Western courier. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1837-08-03

over their graves. The very silence of
the majestic fame, and every stone and
inscription within its walls, seem to ad-
monish us as we reflect upon those who
sleep beneath, in the very spirit of the
sentiment SO beautifully conveyed by Gar
rick
"-Deign, reader, 10 be taught,
Whatc'er thy strength of body, force of
thought,
In Natures happiest mould, however
10 this complexion must thou come at
last''
will not dctain you with more than
passing remark as to the antiquity of this
noble church. 1t was founded A. D.
Cos, by Sobert, Saxon King of Essex,
and dedicated to St. Peter; and the King
founded and built it, in order TO prove the
sincerity of his attachment to Christiani-
ty, into which he was baptized from Pa,
ganism. His remains and those of his
Queen Ethelgotha, repose within its
walls. 1t was greatly enlarged by King
Edward the Coufessor, who is here buri-
ed; but the most beautiful addition that
was ever made to it. either by or in hon
our of the English Kings, is the Chapel of
Henry the Secenh pronounced by every
beholder who is judge, to be the most
finished and elaborate specimen of Aorid
Gothic architecture in the world A.
mongst the various curiositics the Abbey
contains, is one which excites many re-
miniscences. This is the stone, on which
for centuries, the Scottish Kings crown
ed and which was brought from Scone, in
Scotland, by Edwardthe First The Brit
ish Kings are always crowned over this
time honoured stone.
1t is much to be lamented that some of
the finest parts Of the exterior OF West
Minister Abbey are so choked up by hou-
ses, that the general effect of the building
is spoiled, when viewed from a distance.
In the interior, for unspeakable beauty of
architecture, harmony of the whole, and
exquisite workmanship and design Of each
particular part, no edifice can be COM
pared with Henry the Seventies Chapel,
which is 100 feet long, 26 wide, and Sd
high. The shafts, pillars, and arches are
almost magically light, and the thousand
of carved stone fgures-graceful, reIig-
ious, and even comic and whimsical, that
are introduced--with the gorgeously
sculptured fret-work of the roof COM
bine to constitute an unrivallcd specimen
of the Gothic style. The tomb of Henry
VII and his Queen, Elizabeth, is in this
chapel, and is still superb though not as
Lord Bacon described it zone of the
stateliest and dainties monuments in Eu-
rope
There are in the building, many faults,
mean as to the arrangement Of its differ
ent parts not by the architects and build
crs-but by the mean and parsimonious
directors and managers of the Abbey
These are, believe, the Dean and Chap
ter of Westminster, who have caused
board-yes, common board partitions to
be put up in different places, thereby de-
facing the building, and concealing the
most beautiful statues until you are close
upon them. And why, do you think. is
this done? To the shame Of the clergy,
who are paid like princes - these boards
are put up to keep the people out until
they have paid few pence each to be
allowed to visit the monuments and enter
the most interesting part of the Church.
Could any thing be more disgraceful, than
that the people of the English nation
should be compelled to pay fifteen pence
or eighteen pence q forget which) admis-
sion money, for leave to enter their own
national temple? Then a fellow walks
round with you, talking at every tomb
like parrot, and lsaving the visitor no
time for contemplation or reflection. My
feelings on the subject of the payment of
fee in such case and such c place,
were not perhaps, sufficiently restrained,
especially when reflect that | was not
in my own cotintry; though should you
ever visit England, that would make no
d ference, for an American feels about
as much at home in the fatherland of his
ancestors, as if he were in the United
States. | told the door keeper, that |
considered the mulct or imposition,
piece Of petty swindIing and plumber, un-
der the shelter of u most discreditable law
or custom; and those who ordered it to
be exacted ought to be ashamed of them
selves.
'sir, (suid the doorkeepor) | ain told
something of this kind every day, and
take no offence at what gentlemen may
say about parting with their meney.'
After leaving the door, we found our
selves in what is called Poets Corner
from the circumstance of its being the