family. If Jerome has lost a throne, he has found what thrones cannot give, a wife who is a model for her sex; and one, on whom the frowns of destiny have had no other effect, than to bring forth more prominently virtues which prove that, however she may have adorned a crown, she could not derive a purer lustre from it, than her many high qualities impart to her. The Prince de Montfort appears fully sensible of the value of the treasure he possesses in this truly admirable Princess; and is a most affectionate and devoted husband, and father.

The palace in which the Prince and Princess de Montfort reside is a very large one, containing a fine suite of apartments, richly and tastefully furnished. Two rooms are appropriated to memorials of the Emperor Napoleon; one is hung with engravings of all his battles, in which he of course is the conspicuous object; and the other contains prints from all the portraits painted of him, from his first step on the ladder of glory to the pinnacle: underneath which are a second series of prints from pictures painted since his reverses, concluding with one representing the last scene of the drama of his eventful life, his death-bed, and tomb at St. Helena. Three of the hats worn in battle, and sundry pairs of gloves used on the same occasions, are placed in glass cases beneath the engravings of the actions

where they were worn. Here, surrounded by all the memorials of his greatness, closed by that of his humble tomb in exile, there was ample food for reflection; and no more striking example of the instability of human grandeur, and the nothingness of ambition, could be given. The next room contained a series of portraits in oil, by the best French artists, of the Emperor Napoleon in his imperial and military costume; and the resemblance between him and the Prince de Montfort, struck me as being very remarkable. There was a warm sentiment of fraternal affection in thus dedicating these apartments to the memory of the Emperor, that showed how fondly his memory is cherished, and kept apart from the every day business of life by his family; and in viewing these memorials of him, strong evidences of the feeling were visible in his brother.

A large gallery was filled with full length portraits of the Prince and Princess de Montfort, painted when they sat on the throne of Westphalia, with various other pictures, representing them at different periods of their regal career, surrounded by portraits of all the individuals of the imperial family. The portrait of the Princess Pauline Borghese, which is considered a perfect resemblance, is exquisitely beautiful; and the Princess de Montfort observed, when we commented on its extraordinary loveliness,

that it was less beautiful than the original. The boudoir, chambre-de-toilette, and chambre-a-couché, of the Princess, are richly furnished. The hangings are of satin, and all the articles in the rooms, either useful or ornamental, are of the rarest and most magnificent description, being those used in her days of sovereignty.

But amid all this splendour, indications of the domestic habits, and simple but refined tastes of the Princess are every where visible. Her writing table, with its tiroir open, showed that she had been making extracts from a favourite author placed by it: a recess, well filled with a select collection of books, and portraits of her children and family were hung around. In an armoire with glass doors, were placed the various gifts presented to her on birth and fête days, forming a very valuable and unique collection. The Prince de Montfort showed us a large case filled with arms of the most costly description, the greater number of which had belonged to the Emperor Napoleon. The handles of many of them are set with precious stones of great value.

The Princess expressed a strong desire to visit England, but added, and she sighed while making the reflection, "I am too nearly related to the royal family of England to go there, situated as we are, without feeling myself placed in a painful position.

My children may perhaps visit it under more propitious circumstances!"

Few women were ever more beloved and esteemed, and few certainly ever more merited to be so, than the Princess de Montfort. What a contrast does her conduct present to that of the Empress Marie Louise! The reverses of Jerome have only served to render her still more devoted to him, and she has found her reward in the happiness of her domestic life; idolized by her grateful husband, and venerated by all around her. The unpretending amiability and kindness of this Princess, uncomplainingly conforming to the circumstances in which the vicissitudes of life have placed her, argue much, not only for the superiority of her head and heart, but for the family whence she has sprung, and the education she has received. Wherever she is known, her virtues shed a lustre on the house of Wirtemberg, and the strangers who visit Rome from every country, unite in offering homage to her character.

I met La Contessa Guiccioli last night at the Duchesse de St. Leu's. I had previously been introduced to her at a fête given by the Duc de Laval Montmorencie, and at other places. She is much admired, and liked, and merits to be so, for her appearance is highly prepossessing, her manners remarkably distinguished, and her conversation spiri

tuelle and interesting. Her face is decidedly handsome, the features regular and well proportioned, her complexion delicately fair, her teeth very fine, and her hair of that rich golden tint, which is peculiar to the female pictures by Titian and Georgioni. Her countenance is very pleasing, its general character is pensive, but it can be lit up with animation and gaiety, when its expression is very agreeable. Her bust and arms are exquisitely beautiful, and her whole appearance reminds one very strikingly of the best portraits in the Venetian school. La Contessa Guiccioli is well educated and highly accomplished, she speaks her native language with remarkable purity, French with great fluency, and understands English perfectly. Her reading has been extensive, her memory is retentive, and her imagination has been elevated by the study of the best poets of her own country and ours. With so many qualifications for society, it is not to be wondered at, that her presence is much sought, and that those who know her, feel a lively interest in her favour.

To-morrow we leave the Eternal City—perhaps to see it no more. This presentiment filled me with sadness when I this evening from the Monte Pincio saw the golden sun sink beneath his purple clouds, his last beams tinging with a brilliant radiance the