The
populace did not evince any enthusiasm, yet there could not possibly be a
war to which the country could assent more fully than to this. I
somewhat doubt whether the English populace really feels a vital interest
in the nation.
Some years ago, a piece of rude marble sculpture, representing St. George
and the Dragon, was found over the fireplace of a cottage near Rock
Ferry, on the road to Chester. It was plastered over with pipe-clay, and
its existence was unknown to the cottagers, until a lady noticed the
projection and asked what it was. It was supposed to have originally
adorned the walls of the Priory at Birkenhead. It measured fourteen and
a half by nine inches, in which space were the heads of a king and queen,
with uplifted hands, in prayer; their daughters also in prayer, and
looking very grim; a lamb, the slain dragon, and St. George, proudly
prancing on what looks like a donkey, brandishing a sword over his head.
The following is a legend inscribed on the inner margin of a curious old
box:--
"From Birkenhead into Hilbree
A squirrel might leap from tree to tree."
I do not know where Hilbree is; but all round Birkenhead a squirrel would
scarcely find a single tree to climb upon. All is pavement and brick
buildings now.
Good Friday.--The English and Irish think it good to plant on this day,
because it was the day when our Saviour's body was laid in the grave.
Seeds, therefore, are certain to rise again.
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