But
this flutter was fully recompensed by the pleasures of Vauxhall;
which I no sooner entered, than I was dazzled and confounded with
the variety of beauties that rushed all at once upon my eye.
Image to yourself, my dear Letty, a spacious garden, part laid
out in delightful walks, bounded with high hedges and trees, and
paved with gravel; part exhibiting a wonderful assemblage of the
most picturesque and striking objects' pavilions, lodges, groves,
grottoes, lawns, temples and cascades; porticoes, colonades, and
rotundos; adorned with pillars, statues, and painting: the whole
illuminated with an infinite number of lamps, disposed in
different figures of suns, stars, and constellations; the place
crowded with the gayest company, ranging through those blissful
shades, or supping in different lodges on cold collations,
enlivened with mirth, freedom, and good humour, and animated by
an excellent band of music. Among the vocal performers I had the
happiness to hear the celebrated Mrs --, whose voice was loud and
shrill, that it made my head ake through excess of pleasure.
In about half an hour after we arrived we were joined by my
uncle, who did not seem to relish the place.
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