LAST OF THE FAIRIES. 



sweet converse with a curious star, but direct as an 

 arrow's flight, Ina gHded on, never swerving from 

 the hne of her heavenly course, until they arrived at 

 the sacred road, studded with myriads of stars, lead- 

 ing to their place of destination. Following its 

 direction they reached a glorious throne, too daz- 

 zling even for their practised sight. Here sur- 

 rounded by unnumbered votaries. Reason held her 

 court. Arrayed in garments of light, with a coun- 

 tenance made beautiful by the splendour of Truth, 

 she directed her hand -maidens, Faith and Hope, to 

 unravel the fate of the past, and prepare for the in- 

 scrutable decrees of the future. In imitation of 

 their queen, the fairies bent before the throne. Then 

 the golden harps sounded, and Reason arose to de- 

 mand the object of their visit. Still kneeling, Ina 

 extended her sceptre to the presiding power. " Take," 

 she said, *^ the symbol of a noble race. It has never 

 been sullied by dishonour, it shall never be clouded 

 by injustice. I resign it into your hands, secure in 

 the knowledge of a resulting good." " But, your 

 existence," said Reason. " I know," continued Ina, 

 ^^ our existence ends with our departing power. 

 Springing from, and sustained by, the influence of 

 superstition, I know that when thou hast usurped 

 her place, the scene of our enjoyments and la- 

 bours is over. But better. Oh, far better is it thus, 

 than that the sway of Superstition should bind down 

 the energy of the noble race of man. Go, Reason,'* 

 continued the generous being, ^^ set the captive free ; 

 rouse him from the lethargy of despair ; loosen the 

 toils of the wicked. I know the evil ones will fall ; 

 it is just; it is right. The good too will suffer," 

 said she, tenderly regarding her kneeling compani- 

 ons, *« perhaps that is well also : let the few be sac- 

 rificed for the many ; let the fairies be lost for the 

 good of men. Warn mortals from the region of 

 fancy and they will be happy ; teach them thy pre- 

 cepts and they will be good. Farewell, Reason ! 

 may thy reign be prosperous, may thy dominion be 



VOL. VII. — 1836. B 



