On the “Herbert genealogy,” Mr. Willatt relates the following characteristic <g>Anecdote.</g>--About two miles from Abergavenny, says he, is Handel--once a mansion of no less magnificence than antiquity; but in the present day it is only interesting from its having been the cradle of the ancient and numerous family of <g>Herbert</g>. Of the vast possessions of this family, the inheritance of the last lineal descendant, who died twenty years ago, had dwindled down to less than two hundred a year. But however reduced in fortune, his pride of ancestry had lost nothing of its strength or spirit by the change. Meeting a stranger one day near his mansion, who took an interest in the local history and natural beauties of the scenery, they entered into conversation. “And pray, Sir,” inquired the stranger, “whose is that antique-looking mansion before us?” “That, Sir,” replied the last of the Herberts, “is Handel--a very ancient house, for _out_ of it came the Earls of <g>Pembroke</g> of the first line; and the Earls of Pembroke of the second line; the Lords Herbert of Cherburg; the Herberts of Coldbrook, Rumney, Cardiff, and York; the <g>Morgans</g> of Acton came _out_ of it; so also did the Earl of <g>Hunsdon</g>; the <g>Joneses</g> of Treowen and Llanarth, and all the <g>Powells</g>. Out of this house also, by the female line, came the Dukes of <g>Beaufort</g>!” “And pray, Sir,” inquired the stranger, “who lives in it now?” “I, Sir--I live in it,” was the answer. “Then pardon me, Sir, if I presume to give you a little advice. Do not lose sight of so many prudent examples, but come _out_ of it yourself, or it will assuredly fall _in_ upon you, and crush you in its ruins!” With this digression, suggested by the subject, we return to Pembroke.