Be thine object health or pleasure, Historic sites or classic treasure; The Roman camp, the Norman grave, Or war-tower crumbling o’er the wave; Or fertile vale, or vocal woods, Or hills, and flocks, and crystal floods; [Illustration: CHEPSTOW CASTLE, From the Iron Bridge across the Wye.] And haunts and homes that love to claim The patriot’s or the poet’s name-- Then hither bend thy pilgrim way, Where <g>Taga’s</g> classic waters play; And here thy weary heart shall find, What soothes and renovates the mind. [Illustration: C]<g>hepstow</g> is of Roman foundation--the _Strigulia_ of ancient authors--and was for centuries one of the favourite strongholds of the kingdom. By the antiquarian researches, which are now conducted with unprecedented success and spirit, numerous vestiges of ancient times have been brought to light, and many more, it is believed, are reserved for the labours of archæology. The vicinity abounds in military encampments, all more or less remarkable for the strength of their position, and pointing to those days of border warfare when ‘might was right,’ and the sword the acknowledged lawgiver. But in the description of Chepstow, our observations must be restricted to the subjects selected for illustration; and these are so correctly depicted in the scene before us, that the reader will obtain a far more correct idea from the delineations of the pencil, than from any description that could be conveyed by the pen. Chepstow is supposed, and with much probability, to have been the chief seaport of the Silurian colony, as both Caerwent and Portscwet have for many centuries been deserted by the sea. Where the Roman galleys once flanked the beach, landing their freight of mailed cohorts, the modern steamer now unloads her crowded deck of peaceful tourists, merchants, mechanics, and students of the picturesque. In its general appearance--in its street architecture--Chepstow still presents some isolated features of the primitive style. Of these, the principal is the Western Gate, of unquestionable antiquity; and, in point of date, taking precedence of the castle itself. By a charter given in the 16th Henry VIII., the bailiffs were to have their prison for the punishment of offences within the Great Gate, “which they have builded by our commandment.” This is supposed to be a renewal of the ancient liberties of the town, granted by Howel Dhu, A.D. 940.