up almost to the last moment of his existence, not only the full command of his extraordinary intellect, but all the alacrity of spirit which had illumined his happiest days.

His friends never saw him more full of vigour and animation than in his last visit to Scotland in the autumn of 1817. Indeed, it was after that time that he applied himself, with all the ardour of early life, to the invention of a machine for mechanically copying all sorts of sculpture and statuary; and distributed among his friends some of its earliest performances as the productions of "a young artist, just entering on his eighty-third year!"

This happy and useful life came at last to a gentle close. He had suffered through the summer, but was not seriously indisposed till within a few weeks from his death. He then became perfectly aware of the event which was approaching; and, with his usual tranquillity, seemed only anxious to point out to his friends around him the many sources of consolation which were afforded by the circumstances under which it was about to take place.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to Providence for the length of days with which he had been blessed, and his exemption from most of the infirmities of age; as well as for the calm and cheerful evening of life that he had been permitted to enjoy, after the honourable labours of the day had been concluded. And thus, full of years and honours, in all calmness and tranquillity he yielded up his soul, without pang or struggle.

FRANCIS JEFFREY.

62. THE LAST OF THE INCAS.

The clouds of the evening had passed away, and the sun rose bright on the following morning, the most remarkable epoch in the annals of Peru. It was Saturday, the 16th of November 1532. The loud cry of the trumpet called the Spaniards to arms with the first streak of dawn; and Pizarro, briefly acquainting them with the plan of the assault, made the necessary dispositions.

The plaza (public square) was defended on its three sides by low ranges of buildings, consisting of spacious halls with wide doors opening into the square. In these halls he stationed his cavalry in two divisions one under his brother Hernando, the other under Da Soto. The infantry he placed in another of the buildings, reserving twenty chosen men to act with himself as occasion might require. Pedro de Candia, with a few soldiers and the artillery—this imposing name being given to two small pieces of ordnance called falconets-he established in the fortress.

All received orders to wait at their posts till the arrival of the Inca. After his entrance into the great square, they were still to remain under cover, withdrawn from observation, till the signal was given by the discharge of a gun, when they were to shout their war-cries, rush out in a body from their covert, and putting the Peruvians to the sword, bear off the person of the Inca. The arrangements of the immense halls, opening on a level with the plaza, seemed to be

contrived on purpose for his plan. Pizarro particularly insisted on order and implicit obedience, that in the hurry of the moment there should be no confusion. Everything depended on their acting with concert, coolness, and celerity.

The chief next saw that their arms were in good order, and that the breastplates of their horses were garnished with bells, to add by their noise to the terror of the Indians. Refreshments were also liberally provided, that the troops should be in condition for the conflict.

It was late in the day before any movement was visible in the Peruvian camp, where much preparation was being made to approach the Christian quarters with due state and ceremony. A message was received from Atahualpa, informing the Spanish commander that he should come with his warriors fully armed, in the same manner as the Spaniards had come to his quarters on the preceding night. This was not an agreeable intimation to Pizarro, though he had no reason, probably, to expect the contrary. But to object might imply distrust, or perhaps disclose, in some measure, his own designs. He expressed his satisfaction, therefore, at the message, assuring the Inca that, come as he would, he would be received by him as a friend and brother.

It was noon before the Indian procession was on its march, when it was seen occupying the great causeway for a long distance. In front came a large body of attendants, whose office seemed to be to sweep away every particle of rubbish from the road. High

above the crowd appeared the Inca, borne on the shoulders of his principal nobles, while others of the same rank marched by the sides of his litter, displaying such a dazzling show of ornaments on their persons, that, in the language of one of the conquerors, they blazed like the sun." But the greater part of the Inca's forces mustered along the fields that lined the road, and were spread over the broad meadows. as far as the eye could reach.

When the royal procession had arrived within half a mile of the city it came to a halt, and Pizarro saw with surprise that Atahualpa was preparing to pitch his tents, as if to encamp there. A messenger soon after arrived, informing the Spaniards that the Inca would occupy his present station for the night, and enter the city on the following morning. ́

The intelligence greatly disturbed Pizarro, who had shared in the general impatience of his men at the tardy movements of the Peruvians. The troops had been under arms since daylight, the cavalry mounted, and the infantry at their post, waiting in silence the coming of the Inca. A profound stillness reigned throughout the town, broken only at intervals by the cry of the sentinel from the summit of the fortress as he proclaimed the movements of the Indian army.

Nothing, Pizarro well knew, was so trying to the soldiers as prolonged suspense in a critical situation like the present; and he feared lest their ardour might evaporate, and be succeeded by that nervous feeling natural to the bravest soul at such a crisis,

and which, if not fear, is nearly akin to it. He returned an answer, therefore, to Atahualpa, that he had provided everything for his entertainment, and expected him to sup with him that night.

This message turned the Inca from his purpose, and striking his tents again he resumed his march, first advising the general that he would leave the greater part of his warriors behind, and enter the place with only a few of them, and without arms. At the same time he ordered accommodation to be provided for himself and his retinue in one of the large stone buildings, called, from a serpent sculptured on the walls, "The House of the Serpent." No tidings could have been more grateful to the Spaniards. It seemed as if the Indian monarch was eager to rush into the snare that had been spread for him!

It was not long before sunset when the van of the royal procession entered the gates of the city. First came some hundreds of the menials employed to clear the path of every obstacle, and singing songs. of triumph as they came. Then followed other bodies of different ranks and dressed in different liveries.

Elevated high above his vassals came the Inca Atahualpa, borne on a sedan or open litter, on which was a sort of throne made of massive gold of inestimable value. The palanquin was lined with the richly-coloured plumes of tropical birds, and studded with shining plates of gold and silver. The monarch's attire was much richer than on the preceding evening. Round his neck was a collar of emeralds, of uncommon size and brilliancy. His short hair was decorated