The Pythian declared, that Minerva, the protectress of Athens, had endeavoured in vain to appease the wrath of Jupiter; yet that Jupiter, in complaisance with his daughter, was willing the Athenians should secure themselves within wooden walls; and that Salamis should behold the loss of a great many children, dead to their mothers, either when Ceres was spread abroad, or gathered together.

The priests of Baal undoubtedly regarded their great protectress as one of the most fascinating women that ever adorned a royal palace, and in the blaze of her beauty and the magnificence of her bounty were blind to her innumerable sorceries and the wild license of her life.

May the Holy Mother be a protectress for your children as you are now for my Nato. CHACHO.

Lippo will find an affectionate protectress in her who will be able to appreciate his little-recognized virtues.

Over the gallery, and, as it were, a kind protectress to the poor below, stood the statue of the Virgin. GHENT[A]