artful ftrains we call, But liHen to the waters' faU. Wou'd you then tafte our tranquil fcene, Be fure your bofoms be ferenc ; Devoid of hate, devoid of ftrife, Devoid of all that poifons life ; And much it 'vails you in this place, To graft the love of human race. And THE LEASOWES. 37 And tread with awe thefe favour'd bow'rs, Nor wound the ftirubs, nor bruife the flow'rs ; So may your path with fweets abound ! So may your couch with reft be crown'd ! But harm betide the wayward fwain, Who dares our haliow'd haunts profane. From this fecluded fpot we refume our walk, winding occafionally by the lake, which receives the ftream from the Cafcade. Its form has all the pleafing variety of nature, and is edged round by (hrubs and trees, charmingly difpofed without the leafl: feeming regard to art. We now difcover the termination of our path, and are let out into the lane, juft oppofite the arched way by which we entered. We have it in our power, however, to poflTefs thofe pleafing fcenes fomewhat longer, and inftead of riding back through the lane, and taking the high road to Hales-Owen, the horfes, &c. may be lent on, and we can enjoy a moft agreeable walk to the town. Entering the Leafowes again, at the gate which firfl admitted us, and continuing our courfe till we pafs a little beyond the large lake, C 3 the 38 THE LEASOWES. the walk divides itfelf, when, avoiding our former route on the left, we ftrike up the oppofite path, which winds through fome delightful meadows: from a fpot upon a fine fwell, we have the beft profpeft of the houfe dire6lly in front. This neat building has been ere6led by the pre- fent proprietor, who, with a fmgular good tafte, at the fame time that he made every necefTary en- largement for giving a fplendid reception to his family, has, by the fimplicity of the defign, pre- ferved every conne6live idea of the farm. — Indeed after the fcenes which we have jufl enjoyed, where natural beauties alone have excited the moft pleafmg fenfations, to meet the glare of art, which an over- ornamented pile would prefent, could only raife difgufl, and foil every intention of the defigner. Quitting thofe fcenes we cannot avoid feeling a grateful regard for theembellifher, or, in a manner, creator of the Leafowes,the late Mr. Shenstone ; — but what a degree of admiration muft it excite to be informed, that 300I. per ami. was the extent of the income which Mr. Shenstone poffeffed, and how great mud be our aftonifhment, that he could freferve thereon the appearance of genteel rank, and .indulge THE LEASO WE S. 39 indulge in the decorations which his genius and fancy prompted. Mr. Shenstone's remains are depofited in Hales-Owen Church Yard ; and within the Church is a handfome Urn erected to his memory, adorned with the following EPITAPH. Whoe'er thou art, with reverence tread Thefe facred maniions of the dead — Not that the monumenta] buft Or fumptuous tomb here guards the duft Of rich or great : (Let wealth, rank, birth, Sleep undiftinguifh'd in the earth ;) This {imple Urn records a name That ftiines with more exalted fame. Reader, if genius, tafte refin'd, A native elegance of mind : If virtue, fcience, manly fenfe ; If wit, that never gave offence ; The cleared head, the tend'reft heart, In thy efteem e'er claim'd a part ? Ah ! fmitc thy breaft, and drop a tear, For know, thy Shenftone's duft lies here. It 40 THE LEASOWES. It has been particularly fortunate, that the Le Aso WES have fallen into the hands of a gentleman of fufficient tafte to cherifh, and even heighten their beauties; and from whofe congeniality ofdif- pofition with that of the original arranger, there is little reafon to fear their decline. — We cannot more forcibly imprefs this opinion, than by bringing to recolle6lion the votive tribute which Mr. Horne has erefted in the Wood-Houfe, (vide p. 6) to the memory of Mr* Shenstone ; of which the follow- ing beautiful, and almofl: literal tranflation, deliver- ed impromptu by a gentleman of poetic tafle, can- not we hope, be deemed