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Though keen the pangs that rend his heart, 



His pangs are nought to mine, 

 Doom'd by hard fate from thee to part, 



And every joy resign ! 



To persons not under the immediate influence of the Cyprian 

 deities, and no otherwise connected with the natives of St. Helena 

 than by an interchange of friendly offices, and the usual weekly 

 account, this island would be a very monotonous residence for any 

 length of time. But during the period of an Indiaman's deten- 

 tion, its novelty and rural scenery amuse the passengers; and the 

 supply of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, which are sent off every 

 morning to the vessels, refresh the sailors. More cattle and poul- 

 try might certainly be reared, and more fruits and vegetables pro- 

 duced, by attention and encouragement; the great increase of 

 ships resorting to this small spot has enhanced the price of every 

 thing, and the scarcity is sensibly felt by vessels that have not pre- 

 viously touched at the Cape. The latter once more belongs to the 

 English, and long may it continue in their possession, because in 

 every point of view its political and commercial advantages are of 

 the greatest importance. The value of St. Helena to the East 

 India Company, especially during a war with Holland, was inesti- 

 mable; yet it is maintained at a moderate expense, the annual 

 charge of the civil and military establishments and contingencies 

 never exceeding forty thousand pounds. 



Properly to estimate the importance of St. Helena, it must be 

 considered as rising in the midst of the ocean, far from all other 

 shores, in the immediate track of the homeward-bound Indiamen. 

 A fair wind for those ships blows constantly throughout the year; 



