"Tho' I am certainly within a few weeks, dear Madam, and perhaps within a few days, of my own death, I could not forbear being struck with the death of the Prince of Conti, so great a loss in every particular. My reflection carried me immediately to your situation in this melancholy incident. What a difference to you in your whole plan of life! Pray, write me some particulars; but in such terms that you need not care, in _event_ of decease, into whose hands your letter may fall. "_My_ distemper is a diarrhoea, or disorder in my bowels, which has _been_ gradually undermining me these two years; but within these six months has been visibly hastening me to my end. I see death approach gradually without any anxiety or regret. I salute you with great affection and regard for the last time. "DAVID HUME." SCRIPTURAL ANTIQUITIES. [Illustration: A. Drum, or Timbrel, of Baked Potter's Clay.--AA. Drum in use in the East.--B. Harp.--C. Lutes.--D. Inscribed Stone.--E. Sandals.] The rude musical instruments here represented, have been collected by modern travellers, and are but little changed from the ancient forms. The drum or timbrel marked A, is made of thin baked clay, something in the shape of a bottle, with parchment stretched over the wider part. On being struck with the finger, this instrument makes a remarkably loud sound. These relics are lodged in the London Scriptural Museum, and are all ticketed with the texts they serve to illustrate. This arrangement is very judicious, and gives a great additional interest to the sacred objects while under inspection. [Illustration: 1. Distaff.--2. Roman Farthing.--3. Stone Money Weights.--4. Hand Mill. 5. Eastern Wine and Water Bottles.]