earthly hell or purgatory, would occur, when the ecliptic and equator would

be at right angles.[1] Our party at length broke up; "We are all dreaming

this morning," said Ryland, "it is as wise to discuss the probability of a

visitation of the plague in our well-governed metropolis, as to calculate

the centuries which must escape before we can grow pine-apples here in the

open air."

But, though it seemed absurd to calculate upon the arrival of the plague in

London, I could not reflect without extreme pain on the desolation this

evil would cause in Greece. The English for the most part talked of Thrace

and Macedonia, as they would of a lunar territory, which, unknown to them,

presented no distinct idea or interest to the minds. I had trod the soil.

The faces of many of the inhabitants were familiar to me; in the towns,

plains, hills, and defiles of these countries, I had enjoyed unspeakable

delight, as I journied through them the year before. Some romantic village,

some cottage, or elegant abode there situated, inhabited by the lovely and

the good, rose before my mental sight, and the question haunted me, is the

plague there also?--That same invincible monster, which hovered over and

devoured Constantinople--that fiend more cruel than tempest, less tame

than fire, is, alas, unchained in that beautiful country--these

reflections would not allow me to rest.

The political state of England became agitated as the time drew near when

the new Protector was to be elected. This event excited the more interest,

since it was the current report, that if the popular candidate (Ryland)

should be chosen, the question of the abolition of hereditary rank, and

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The Last Man