of perturbation, but was soon reconciled to her appearance; and we agreed to pass the remainder of the night where we then were. Notwithstanding he was now fully convinced of the truth of the strange circumstance, he assured me his feelings had received such a violent shock, and he felt his nerves so dreadfully deranged, that he was afraid he should long experience the effects of that adventure.

Each of us having sunk into a dose, the remainder of the night passed away imperceptibly, and the six o'clock bell for the re-opening of the doors, found us somewhat refreshed, and ready to decamp from our eventful scene of action, so soon as we could gain an opportunity.

We had not waited long in suspense, when the south door of the cathedral was opened, by the assiduous door-keeper, and we instantly made our escape, luckily unperceived by him; and made the best of our way to our own habitations, where, after a few hours sound sleep, and a hearty breakfast, I found myself in a state to laugh at my last night's adventure, and in full glee to ridicule all imaginary fears.

An hour in the afternoon of the same day had been previously fixed upon for the meeting of

the same party, who were present at the making of the wager; and at the time appointed, I proceeded to the place of rendezvous, and there met the company, amongst whom was my poor ... friend, whom I was extremely sorry to behold, much out of order. He was yet pallid, and his hands shook as though he was afflicted by the palsy.

After the particulars of the night's adventure had been related to the entire satisfaction of the parties concerned, and after many long and tedious discussions upon the subject of fear had once more been had upon the carpet, I left the company for other engagements.

Since the foregoing transaction, I have frequently lamented the occasion that made me the second cause of so great an affliction, as a nervous weakness, with which the young gentleman, who was my companion in that adventure, has been tormented ever since, and will in all probability suffer from it to the end of his life. His nerves were before that circumstance perfectly sound, and he was not conscious of any weakness; but now they are so disordered, that his quiet is incessantly destroyed upon the most trifling occasions.

1

It may be asked why I felt myself terrified upon the first appearance of the figure, and was for a time so considerably disturbed. To such an interrogation I will readily answer, that I am far from having entirely conquered my foolish fears: so much was my mind afflicted by fear during infancy, that I can remember particular periods of my life, when I was nearly distracted by the imaginary fears that were carefully instilled upon my young mind, by the diabolical arts of my nurses, and the servants of my father. I can trace all of my particular weaknesses upon this account, to those wretches whom I shall never cease to hold in utter detestation, being thoroughly convinced of the irremediable mischief occasioned by them. I have been endeavouring all my life to overcome those fears I had imbibed, perhaps from one single improbable narration, or frightful punishment during my infancy; and I feel that I have not entirely destroyed that lurking venom, although I have in a very great measure vanquished its most poisonous qualities. My temporary fright in the cathedral arose principally from the weakness of my nerves, which were never strong, and upon some occasions they rise up in judgment against me, as in that pre

dicament, although I must confess I was not without uneasy sensations of a more disgraceful nature; but even these arose from the source I have mentioned.

This is only the first of a series of essays upon this subject, which I sincerely hope, may, in some degree, however small, be instrumental towards the annihilation of foolish fears, in the minds of those who are tormented by them; and also of service in teaching the parents and guardians of children to beware of every intimation that can at all sow the destructive seeds, during their susceptible state of childhood; which may, in after-life, be productive of so many ill-consequences, together with lasting shame and disgrace.

"Cowards die many times before their deaths;
"The valiant never taste of death but once.
"Of all the wonders that I have yet heard,
"It seems to me most strange that man should fear,
"Seeing that death a necessary end,

"Will come, when it will come."