Masonic Facts.

197 . Archbishop Thoresby to his Eeeeiver at York . — " Health , grace , and blessing . Deliver ye unto Master Eobert de Patryngton , Master Mason of the fabric of the new Choir ' of our Church of York , on account of the work of six marble stones to be prepared for the tombs of our predecessors , as we have agreed together , ten pounds out of the hundred pounds payable by us

to the said fabric at the feast of Easter next ensuing . But in such wise , that at your peril you cause any defalcation of the payment of the said ten pounds , now to be paid to the said Eobert in the payment of the foresaid one hundred pounds ; receiving at present of the said Master Eobert a memorandum testifying the

payment of the said ten pounds ; whereby , and showing of these presents , we will cause the said ten pounds to be duly carried to your account . " Farewell , written at Thorp , near York , lSth day of February , A . D . 1368 . "

Classical Theology.—Lv.

CLASSICAL THEOLOGY . —LV .

X . —VESTA AND DECEMBEK . The spirit of Love , by name Cupid , felt decidedly inclined to reject the restraint symbolised in the council of his mute friend Harpocrates . To commune with , and hold no secrets from the one we

love had such delectable charms as to constitute of themselves all , or nearly all the bliss that was lost in the expulsion from Paradise ; or at least so Cupid thought , and at first , determined to adventure upon . But , however , on- more reflection , second thoughts induced him to submit to the wisdom , and rely on the

guidance of his sage adviser . Psyche in trust of her innocence , and the efficacy of her piety , consoled herself and endeavoured thereupon likewise to soothe her grieving relations and friends who accompanied her to the destined mountain , whose most dread and desolate solitude had

been appointed for her sojourn , and the contemplations awaiting on her fate . Here , in compliance with the directions of the oracle , she was left entirel y alone .

At every moment and every turn , as she looked around , she expected to encounter , like Beauty did the Beast , the monster that was to become her husband , and she , on being his wife , was to obe 3 . Still she sought resignation and comfort from her thoughts on the simple , religiousand inoffensive conduct of her past lifeand

, , in devising artless remedies to soothe and tame his savage nature—as by those appeasing yieldings of temper , and docility of manner , which had ever sweetly Avon for her the esteem and affections of everyone acquainted with her . Then with herself she thus further innocently and closely reasoned .

" The fact that this deformed and untoward creature , seeking to many me , indicates he must feel and possess some fond respect and attachment for me , which will induce him to endeavour to recommend himself to my affections , and not to hint me . He will then cease to be unmanageable and formidable , and I shall not be afraid of him . If it is the will of

Classical Theology.—Lv.

Apollo , or of Him of whom I am—if such be the gods ' decree , that I am to marry a monster , his nialionity may perhaps be subdued by my kindness . Few are so evil as to be impenetrable to good . His fondness for me may change him in my eyes , and make me not think him ugly- As part of himself , in being his

wife , he will not disregard my inclinations so long as I am dutiful to him . At any rate , with gentleness and no asperity , I will try to soften down the austerities of his nature , and in striving to please him I may myself be pleased . " Eevolving these projects Psyche heeded not the lengthening of the shadow on

the golden sunset ; neither was she conscious of the sweet calm of repose stealing over her senses . Enjoined by Cupid the aerial-winged spirit Zephyrus , having sought Somnus within her dominion of dreams and phantasmas , to elicit from the Spirit of Sleep an essence of rare slumber , had now repaired to the awful rock of Psyche ' s exile and over her welfare as derived

from the Euler of the Leaden Sceptre , shed the lulling efficacy of its soft quiescence . In this state by spiritual and bodily insensibility , Zephyrus lifted her high above the earth , and bore her far over the darkling sea to a beautiful land , or rather islet , laid out like a garden of paths and mossy swards , interspersed with beds of fragrant flowersamongst which

, arose dazzling fountains , blossoming shrubs and trees that never faded , and ever green perfumed arcades and groves , all rich in the beams of the rising sun . The effect of this sudden change of place and scenery upon the recovered senses of Pysche , was one of wild delight . She sprung from her couch of

grass , blue with violets , where the beneficent Zephyrus had left her , and went forth gazing on all around , with new and enrapt perceptions of wonder , admiration , and ecstasy . Whilst thus wandering , she suddenly arrived near an edifice whose magnificent grandeur and elaborate architecture testified of themselves the

consummate skill and superlative taste of its masonic workmanship and designer . On entering the palace , although Psyche perceived that she'was its only occupant , invisible bands of musicians greeted her with celestial melodies of welcome , and she found all its interior as costly and elegant in furniture , toilet , and decoration as could be imagined in view of its

grand exterior . A sumptuous board had likewise been prepared for her . Overjoyed , and overcome with the transition of her transports , she sank on a raised cushion reflecting on her happiness and the delights of her Paradise . The sound of the minstrelsy abruptly subsided ; and she heard an

ethereal voice , as of some invisable person near her , saying , " You are the predicted bride of love . My sweet and beloved Psyche , put far from you all your fear of me . Conformable to the omniscient announcement of the Heliosian God , Apollo , I come as your betrothed to make you my wifeand this place oxu '

, residence . All that is required of you for your constant felicity , is implicitly to abstain from any attempted curiosity or temptation to behold me ; it would be fatal to our happiness . Be faithful in this , trust in my love , place your affections upon me , and our love and affections for each other will be of eternal

enjoyment . " Never before had Psyche heard words so " sweetly uttered . She thought could his person be all in unison with his voice , that would be dehghtful . " Must it be so ? " said she . " Ah me , how great has been my joy in this place . "