322 JOURNEY. 



Dec. 22d. About four o'clock I was awak- 

 ened from my sleep by notes of music ; the 

 moon was most splendidly brilliant, and 

 shining into my room ; the night was tran- 

 quil, and 1 instantly called to mind the 

 many similar scenes described in the novels, 

 of monasteries, monks, strains of music, &c. 

 I found that the curate and his assistants 

 were chaunting the early Matins in the 

 church, which was close to his dwelling. 

 The effect was singularly pleasing, and the 

 novelty added not a little to the charm of 

 the whole. After the service the curate 

 returned to his room. These Matins are 

 frequently sung during the week previous to 

 Christmas. 



I rose at daybreak, and at half-past 

 six was joined by the curate. We enter- 

 ed into a long discussion on the nature and 

 situation of the gold-mines ; amongst others 

 he mentioned those of Apone, as the most 