unacceptable : *' To HIM who made thefe beauteous fcenes his own, ** Scenes, which before were rugged, and unknown; ** To HIM whoie genius all thofe beauties trac'd, ** Whofe learning dignified, whofe manners grac'd : ** HoRKE to his Shenstone's never-dying name, *' This feat, and rill devotes, and confccrates to fame." HAGLEY. -^^o-^x^-^x^o^x^^ HAG L E Y. OOOOOO-^X^OO A COMPANION TO THE L E A S O W E S, fife. H A G L E Y. FROM the Leafowes we are invited, botli by its proximity and fame, to vifit the de- lightfal park of Hagley. This favoured fpot, once the retreat of the accomplifhed LordLvTTLETON, as well as from being fo frequently vifited and fung by Pope, Thomson, Hammond, &c. may be con- fidered as truly claffical ground. — The route thither from Hales -Owen is particularly beautiful, and would alone compenfate the ride. Charmed 44 H A G L E Y. Charmed as we muft be on viewing Hagley, yet a recoUe^lion of the tafte and genius of the noble- man to whom it owes its decorations, will leave little room for furprife at whatever may appear. We enter by an extenfive avenue, rifing imper- ceptibly under the fliade of limes, and other fpread- ing trees, whofe towering branches intermingling on high, exclude the noon tide beams, relieve the eye, and infpire majeflic expe6lations. — Nor are they in the leaft difappointed, when at the termi- nation of the avenue, the manCon ftrikes the view in full magnificence. — Our attention is arrefled to furvey this elegant pile, where grandeur is proved not to be incompatible with fimplicity. It is fituated on a gentle rife in the midft of an extenfive lawn, the compofition a white free-lione ; the entrance at the principal front is by a double fliglit of flops will 1 an elegant baluflrade ; at the corners rife fmall fquare turrets ; no fluted column or fculptured capital appear, but plainnefs and folidity reign throughout; while every embellifh- ment which genius could contrive, tafle fele6l, or the pencils of the mofl capital mafters beftow, are found H A G L E Y. 45 found within. Wefhall, however, avoid entering until we have noticed the park and its environs, with the moft (Iriking external obje6ls. On the North ftand the offices and kitchen- garden , judicioufly planted out of view by fhrubbery, blended with evergreens and expanfive limes. From the garden front the profpe6l is beauty it- felf ; dire6>ly oppofite, but by the diftance, fo con- trived as to enhance its beauty, a light column erects itfelf, which, having its bafe fixed on the brow of a hill, and being (heltered behind by a (lately grove, that defcends on each fide in femi- circular form, gives us a perfect rural amphitheatre, and forms a fcene truly pi6lurefque. A little to the right, towards which the nodding grove feems todireftthe eye, the church is fituate ; not only defended, but completely enveloped by venerable trees. From hence we behold a fpacious lawn, {kirted here and there with ivy'd oaks, &c, gradually fwelling and riling to a wood, which marks the boundaries of the park, and over its lofty fummit the bold tops of the Clent Hills, bieaking, as 46 H A G L E Y. as it were, the immeafurable limits of the horizon, finifh the pi0^'^CK> E N V I L L E. oooooooooo From the Birmingham & Stafford Chronicle. E N V I L L E, A beautiful little landjcape, defignedand tinted after nature^ HERE elegance and nature are combin'd. Here heaven another Eden has defign'd. To charm, to blefs the illuflrious owner's mind. Britain's Vitruvius chiffel'dout the dome. Science .with all her inmates, deck each room, And exercife witholds great Stamford from the tomb* Spring, Summer, Autumn, decorate the place. And eke hoar Winter, when fleet Dian's race. Make woods and vallies ring with all the honors of the chace. The doubling fox, on whom the hunter preys. Thro' the thick copfe in palpitation flrays, Eluding ruthlefs man and all his wily ways. Before the manfion, on the vernal lawn. In wanton movements, feuds the agile fawn, E'en thus we fport with care at reafon's