His "conclusion," which gives no distant antiquity to these Ruins (but which is absolutely apparent), is somewhat in analogy with that which may be supposed to have been offered to a travelling Astronomer, by a homestead-loving Cottager,--who declared that the Moon could not be _ancient_ and _inhabited_, because the _freshness_ would prevent both propositions. "Freshness! How so, my good woman?" asked the Newtonian disciple. "How so!" she replied. "How wise you gentlemen with long telescopes are!--how so?--why because there is a NEW _moon every month_, and, consequently, there would not be time enough for people to be born,--or if they were to grow up like 'plants,' they would be cut down every month!--and consequently they could not be _ancient_,--any how!" But to be serious.--Our just pride of native land! England,--as expressed in "The First Oration upon the Life, Character, and Genius of Shakspeare,"[5] and our impartial love (as a Citizen of the United States) for the Nation claiming Washington as its founder, is too well known and recorded in our humble Oration upon her History and Independence,[6]--and in public debate, discourses, and speeches, both in England and America;--together with the feelings of duty;--and gratitude founded upon hospitality and the Medallic presentations received in both Countries, to admit even of a question, as to our resolution to uphold their glory and amity, at home or abroad,--and that without fear or favour, from foe or friend! It was _the very spirit of that love_ for the country, which has graced us by its Citizenship, that led us to detect the erroneous "conclusions" of Mr. Stephens in reference to these Ruins:--for the errors must be evident even to himself, should these fervent but honest pages, ever meet his perusal;--and appreciating as we do, the valuable and interesting volumes he has given to the Library of "Travels,"--good nature,--knowledge of the Arts,--united with a justifiable, and a necessary independence, called forth by the importance of the subject,--have been the only means employed by us in criticising his work. [5] Pronounced at Stratford-upon-Avon, England, before, and at the invitation of the Royal Shaksperean Institution, April 23, 1836. [6] Pronounced in the Capital of Virginia, U. S. A., at the invitation of the Franklin Society, and before the Municipal Authorities, July 4, 1840. In his last chapters, he seems to have forgotten what he had written in his descriptions of the Ruins: and that his "Conclusion" was a sudden thought,--and, as proved, not founded upon that which preceded. It could not be otherwise, for "A change came o'er the spirit of _his_ dream!"