music. I had made a rough calculation, aided by the stars, by which I

endeavoured to ascertain the first day of the new year. In the old out-worn

age, the Sovereign Pontiff was used to go in solemn pomp, and mark the

renewal of the year by driving a nail in the gate of the temple of Janus.

On that day I ascended St. Peter's, and carved on its topmost stone the

aera 2100, last year of the world!

My only companion was a dog, a shaggy fellow, half water and half

shepherd's dog, whom I found tending sheep in the Campagna. His master was

dead, but nevertheless he continued fulfilling his duties in expectation of

his return. If a sheep strayed from the rest, he forced it to return to the

flock, and sedulously kept off every intruder. Riding in the Campagna I had

come upon his sheep-walk, and for some time observed his repetition of

lessons learned from man, now useless, though unforgotten. His delight was

excessive when he saw me. He sprung up to my knees; he capered round and

round, wagging his tail, with the short, quick bark of pleasure: he left

his fold to follow me, and from that day has never neglected to watch by

and attend on me, shewing boisterous gratitude whenever I caressed or

talked to him. His pattering steps and mine alone were heard, when we

entered the magnificent extent of nave and aisle of St. Peter's. We

ascended the myriad steps together, when on the summit I achieved my

design, and in rough figures noted the date of the last year. I then turned

to gaze on the country, and to take leave of Rome. I had long determined to

quit it, and I now formed the plan I would adopt for my future career,

after I had left this magnificent abode.

612

The Last Man