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recesses of the majestic coliseum, and illumine the gardens of the 
Villa Medici at Rome; on the banks of the Arno, they add much 
to the beauty of the Tuscan evening; and the Italian and the 
English poets are fond of celebrating the “ emerald-light” of the 
lucciola and the glow-worm. 
While the ambassador was amusing himself with the splendid 
appearance of these insects in the surrounding shades, he observed 
one of them settled among the grass, which was always stationary 
and motionless, although shining with equal lustre. Having re- 
marked it for a considerable time, curiosity led him to approach it: 
the moon shone on the spot ; he stooped to seize the insect; and took 
up his ring. We must first enter into his peculiar feelings respecting 
omens, talismans, and charms, and then conceive his surprize and 
joy at this auspicious event. It had most probably been shook 
from the table cloth thirteen months before, and remained on that 
spot the whole time, unobserved by other travellers: during the 
fair season it was probably covered with dust; but now a heavy 
shower combined with Cynthia's beam to produce the brilliant 
effect on the convex face of the emerald, and to restore the lucky 
ring to its owner; who having so highly prized it before the ad- 
venture, it is needless to say how much it was now advanced in his 
estimation. 
My most intimate friend was not only the public assistant, but 
the confidential friend of this gentleman; he was always his agent 
during his absence, and left the sole executor to his will: he had 
an only son then in England for his education; and knowing that 
he would not appreciate the ring as his father did, he promised it 
to my friend at his death ; but omitted to mention it in his will. 
