The Sun.
London, England, 1859-12-13 00:00:00

GREECE.

The following is an extract of a letter from
Athens, dated 25th November, 1859 :—" We have
had rather stirring times for this part of the world
these last few days. First of all, the opening of
the exhibition of Greek produce, though not exhibit-
ing anything very extraordinary to those who have
been in the habit of frequenting the Crystal Palace,
still promises well for the future of Greece. The
embroidery, the etching on wood, and the busts in
Pentelicon marble, of the heroes of the Greek
Revolution, including the English Philhellenes,
Lord Byron, General Church, Captain Hastings,
and Mr. Finlay, are well worthy of mention.
Next came the arrival of the Euryalus, with our
royal middy. His arrival had been long announced 1
for the 10th, but the weather, which had been ex-
cessively fine up to the Bth, suddenly became
squally, and caused us to be afraid it might detain
the Prince longer than intended, as we knew he
was to make Thermopyl re, Marathon, and Sunium on
his way. However, faithful to the programme, the
Euryalus cast anchor in Pirmus harbour on the day
appointed. Sir T. Wyse, with the members of the
legation and the consular authorities, immediately
went on board to pay their respects. Notwith-
standing a most pressing invitation from his Ma-
jesty King Otho to take up his residence at the
palace, the Prince decided on accepting the hospi-
tality of our own Minister during his stay in
Athens. Both the King and Queen did all in their
grand ball next, were
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ball, v,-hich was honoured with the presence of the
King and Queen of Greece, who were most
gracious to every one present ; the whole corps
diplomatique, with all the notables in Athens, were
in full dress. The King opened the ball by dancing
with Miss Wyse, and the Queen with Prince Alfred ;
the Queen afterwards honoured Major Cowell and
our Secretary of Legation by dancing with them,
and the King honoured our consul's lady, Mrs.
Neale, by dancing a quadrille with her. At
twelve o'clock supper was announced. A private
table for the royal party, consisting of the King,
Queen, Prince Alfred, Sir Thomas and Miss Wyse,
had been laid in Sir Thomas's library, where after
supper his Majesty remained some time admiring
the fine collection of books and pictures. Dancing
was resumed with renewed spirit after supper,
their Majesties seeming especially to enjoy them-
selves, for although they arrived at nine p.m. it was
past three when the chef d'orchestre gave the last
coup d'archet that put an end to the cotillon. Alto-
gether this has been one of the most splendid fetes
we have had in Athens. he apartments were de-
corated in very good taste, the music was first-rate,
the presence of our glorious Queen's young son
made all our hearts joyful. The attention paid by
Sir Thomas and Miss Wyse to their numerous
guests and the splendour of the entertainment,
showed clearly that our host and hostess were
born in the land of hospitality. On the 17th
the Prince returned to his frigate, attended by
Sir Thomas and Miss Wyse, where their Majes-
ties paid him a parting visit, which was said
by those present to be very affecting ; in fact,
had the Prince been one of their nearest relations
they could not have been kinder to him. The Greek
Government having placed a small steamer at the
Prince's disposal, he visited in it Eleusia and the
neighbourhood, and on the 18th the Euryalus sailed
for Corfu. The visit of the young Prince has made
a most favourable impression here, and the English
colony has been much gratified by the honours paid
him, not only by the Court and the officials gene-
rally, but by all those who had an opportunity of
paying him any respect, without overwhelming him
with idle compliments. His manners are captivating
it is true, and the kindness he showed his brother
middies in providing them with partners at the
ball won the hearts of. the Greek young ladies.
Notwithstanding the bad weather Sir T. Wyse
found an opportunity of attending the Prince to the
Acropolis ; and no one is more capable of imparting
ancient lore or of pointing out the artistic views of
the magnificent scenery than this learned and ac-
complished scholar, and I understand that under his
scientific direction the Prince took a few sketches,
which will no doubt greatly delight his royal parents,
and be agreeable souvenirs of his visit to Athens.
The choice made of Major Cowell for his governor
seems a very happy one, for it was remarked by all
—and the Greeks are keen observers as you know—
that whether dancing with the Queen, or conversing
with our grandees, he never lost sight of his royal
pupil. Capt. Tarleton seemed also very assiduous in
his attendance upon our sailor Prince. Under such
able tuition he cannot fail to fulfil our hopes of be-
coming one of the brightest jewels of our beloved
Queen's crown."