imagination than that which a course of policy and wisdom would have spread around his go vernment. Accordingly, his reign was like the course of a brilliant and rapid meteor, which shoots along the face of heaven, shedding around an unnecessary and portentous light, which is instantly swallowed up by universal darkness; his feats of chivalry furnishing themes for bards and minstrels, but affording none of those solid benefits to his country on which history loves to pause, and hold up as an example to posterity. But in his present company, Richard shewed to the greatest imaginable advantage. He was gay, good-humoured, and fond of manhood in every rank of life.
Beneath a huge oak-tree the sylvan repast was hastily prepared for the King of England, surrounded by men late outlaws to his government, but who now formed his court and his guard. As the flagon passed round, the rough foresters soon lost their awe for the presence of majesty. The song and the jest were exchanged—the stories of former deeds were told with advantage; and at length, and while boasting of their suc-