early dawn. Here oaks ered their tow'ring heads, in pride, Here elms, in rows, befkirt the meadows fide. And fpotted trout, elate, mid pebbly riv'lets glide. Here human wit learns government from bees, Here choral fynods carol in the trees. And Hygeia freights with health the circumambient breeze. Emblem of time, behold the mowers wield Deftrudion's fcythe, and vegetation yield, While Flora ftrews her gifts o'er the new fhaven field. Around the precinds of the gay domain. Full many a cottage peeps to mock the vain. Where rofy fylvans doubt, if love or life has pain. At eve, if envious fylph fhould not annoy. Circling the hearth, they pafs the jeft and toy. And wafte their chequer'd beings 'neath the wing of joy. See near yon village fmoke. devotion's fpire, Thither the old, the young, the meek retire, Whom radiant faith, and hope and charity infpire ! When fcenes likethefe are given to the fight, The gazer's heart fhould challenge the delight, And fuch the hamlet own* the Lord of Enville's right. A N T H J^ Y P A S Q U I K, A C O M P A N I ri N TO THE L E A S O W E S, Sfc. E N V I L L E. FROM Hagley, the feat and improvements of the Earl of Stamford, at Enville, naturally attra6l our attention. Our ride thither lies through a country delight- fully varied : as we touch upon the edge of Stour- bridge, whofe extenfive glafs and clothing manu- faftories give employment to numbers, a vifit to fome of the principal, will abundantly gratify the curious. Our S2 E N V I L L E. Our approach toward Envilleis over a wild heath, nearly barren. As we get fufficiently near to difcover his LordOiip's grounds, the contrafl is extremely fine ; oppofed to the bleak defart, the ver- dant doping lawns of Enville appear with ten-fold luftre, ec|"^M and interfperfed with luxuriant woods, from v.-hence peep forth, with fingnlar beauty, va- rious grotefque Alcoves. — ** There, Stamford, rural fwain, delights to roam, •* While round the tumbling torrents dafh their^foam t ** Or in fome fhed, of fancy's work, reclines, ** Sooth'd with the murmurs of his waving pines. *' Great Peer! ennobled by the gen'rous mind, *< Who, like the mighty fathers of mankind, •' Scorns not the culture of his native plains, •' Nor fpurns the labours of induftrious fwains/* T. Maurice. To the right, a hilly wafle extends itfelf, far as the eye can reach, which is only relieved by a few folitary trees, dropped here and there: toward the Houfe, the bleak top of a heathy mount, has been crowned with a handfome plantation of firs. We approach the demefne by a large avenue, under the deep fhade of oaks and chefnuts, which leads E N V I L L E. 53 leads us by the offices to the entrance of the Park^ from which a path ftrikes acrofs part of the lawn, to the environ of a (hrubbery ; and paffing a wicket, we difcover a light fquare building, called THE BOAT HOUSE; It fronts a beautiful irregular fheet of water, and, from being placed upon an elevation, the variety and beauty of the fcene, which it fuddenly difcovers to us, is inconceivably fine. As the eye ftretches over the lucid plain to its diftant winding, we are ftruck with the full efFe6l of a beautiful Cascade, tumbling impetuoufly from rocky precipices in three diftinft falls, beneath the deep o'erhanging umbrage, which (beds additional luflre on the fpangledfoam. — The whole is backed by a boldly rifmg wood, extending itfelf over the ridge of a hill, which rifes on the right, and ftretches away, gradually diminifliing, till it but juft affords fufficient (belter to an ancient Gothic Gateway, which we difcover on the fummit of a beautiful flope. Toward the bottom of this defcent, we de- fcry the rocky mouth of a Grotto, from whence the lawn fweeps away toward the Houfe, 'till ob- fcured by a fkirting wood which terminates the fcene. The 94 E N V I L L E. The infide of the building, from whence we dif- cover fo many beauties, is decorated with ftuccoing, difpofed in medallions, feftoons, &c. the window is compofed of beautiful flain'd glafs, difplaying