262 



In justice to the salubrity of St. Helena, I must remark, thai 

 my valetudinary friend, during a fortnight's residence in Swan's 

 Valley, greatly recovered his health, which still improved on the 

 voyage to England, where he lived some years after our arrival. 



I spent several days in different parts of the interior scenery, 

 and sometimes found a little cascade, which formed a purling rivu- 

 let beneath the romantic cliffs, sufficient for a cold bath; one of 

 the greatest luxuries we could experience after a fatiguing voyage. 

 The heat in the middle hours of the clay was rather unpleasant, but 

 the cool serenity of the evening constantly produced those solemn 

 musings my invalid shipmate alludes to in his letter. I found a 

 spot particularly favourable to mental contemplation, anticipating 

 the delights of love and friendship, in a reunion with those from 

 whom we had been so long separated. When all the plantation 

 slaves had retired to rest, and a sweet tranquillity reigned through- 

 out the romantic scenery, when 



The glowing orb beneath the western main, 

 Descending, calls to rest the weary swain : 

 Mild Cynthia rising from Endymion's arms, 

 With azure mantle veils her blushing charms ; 

 Come, Contemplation, on thy pensive wing, 

 And with thee dreams of love, of rapture bring j 

 Bid sacred Friendship close the smiling train, 

 While Truth respondent swells the melting strain : 

 So shall my soul from every passion free, 

 Save Love and Friendship, fondly turn to thee : 

 With thee retrace each happy scene long flown, 

 And chide the hours that part me from my own ! 



We left St. Helena without regret, and sailed for England on 

 tl 2 ' of May. When I last embarked lor India, and had formed 



