CHINESE LADY.
CHINESE NUN.
Among many “female varieties” there are a number of female Benzes in China, one of which is represented in the cut. They are a kind of Nun, who take vows for a certain period. There are two classes of them, one of which subjects themselves to stricter rules than the others. About the year 1787, one of these Nuns, like Miss Sqirrel in the wilds of Suffolk, set herself up for a goddess, and pretended to enlighten all the nations by supernatural doings. Thousands flocked to her, and becoming extremely rich, she erected a magnificent temple. The Emperor, however, a sly old fox, having suffered her to acquire as much wealth as he thought proper, at last ordered her to be executed, and confiscated her wealth to his own coffers. In a future chapter I shall afford my young friends some further particulars concerning the Chinese.
A Mysterious Adventure.
One of the most curious Old Castles I was ever at, was that of Baden. The word “Baden” is German, and signifies “bathing,” and it is here that much bathing takes place. The city is situated in a charming vale, about two leagues from the river Rhine.
The Castle is one of the “lions” of those parts; it is situated on a rock, and affords from all sides the most splendid prospect. The road to it is well cut, and made as easy as the nature of the ground will permit; but it was a full hour before Keet (who is one of the best and most courageous of companions) and I reached the place where the wide-spread ruin stands. The rock on which it is placed is many hundred feet above the level of the Rhine; and, being almost in the shape of a sugar-loaf, the panorama is perfect.