grotefque groupes, which form a new and diverting fcene, when clofed upon the luxuriant landfcape we have jufl enjoyed. From this building our walk winds under waving pines and (hrubs, through whofe thick foliage the ghflening Lake is at times dimly difcovered, till we are led into the Park, where we behold it with renewed beauty : the path proceeds round its ex- tremity till we come oppofite to a tall fir tree, from which we enjoy, in a mofl advantageous point of view, THE MANSION, ahandfomewhite ftrufture ; which, although for the greateft part modern, carries with it the air of re- fpe6lable antiquity, happily correfponding with the venerable afpe6l of the furrounding woods. — The center, which recedes from the wings, has tlie windows formed with pointed Gothic arches, and is flanked with two o6langular towers — from thefe the wings extend, appearing as modern additions, and E N V I L L E. 9S and round the top of the whole runs an embattlc- ment : this abundantly conceals the roof, which fo difguftingly prefents itfelf to view, in many, even modern buildings. On the left, a confiderable addition is built, which being judicioufly planted out of view, as well as the bricic offices on the other hand, the whole ftrikes us with an air of pleafing uniformity. From the houfe, ftretches forward a Hoping lawn that rifes boldly on the left, while the intervening fheet of water, fkirted by the fhrubbery and build- ing we have left, gives to the whole a moft pleafmg effea. From the border of the Lake the path leads thro* a wicket, into a neat fhrubbery, where, through the various tin6lured foliage, we are dazzled with the chryftalline refle6lions of the ftream, running along the glen on our right — immediately arriving at a SEAT, we behold THE CASCADE in its fullefl force, dafhing o'er impending rocks into a deep glen, whofe ragged fides are fcarcely hid by 9$ E N V I L L E. by the thick laurel and tufted fhrubs which o'er- hang its edge ; while the view which we here catch of the building, beyond the lake, confiderably re- lieves the whole, Purfuing a winding path, amid odoriferous (hrubs, we pafs over an artlefs bridge, compofed of a fmgle plank, which croflTes the ftream between the firfl: and fecond fall. Here we look down the dafhing ftream, between a woody vista, judicioufly broken by a kind of arch, formed by an o'er-bending mofTy trunk. To the front of the Boat Houfe, the vafl expanfe of water, every way begirt with deep foli- age, without appearing in any part crouded, gives an air of magnificence to the whole fcence. From a bench, at the foot' of a venerable afh, cluflered with ivy, we enjoy the Second Cascade, rufhing clofely by us, at the fame time we retain our former profpecl with added luftre. The walk thro' this (hrubbery is truly delightful, nor is it almoft pofTible to conceive any obje6l which could heighten its beauties. Quitting its emnron, we proceed along the edge of the great refervoir, which fupplies the principal falls ; from this we behold, over a fmall E N V I L L E. 97 fmall Cascade, the Farm-House or Lyndens Hall, nearly enveloped by trees. The path on the right leads through the edge of a coppice, to a circular feat, furrounding a beauti- ful Yew, from which we have a moft.extenfiveand diverfified profpe6l, though fomewhat flat: fhould we be tempted to continue this route by the in- viting Terras Walk, which runs along the margin t)f the coppice, under a pleafmg (hade, we fliall arrive at the Gothic Gateway before noticed. *Tis however befl to turn towards the Farm Houfe ; — pafling a wicket wecrofs the edge of a dark coppice, >and, leaving the building on our left, purfue a winding track occafionally (haded, *till we reach a feat on the outfide of the coppice, from whence the perrpe6live is exquifitely fine. Over the tops of the environing trees on the right, the brown heath appears, beyond which we have a delightful contraft, in a richly cultivated country, flretching away to the utmofl limit of the dulky horizon. From