PADUA.

THE TOWN-HALL.

For the great desire I had
To see fair Padua, nursery of arts,
I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy,
The pleasant garden of great Italy;
And by my father's love and leave am arm'd,
With his good will and thy good company,
My trusty servant well-approved in all.
Here let us breathe, and happily institute
A course of learning and ingenious studies.

TAMING OF THE SHREW.

PADUA "la dotta," as, in compliment to its celebrated university, it is still termed, is situated in the midst of a rich and abundant country. "Padua," says Mr. Forsyth," has contracted from its long low porticos and its gloomy churches, a grave old vacancy of aspect." Since the fall of Venice, however, this city has increased in importance, and presents a more animated scene than when it was visited by Mr. Forsyth.

The town-hall of Padua, usually called Il Salone, was commenced in the year 1172, and is said not to have been completed until 1306. It is the largest hall in Europe with a roof unsupported by pillars, being about 300 feet in length, and 100 in breadth, while Westminster hall only measures in length 270 feet, and in breadth 74. The walls of this magnificent structure are ornamented with frescoes by Giotto, which, in the course of the last