SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE.

"THE Noble Acts Newly Found of Arthur of the Table Round.

To the tune of Flying Fame. Printed by and for Alex. Melbourn, in Green Arches Court, in the Little Old Bailey." Such is the title of the black letter copy in the folio collection at the British Museum, from which this ballad is printed. The ancient romance of King Arthur has furnished the subject, as it has done for many a tale and ballad. And though this particular adventure be free from allusion to magic or enchantment, yet was the history of Sir Lancelot the very picture of romance. Carried off as an infant by a Water Nymph, and educated in her home beneath the waves, he hence acquired the name of Sir Lancelot du Lac, and enjoyed through life the aid and protection of this Lady of the Lake. Sir Bohort, one of his brave companions in arms, thus eloquently eulogises him. "And now I dare say that, Sir Lancelot,-ther thou lyist,-thou were never matched of none earthly knighte's handes. And thou were the curteist knight that ever bare shielde. And thou were the truest freende to thy lover that ever bestrode horse. And thou were the truest lover, of a synful man, that ever loved And thou were the kindest man that ever stroke with sworde. And thou were the goodliest person that ever came among presse of knightes. And thou were the meekest man, and the gentillest, that ever eate in hal among ladies. And thou were the sternest knight to thy mortall foe that ever put spere in the rest!"

woman.

KING ARTHUR'S DEATH.

ALL lovers of romance are familiar with King Arthur and the Knights of his Round Table. Minstrels and bards have drawn largely from the History of Geoffrey of Monmouth, published about the middle of the twelfth century; and, be it fabulous, or be it founded on fact, it right well merits its renown, and is a splendid fountain of inspiration for the Chroniclers in Rhyme.-Merlin, the Enchanter, presided over the birth of Arthur; marvellous was his life; and his death is wrapped in mystery. So be it. We will not follow Mr. Hall in partially revealing the crafty tricks of the monks of Glastonbury, who ministered to the enthusiastic admiration of Henry the Eighth for his favorite hero, by imposing upon his credulity legends manufactured, and relics prepared expressly. The British people have for ages done homage to the memory of King Arthur, and we will not, in this matter of fact age, lend even our humble hand to the pulling down those strongholds, which a reverence for antiquity and a national amour-propre have built up amongst them.-Our version is from Bishop Percy, and it has been both improved and enlarged by his able and practised hand.