this, turning into the wood on the right, we afcend a winding path, which prefently difcoversto us THE CHAPEL. G Til is 98 E N V I L L E. This Little Buildings from its fituation com- manding views every way correfpondent to thoCc we meet with in the Leasowes, has been, with much propriety, dedicated to the late William Shenstone, Esq. The deep gloomy umbrage, by which, except in front, 'tis wholly furrounded, gives it an air of peculiar folemnity, which is confiderably heighten- ed by the ftained glafs windows, enriched with an- cient religious figures, that yield to the whole a venerable monadic air. From the front we look down upon the ftream, gliftening through the im- pending boughs, clofed by a thick wood, over whofe extremitywedifcover the fertile plain, fpread- ing away in all the beauty of varied cultivation. The path, from this retreat, runs with a pleafing unequality through the midft of the wood, 'till, upon a fmall eminence agreeably fliaded, we meet a bench, from whence, over a (loping wood, we look up a fmall lawn, gently afcending, on whofe fummit is erected, with fmgular advatitagej a hand- fomc ■ '' ROTUNDA, o'er- E N V I L L E. 99 o^^rQiaded by a bold wood which flretches away be^ hind. The path, varying with many fteep afcents through the wood, condu6ls us into a verdant alley which opens into THE SHEEP WALK, an extenfive and beautiful Down of the fmootheft verdure. — Our fituation is now the very reverfe of that an inftant before — no tranfition can be more ftriking, and the various beauties of Enville are An- gularly relieved by this paftoral addition. — From a thick wood, fcarcely pervious to the meridian rays, we emerge into a verdant expanfe, fwelling out in the moft graceful form, and are invited to gain an eminence, where, under the fhade of a venerable Yew, encompaffed by a fquare bench, we enjoy an agreeable repofe, with a great variety of profpe6l. On the fouth wefl: our view isfo rich and unbound- ed, that the eye flrays with wonder and delight, ** unknowing where to fix," — Here having refted and indulged in the enjoyment of the various fcenes which prefent themfelves, we proceed up the path to THE SHEPHERD'S LODGE, a white Gothic building, round which a few trees G 2 are JOO N V I L L E. are agreeably difperfcJ. The views from the lodge over the woods, and in almoft every dire6lion, feem of unbounded extent. The Houfe is furniflied agreeable to its fimple exterior, and fcarcely any ornament admitted which does not correfpond with ruftic tafle. The plain wail and ftair cafe fide, fluck o'er with chriflmas carols, ancient ballads, and fuch congenial enibellifhments, preferve the idea of the fhepherd's refidence. — One apartm.ent only admits of exception, being neatly furnifhed, and the walls ornamented with perfpc6live views, &c. From the lodge we may purfue the path further weftward, to a fituatiori yet more elevated, from whence, if pofiible, a profpe6l of greater extent will be taken in. On both fides our view ranges over an improved country finely wooded, and backed by the diftant tops of the Clee and other hills. As we return from the lodge, the Dow^n is con- fiderably relieved by the trees, occafionally fcattered, fingly and in fmall plantations, which, while they amufe the eye, afford a friendly (hade to the woolly inhabitants. — The path condu6ls to the environs of the wood, and, entering by a gate fufficiently wide to E N V I L L E. lox receive a carriage, we are admitted into an ex- ifive graffy road, and three verdant walks are im- :diately prefented to us — taking that on the right, are condu6led, by a delightful fweep through t woods, to the Rotunda, at which we before d a peep, with the mod pleafmg effe6l. Eight lie columns fupport the dome — within is a feat, >m whence we look down upon blooming meads d corn grounds, amply diverfified with trees and rubs ; dire6lly oppofite we have the Farm-houfe, )m whence proceed to the heath two rows of trees parallel lines, with fuch exa6l regularity as rather difpleafe the eye, long accuftomed to the delight brded by nature's fantaftic fportings ; beyond the ath the richly cultivated fcene again prefents it- If. Round the building is a fmall graffy terrace ■ peculiar foftnefs. Refuming our verdant walk I again arrive at the wide graffy road* which leads the Gothic Gateway ; — this route, however, - only purfue for about thirty yards, when, ftrik- ^3 ing * Dlredlly oppofite our entrance into this road, is and ZY of fufficient breadth to admit a carriage, but by purfu g it we (hall jnifs feeing the Portico. 