The Vale of Conan.

The hermit, to gratify our hero’s curiosity, conducted him to the most remarkable places in this beautiful and romantic glen, which was called by the inhabitants the Vale of Conan. They consisted of about one hundred families, and spoke a language resembling the Welch. They have a tradition among them, that, at some very distant period, their ancestors came from beyond the seas, under the command of a leader or prince, called Madoc, the son of Gwnnedh, a foreign prince: that a part of them emigrated to the countries north-west of the great river Missisippi, and the remainder being almost destroyed by the numerous Indians around them, took refuge in this neighbourhood, and at last secured themselves in this impregnable recess; where they have lived, for many generations, / unmolested and unknown. ⁵⁴² Their sheep have greatly multiplied, as well as the goats, deer, buffaloes, and wild game, with which the country abounds. Here, separated from the contentions and vices of the world, they enjoy the most perfect harmony, plenty, and peace. Their dress is of home-spun; their morals pure; and their society like that of one family. As to religion, they appear to be christians by their worship, and by a book which they retain, and can read, resembling our bible. The air here is exceedingly temperate, the vale being sheltered from the northern blasts in winter, and cooled by refreshing breezes in the summer. This happy spot is capable of producing any vegetables, of almost any clime; and you will see by the longevity and appearance of the inhabitants, how friendly it is to health. You will trace on the fronts of their cells, many ingenious imitations of European architecture, and in the ditches and ramparts, at every avenue, strong / marks of a knowledge of fortification. After gratifying themselves highly, with the sublime and beautiful prospects of this enchanting vale, the hermit and our hero retired to refreshment and repose for the night. The next day, accompanied by Letitia, Sancho, and Bab, they were escorted by many of these friendly rustics, of both sexes, towards the hermit’s cell, where they bade our heroine and her companion a most affectionate farewell.