roic minds, formed a strange contrast to the scene which presented
itself to their view on leaving this magnificent pile. The hurry,
bustle, and confusion of the street, the noisy vociferations of
coachmen, carmen, &c. burst upon their senses at a moment when the mind
had been soothed by reflection, and the eye gratified with a sight which
led imagination into futurity, before which the past and the present
had appeared to evaporate. The Hon. Tom Dashall, however, was quickly
recalled by observing his curricle so completely hemmed in between
contending parties to obtain liberation at the corner of Paul's chain,
as to afford but little chance of escape from its intricate situation
for some time.

"Zounds," said Tom, "we had better return and take a seat among the
worthies within, for I have no idea of mounting the curricle, to sit and
be quizzed."

"Any chance," said Bob, "is better than that; but at all events your man
is able to take care of the carriage and cattle, and we are competent to
the care of ourselves."

"Well hinted," replied Tom, "and it shall be acted upon."

~81~~ Thus saying, he made his way through the throng, and gave orders
for the curricle to proceed home as soon as it could be extricated from
its present confinement. Then returning to his Cousin,

"It is not the first time I have been disappointed; I had made up
my mind to proceed much farther; but the very scenes we have been
inspecting are proofs of the inability of man to perform all his wishes,
although equally' a proof of the splendid talents and determined valour
of our renowned and deservedly remembered countrymen, and are well
calculated to inspire us with patience, fortitude, and forbearance. At
the other door we can escape from the bustle of this side; and perhaps
the best thing we can do under existing circumstances, will be to speed
homewards, and after dinner relax a little from our toils, in order to
recruit for further activity."

"Have with you," said Bob; "we have enjoyed the first part of the day on
a variety of interesting subjects, and after a cheerful and refreshing
ride, have at last arrived at the threshold of eternity. We may as well
escape for this time if we can, and cheat the grim tyrant of mankind.
Although our ride has been a long one, our walk back is but short, so
let us lose no time."

In accordance with this recommendation, he caught hold of Dashall's arm,
proceeded through the Cathedral, and arrived at Picca