103 E N V I L L E/ ing into a narrow gravel-walk on the left, we have a bold defcent, fomewhat winding, amidft copfe and trees, fo clofely fet as to be impervious to the dart- ing rays of noon : this leads us to THE PORTICO. From this flru^ture we look down a deep vale, whofe fieep fides are fo thickly wooded, as to exclude any profpe61s in thofe directions; but we are amply re- compenfed by the fine opening which our elevated fituation commands over the wood, that clofes the ter- mination of this beautiful valley: the top of the Mansion is difcovered, beyond which a fine fcope of country, heightened with every beauty of cultivation , extends to the utmofl limit of the horizon. At the diflanceofnearten miles, although not halfthe extent of our profpe6l, we jufl difcover the fleeple of Sedg- leyChurch, which, with the fcatteredhoufes, wind- mills and other obje6ls, abundantly relieve the view. This building is formed by fquare ruftic pillars, fup- porting a fuitable pediment and roof, and forming altogether a mofl agreeable recefs. The walk croffes the Portico, and we afcend by a verdant path, clofe pent on either hand by the umbrage of copfe and trees, to a folitary, fecluded fpot, in the midft of E N V I L L E. 103 of which is placed an U R N, decorated in bas relief, ^vith the figure of a Ram reclining beneath a tree, in which we difcover a neft with birds feeding their young, — embelliihnients every way adapted to fcenes, where the fleecy inhabitant and feathered fongfter enjoy repofeand flielter. From this little lawn we have four graffy paths — taking the widefl, (which ftrikes off to the right of that we entered by,) a rapid and winding defcent conda6is us to THE COTTAGE: This humble thatched dwelling, retaining every Gm- plicity its name indicates, has the happieft etfe6l in its fecluded fituatiou. " Hither ye vain, ye giddy, and ye gay, " Ye gaudy tulips of a fhort liv'd day, *' Hither, oh hither lead your airy train, *' And fcorn thofe arts which reafon muft: difdain : ** No more let years in indolence be fpent, *' But come, and learn the worth of true content." A fmall circular lawn rifes before the cottage, bounded every way by a thick hanging wood. On the 104 E N V I L L E. the left of the building an ample Managerie ex- tends itfelf, (kirting the little lawn, and is well flocked with various pheafants and exotic birds. Taking a narrow path, facing the cottage, under a clofe gloomy (hade, we are conduced, by pleafing windings, to the extremity of the wood, and pafling a wicket, are let out oppofite a venerable oak, fur- rounded by a feat : from hence we turn down on the left, by a walk (kirting the wood, which leads us to a fine irregular piece of water : a fimple wooden bridge prefents itfelf, by which we crofs the head* of the (Iream, and afcending a walk on the left, un- der the (hade of majefdc oaks, our path leads us through a wicket along the verge of the (hrubbery, and we mount up to a large white bench, fituate beneath the umbrage of a venerable tree, o'er-cafed with ivy. From this feat the view is particularly beautiful ; ♦ Orinftead of eroding the bridge we may make a circuit of the water, from the further extremity of which we (hall be abundantly gratified by a pleaiing view up the Lake, where- on two or three iflands, tufted o'er with trees, have a moft ,?.Trpe?bIe efferfl. E N V I L L E. 10^ beautiful ; as we look down the gently Hoping lawn, our attention is caught by an ancient fpreading