: The Mirror of Literature Amusement and Instruction. Volume 12 No. 329 August 30 1828 by Various - Popular literature Great Britain Periodicals The Mirror of Literature Amusement and Instruction

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THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.

As one act of public spirit generally leads to another, the erection of a new stone bridge is projected at Staines; it is to be nearer the church than the present bridge, and will afford a better view of the new structure. An elegant stone bridge was erected here in 1796, but two of the piers sinking, the bridge was taken down, and an iron one substituted; this failed, and has since been supported by wooden piles and frame-work.

This is a boundary stone which marks the extent of the jurisdiction possessed by the City of London over the western part of the River Thames. It stands on the margin of the river, in the vicinity of Staines church, and bears the date of 1280. On a moulding round the upper part is inscribed "GOD preserve the City of London, A.D. 1280."

THE SPECTRE'S VOYAGE.

"There is a part of the river Wye, between the city of Hereford and the town of Moss, which was distinguished and well known for upwards of two centuries, by the appellation of the Spectre's Voyage; across which, so long as it retained that name, neither entreaty nor remuneration could induce any boatman to convey passengers after a certain hour of the night. The superstitious ideas current amongst the lower orders of people were, that on every evening about the hour of eight, a beautiful female figure was seen in a small vessel, sailing from Hereford to Northrigg, with the utmost rapidity, against wind and tide, or even in a dead calm--landed at the little village, returned, and vanished, when arrived at a certain part of the river, where the current is remarkably strong, about half a mile from the city of Hereford."

Bright shines the silver queen of night, Upon fair Wye's soft stream; Which throws a ray of heavenly light Reflected from her beam. Yet this smooth water, wide and clear, This scene of sweet repose; Erst filled the villagers with fear As ancient story goes.

'Tis told us that in dead of night, A skiff was seen compact and light, With sail, and oars, and mast. And in it sat the spectral form, Of a most beauteous maid; Who heeded neither wind nor storm, As she this voyage made.

Nor heeded she the pelting rain, Nor winter's blinding snows; But to the destin'd spot amain, The scudding vessel goes; Or if so calm, the placid Wye, No wave was on its face, Yet onward did that light bark fly To reach the fated place.

When on the deck she was espied, Each trembled to behold; As on she sail'd 'gainst wind and tide, Then sail and oar were both applied, And swift the vessel flew; But where the man--who could abide That vessel to pursue?

Ah! who could dare approach the spot Where Isabel did steer? That mariner existeth not, But did that phantom fear. Or where's the man whose courage bold, Could lend him strength one hour, To gaze upon that form so cold, Or place him in her power.

And when the spectral sail was spread, That flutter'd to and fro; The hair would bristle on each head, Which awful fear did show. And when the moon-beam seem'd to kiss, That dreaded maiden's brow; Something each knew would go amiss, Nor judg'd such wrong, I trow.

For tho' the form was wond'rous fair, 'Twas terrible to view; And to avoid it was the care Of every vessel's crew. Full many a dismal tale was told, Of that fam'd spectre ship; And none were ever known so bold To watch this nightly trip.

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