The Romans having become a maritime power, and having intercourse with Tyrus, ascertained that that Nation imported from a foreign country a white metal, which the Sons of Rome imagined to be Silver, and that it was brought from beyond the Pillars of Hercules,--now the Straits of Gibraltar. The metal which had aroused the curiosity and avarice of the Romans was _Tin_, and obtained by the Tyrians from the Isles of Britain and Hibernia, but especially from the former,--and to the Tyrians is that Island indebted at this day for her ancient name--Britain,--and of her guardian Goddess--Britannia:--for the word is derived from the Tyrian language,--viz., _Brit-tan-nack_,--_i. e._ _Land of Tin_,--so that there is actually a mysterious link in the chain of history, between Tyrian-Britain and Tyrian-America, which has existed for more than two thousand years! But to resume:--The future conquerors of Britain resolved to find out the secret, as to where the pseudo-silver came from,--and consequently they, unknown to the Tyrians, placed a Galley in-shore on the coast of Gaul, within the British Seas, and patiently watched the approach of the vessel of their rival, known to be on a metal expedition with the Islanders. The Roman allowed the Tyrian to pass on without interruption (for the two nations were at peace) and then followed at a great distance unperceived, by lowering the mast and sail, and depending upon the rowers. As the owner of the secret approached Britain, (thus discovering which of the Isles was the object of their voyage,) the Romans hoisted sail, plied their oars, and followed on their foaming track,--that _their_ chance for barter should be equal to the Tyrians. The latter finding that they were discovered, instantly increased their speed towards the Isle,--thus enticing the former to follow;--all were silent on board the Tyrian Galley, as if in sorrow at discovery,--the Romans gained upon them,--the Sons of Sidon in apparent despair threw overboard their cargo and all useless material, as in fear of losing the secret,--the Romans believing that the Tyrians by sailing close in-shore, and from their loss of cargo, were about to land in sullen silence, instantly renewed their energy both by oars and sail; on sped the first Roman prow through British seas,--dashing through the waves like a wild sea-bird;--and on the silver track of ambition,--amid loud huzzas, and shouts of victory, they were dazzled in their own eyes from danger,--on they flew like the Eagle of their country,--imperious and as proud;--when--sudden as the falling of a star--the Roman Galley struck upon the wave-covered rocks,--the ship was rent asunder,--all were lost,--not one returned to the Eternal city to betray the secret! The last Roman shout of despair at the moment of the defeat, was caught, and echoed as one of triumph by the ingenious and resolute Tyrians,--for they in the _friendly_ chase, threw over the cargo not only to lighten their ship