oak, whofe blighted top and arms add to its venerable af- pe6l. — On the right the opening boughs admit of our catching fight of the fhining Lake, while, over the bounding foliage in front, the contrafting wild brown heath heightens the beauties of the fertile plain, extending to a thick wood on the left, which contra6ls our profpe6ls in that point, and only juft difcovers to us the top of Enville Church. Turning in on the left, we again penetrate the fhrubbery, and purfue our devious courfe under waving pines, and other umbrageous trees, till we reach a feat — from thence we enjoy a mofl enchanting peep, through the fpreading branches of a fycamore, to the embattled Gothic Gateway and a fmall flope of the intervening lawn, that flows down with peculiar grace, and receives ad- ditional beauty from the feclufion of other obje6ls. Proceeding, our route continues along a mofl fafci- natingwalk, till we arrive at a bench, from whence ■we behold the Church of Enville, rifing boldly amid the deep green firs which afpire to eclipfe it : beyond fwells out with fingular grandeur, a range of H hills. to6 E N V I L L E. hills, while, on the left, a variety of pafture, and fallow checkered, and often hid by thick foliage, bound the view. Our walk is foon after terminated by the Garden entrance, at which we difcover an elegant GOTHIC BUILDING, highly finifhed, and poflefiing every air of a genuine MonafticPile: ** Coeval with thofe rich cathedral fanes, ** (Gothic ill-named) where harmony refults ** From dis-united parts, and fhapes minute, ^' At once diftintfl, and blended, boldly form ** One vaft majellic whole." English Garden, B. 4. Within, inftead of the fombre arrangement, which its exterior indicates, we find an elegantly fitted up BILLIARD ROOM. The ceiling and other parts of this beautiful ftruc^ ture are decorated with ftuccoing, and at each fide; in oppofite nitches, the Uufts of H o m .e r and Cicero are placed. In front is fixed an ele7 gant Organ ; and certainly no fituation can be more inviting for the enjoyment of mufic— a cor- E N V I L L E. X07 correfpondent harmony reigning in every furround- ing obje6t. From this building we have a moft ftriking prof- pc6l of the Gothic Gateway — through the arch'd entrance the glimmering light dimly difcovers its pointed port-cullis, which, aided by its embattled top and flankers, and the majeflic growth of the woods, rifing up behind, ftrongly enforce the idea of its having been the inlet to fome feat of chivalry. Thus can true tajle, in the judicious fele6lion and difpofal of various obje6ls, not only be certain of commanding admiration, but throw the lullre of reality around the arrangements of fi6lion, which, unfkilfully placed, muft expofe ignorance and excite difguft :— ** Ornament, ** When foreign or fantaftic, never charms ** Ottr judgment : here ive tread on Britifh ground ; ** With Britifh annals all the view accords. *♦ Some Yorkift, or Lancaftrian Baron bold, *' To awe his vafTals, or to flem his foes, *' Yon maffy buhvark built ; on yonder pile *' In ruin beauteous, rcedifllndlly mark *' The ruthlefs traces of Hern Henry's hand." Masom. From io8 E N V I L L E. From hence we are conda6led thro' the Gardens, which are capacious and handfomely laid out. It is impoffible, without regret, that we can take leave of a fpot,whofe abundant natural beauties have been heightened by the moft refined tafte : — indeed to enter into the enjoyment of all the charms which the walks of Enville prefent, the limits of a day, much lefs that of the time ufually taken in a vifit, mud be infinitely too fhort. It fhould alfo be re- marked that the Park of Enville has the peculiar advantage of rendering its beauties acceffible to the vifit of the invalid, as its noble owner has, with the greatefl liberality, difpofed a carriage way through- out the whole. SOUTHERN rpgToI:,?! '^«">""» 405 H"9ard ten'e ?^*i;'«"An V FACILITY "e/um this n,arerta"^th; hL"^^"-^*" "om Which i.wa.boIV^w^'^ „ OCTiejqdc RECBlvm SEP 1 1995 ARTS LIBRARl %.