2615 



ductlons of two people, renowned for every 

 art and accomplishment, that can raise or 

 adorn our nature. 



Next to them, and in some points of view 

 to us still more intcrestino- are the ruins 

 o^ ablx^ys and castles. I have named 

 them together, though nothing can be more 

 strongly contrasted than their two charac- 

 ters. The abbey, built in some sequestered 

 spot, and surrounded by woods, announces 

 religious calm and security. Its sanctity, 

 even in those early times of turbulence, but 

 likewise of superstition, was thought a suffi- 

 cient safeguard ; and its structure, though 

 solid and massive, seems designed for orna- 

 ment, not for defence. All the minute and 

 detached decorations of its outside, the pin- 

 nacles, the open-work, the high and spacious 

 windows divided into small compartments 

 by the lightest partitions, and enriched with 

 all the refmements of Gothic sculpture, were 

 ill-adapted to defy hostile attacks. 

 • In Xlte castle, every thing proclaims sus- 

 picious defiance ; the security of strength 

 and precaution. A commanding, or at least 



