sed a keenness that appeared to penetrate the skin. The roads being
of a clayey soil soon became of the consistency of mortar by the tramping
of so many feet, and our march might have been traced for several miles by
the old boots, shoes, and stockings, which were left sticking in the mud
in the hurry of the march. I have no doubt that we made a very grotesque
appearance, and raised many a smile from some of the passers-by. Our march
continued throughout the day without interruption, save occasional short
halts to bring up those who lagged behind; for many began to be exhausted
from cold, fatigue and hunger. We had not tasted a morsel of food since
the day before.
As we advanced, the scene became more gloomy. Habitations became fewer,
and the hedged and cultivated fields gave place to moors and 'blasted
heaths;' and the sombre hue of the sky imparted the same tone to our
feelings. Night had now overtaken us, and the rain was still pouring down
in torrents. Way-worn and hungry, we hailed our gloomy prison, which now
presented itself, and we looked upon it almost with joy. From the darkness
of the night we could scarcely discern the dim outline of its lofty walls
and ponderous gates, as they swung open, grating upon their hinges, to
engulf a fresh supply of misery within that sepulchre of the living. We
were now thrust into a building, reeking wet and benumbed with cold. All
was in total darkness, and we were in dread of breaking some of our limbs,
should we undertake to explore the limits or condition of our prison. As
it was, we were fain to lie down upon the stone pavement which formed the
floor of our abode. In this state we passed a long and weary night,
without bedding or covering of any kind, as our baggage had not yet
arrived. A description of the prison of Dartmoor, and of the scenes and
occurrences which took place within its walls, I shall defer to a
subsequent number, as it would occupy too much space to be embodied in
this.
FRAGMENTS FROM THE GREEK.
I.
'TELL ME, ZEPHYR.'
Tell me, Zephyr, swiftly winging,
Ne'er before such fragrance bringing,
From what rose-bed comest thou?
'Underneath a hawthorn creeping,
I beheld a maiden, sleeping,
And her breath I bear thee now!'
II.
FOUR MAIDENS DRINKING.
Streamlet! at thy mossy brink
Maidens four once stooped to drink:
Crag and wild rock tumbling o'er,
Wert thou e'er so blest before?
III.
[Greek:
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