waggon-loads of chalk, which might have been found nearly on the surface of the earth: or the thoughts of a subterraneous asylum prepared with such immense labour, that would not contain forty fugitives; and boast their own hypothesis as the most consistent and the most probable, that would suppose the present shaft sunk, comparatively speaking, in modern times, on the vestiges of a more ancient oue, and the excavations at the bottom vain and fruitless attempts to find the second shaft, which had been filled up, but which originally ran parallel, and not in a line with the first, but that the chalk, from its cohesive qualities had so effectually closed up the aperture, that no traces of the second shaft could now be discovered. That gold mines generally run to the depth of a-hundred-and-fifty or a-hundred-and-sixty fathoms, but that these shafts, at present, are seldom a third of that depth. For that the Britons had shut up these mines in order to conceal them from the Romans, that they might not excite their avidity, and tempt them to continue their unwelcome visits to the island. That this part of the country was anciently excavated in many places, but that the apertures were subse

7

quently carefully concealed, as might be instanced in the ground on which Stifford fair was anciently kept, which gave way some years since, to the no small terror and consternation of the populace, and sunk in some places, to a considerable depth. That the strongest proofs can be adduced to demonstrate, that the ancient Britons possessed the precious metals in profusion, that they applied them to ornamental purposes, and that they had made greater proficiency in the arts, and had attained to a greater degree of civilization, than Roman authors seem in general willing to admit, for that it is hardly credible, that those who possessed war chariots of such admirable construction, and could guide them with so much dexterity and address, could stop them on a descent, and turn them at pleasure when in full career, could spring on the ground, and continue the combat, when it could be more advantageously on foot, then vault to their seats, and drive through the disordered ranks of their enemies, so that Cæsar confessed his best troops were not able to face them, and had not a more honourable way of succeeding against them than by fomenting their intestine divisions, and taking advantage of their want of union

among

among themselves; it is not probable, it is contended, that those whom their very enemies admit to have been so well provided with warlike instruments, and so dexterous in the use of them, so well furnished with cavalry, and so rich in well-formed chariots of war, should be so uncivilized as Cæsar in other parts of his Commentaries seems willing to persuade us, or that they were otherwise barbarians, than as Greek and Roman writers honour all nations, except their own, with that name. Such are the systems that have been formed on this interesting sub

ject, and such are the different opinions that have been entertained with respect to them; opinions which, though it may not be necessary to adopt, it may be useful to know, as some of the most plausible of them may excite further inquiries on so curious a subject; and further inquiries rationally conducted, should they fall short of a more profitable, or a more advantageous termination, may serve to throw considerable light on the manners and customs of our ancestors, and contribute materially to the illustration of the history and topography of the country.

E. W.

AN HIS

AN

THE

HE ancient Druids whose opinions are so little known and whose ceremonies and religious rites, are at present so imperfectly understood, never discovered their attention to the exigencies of society and the conveniencies of private life, in a more laudable manner, than in the institutions which they introduced respecting the matrimonial union of the sexes. For, though we have not a correct account of the whole of their doctrines and established ceremonies, partial tradition and local customs have preserved a sufficient specimen of them to enable an attentive observer to form a general idea of their designs and ultimate intentions. The customs still prevalent at the celebration of marriage, and the more ancient observances recorded in old manuscripts, or handed down by tradition, give a favourable view of the policy and address of the original legislators of the Celtic tribes, and afford very flattering proofs of their wisdom, and their knowledge of human nature. In order to render a state power

ful, the increase of population is the favourite object of every prudent government. And to facilitate the matrimonial union of the sexes, appears to be one of the most feasible methods of increasing the popular stores of a state, and of repairing the losses occasioned by the effects of epidemical diseases and the depredations of war. Accordingly among the Celtic tribes, nothing more was required in the candidates for matrimonial happiness, than such a conduct and deportment in their respective stations, as should render them worthy of the patronage and protection of the community to which they belonged. An industrious habit, a sober disposition, and an amiable temper, rendered wealth and domestic felicity attainable to the meanest individual. For no sooner had a youth of a favourable character secured the affection of a female of his own rank, and of good reputation, and expressed a wish of being matrimonially united to her, than some respectable personage, and not unfrequently the principal

principal chieftains, in the tribe to which he appertained, espoused his interest, exerted their influence, and had recourse to the most effectual

their neighbours and fellowcountrymen such benefits and friendly favours as might, when repaid on similar occasions, contribute to their own hap

tendance of their retainers at the celebration of the marriage, and to raise by easy contribution such a sum as might prove sufficient to establish the young couple in a situation likely to render their future life comfortable and above the reach of indigence. To cause a numerous attendance of the neighbouring tribes, games and athletic sports were instituted, and prizes of considerable value were promised to victors; and to render the contributions made on these occasions as liberal as possible, the youthful couple or their patrons, were obliged to make adequate returns, whenever, on similar occasions, they should be required. In consequence of these beneficial institutions, the youths of the country were induced frequently to appear in mixed assemblies, and engage in manly exercises, which softened their manners, and gradually prepared them for the fatigues and hardships of war; while, by these popular customs, they were led easily and imperceptibly to confer on

own comforts. When the nuptial day was fixed, the first care was to commission an eloquent messenger to visit the neighbouring castles, and invite the resident warriors and their attendants to the wedding. And in more peaceful days the rural villages were traversed, and a general invitation was given to the ruddy aud cheerful inhabitants to form a part of the company on the festive occasion. The Bidder, in former times, was a respectable and popular character, possessed of much eloquence, considerable talents, and an inexhaustible fund of Hemirth and rustic humour. rodrach, or the art of conducting an embassy, and carrying on important negotiations with propriety, was, among the Gauls, considered as one of the fourand-twenty games, which every young man who aspired to be regarded as an accomplished person, was obliged to study, and to render himself complete master of. And, in order to habituate themsels to a lively address a ready flow of easy lan

guage,

guage, the sons of the chieftains not unfrequently disguised themselves in the habit of the Bidder, and exerted their talents to harangue the populace, and cause a numerous attendance at their retainer's wedding. And, when the young lord succeeded to the estate of his ancestors, the villagers would often dwell with pleasure on the address he had discovered, and the mirthful eloquence he had displayed. When in the character of a matrimonial herald, he solicited their attendance at the nuptials of one of his humble dependents. The herald, on these occasions, as ensigns of his office, wore his hat or bonnet ornamented with wedding garlands, and his staff decorated with ribands; and thus distinguished, he might proceed unmolested through hostile tribes, and the camps of contending

armies.

Suppliant the venerable herald stands, While Hymen's awful ensigns grace his hands;

down,

He sues to all, &c. POPE'S Homer.

ner time, when the lord and his retainers were found assembled in the great hall, in cheerful humour and in high spirits, when, rattling his Baton* against the floor to procure attention, and dropping a graceful bow, he began his harangue," Cennad gwahoddwr, a gwahoddwr hefyd, at wr y Ty, a gwraig y Ty, a phawb o'r Tylwyth," &c. There was generally a prescribed form adapted to these purposes, but the orator indulged in occasional deviations from the beaten track, displayed his talents in mirthful sallies, and humorous parodies on celebrated passages from favourite authors. If the parties were of the lower orders in society, he gave their pedigree with affected gravity, drew up a mock history of their exploits, and of their brave and generous actions; expatiated on their personal excellences, and the good qualities of their ancestors, descanted on the joys of matrimony, and the miseries of ce

At the castles of the principal chieftains his constant ambition was to arrive just at din

sons