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of surrendering my money, as if a pistol was held at my breast. Every idea of charity is equally out of the question in both cases; though in the one the money is demanded for God's sake, and in the other for my own sake.”

"I remember," rejoined the second, "being once singled out by a terrible woman with an enormous belly, who stuck to me brawling for charity the whole length of Piccadilly. Being determined not to give her a farthing, I was quickening my pace to shake her off, when unluckily I met a lady of my acquaintance, and stopped to speak to her. The hideous wretch with the belly, taking advantage of the incident, renewed her clamour so loud and so woefully, that I was afraid she would have been delivered in the open street; and so I was obliged to throw her a shilling, which put an end to her labour, and my pangs, at once."

THE PRINCESSES.

(With Portraits.)

AMONG the illustrious females who have adorned the Royal Families of this country, few have been more beloved than the present, and few we presume have ever rendered themselves more deserving of national affection.

Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Royal of England, was born on the 29th of September, 1766. Her amiable character endeared her to the nation during the earlier part of her life, and her illustrious virtues, rather more than her exalted rank, rendered her an object of affection to a foreign prince, to whom she was afterwards united. She was married to Frederick Charles William, Elector of Wirtemberg, May 18, 1797, who was created king in 1805. This prince died in 1816, leaving her in a state of disconsolate widowhood, to mourn over those common calamities from which no station can exempt the human race. Springing from a monarch remarkable for his benevolence, we have no doubt, that she still continues to display those charitable virtues in a foreign land, which, in her native country, from her earliest infancy she was taught to venerate and cherish.

Her Hoyal Highness the Princess Augusta, was born November 8, 1768,

and she continued to live under her Majesty's paternal care in Windsor Castle, until her royal mother's death. In this castle she had private apartments fitted up in a style of simplicity and elegance, suited to her refined taste, with an extensive collection of books and paintings. Her visits to the surrounding nobility, accompanied by her sisters, were frequent; and whenever the weather was fair, she rarely omitted either to walk or ride daily through the beautifully romantic scenery of the parks. She had a horse that was a particular favourite, which, always on her return from riding, partook from her Royal Highness' own hand, a dainty repast which was ready at the palace door.

She usually made presents of select publications on particular occasions, and generally on New Year's Day, to most of her domestic servants. Her purchases were frequently made by herself, visiting the shops personally; on which occasions her conduct and manner were so humble and unassuming, as to endear her to all to whom she was known.

The charitable institutions in Windsor are very extensive, all of which received an annual bounty from her royal hand; and every object of distress coming to her knowledge, received immediate relief.

Her Royal Highness, with her sisters, added much to the beautiful walks round the palace. On the north side of the castle formerly was a piece of land forming a plantation, called the Slopes, running in extent from west to east, about three-quarters of a mile, which had continued a rough uncultivated spot for many years. It is now tastefully laid out, affording one of the most interesting walks about the Royal residence, and has a private communication with Frogmore Lodge. Both inhabitants and strangers have free access to this delightful spot, where every accommodation is offered to the weary, by several alcoves, or thatched cottages, with seats.

Her Royal Highness is displaying great taste in the present alterations now making at Frogmore. The whole mansion has undergone considerable alterations; and the improvements made through the gardens, are well worthy the admiration of every stranger; to whom Her Royal Highness

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