Erected, as before mentioned, from the designs of the celebrated Inigo Jones, this magnificent colonnade was completed about 1640, at which time preparations were made for repairing the cathedral throughout, and for strengthening the tower, for enabling it to support a new spire.  But this design, owing to the disorganised state of affairs, was never carried into execution.

At the time of the Commonwealth, while the interior of the sacred fabric underwent every sort of desecration and mutilation,—­while stones were torn from the pavement, and monumental brasses from tombs,—­while carved stalls were burnt, and statues plucked from their niches,—­a similar fate attended the portico.  Shops were built beneath it, and the sculptures ornamenting its majestic balustrade were thrown down.

Amongst other obstructions, it appears that there was a “high house in the north angle, which hindered the masons from repairing that part of it.”  The marble door-cases, the capitals, cornices, and pillars were so much injured by the fires made against them, that it required months to put them in order.  At the Restoration, Sir John Denham, the poet, was appointed surveyor-general of the works, and continued to hold the office at the period of this history.

As Leonard drew near the portico, he perceived, to his surprise, that a large concourse of people was collected in the area in front of it; and, rushing forward, he found the assemblage listening to the denunciations of Solomon Eagle, who was standing in the midst of them with his brazier on his head.  The enthusiast appeared more than usually excited.  He was tossing aloft his arms in a wild and frenzied manner, and seemed to be directing his menaces against the cathedral itself.

Hoping to obtain assistance from the crowd, Leonard resolved to await a fitting period to address them.  Accordingly, he joined them, and listened to the discourse of the enthusiast.

“Hear me!” cried the latter, in a voice of thunder.  “I had a vision last night and will relate it to you.  During my brief slumbers, I thought I was standing on this very spot, and gazing as now upon yon mighty structure.  On a sudden the day became overcast, and ere long it grew pitchy dark.  Then was heard a noise of rushing wings in the air, and I could just discern many strange figures hovering above the tower, uttering doleful cries and lamentations.  All at once these figures disappeared, and gave place to, or, it may be, were chased away by, others of more hideous appearance.  The latter brought lighted brands which they hurled against the sacred fabric, and, in an instant, flames burst forth from it on all sides.  My brethren, it was a fearful, yet a glorious sight to see that vast pile wrapped in the devouring element!  The flames were so vivid—­so intense—­that I could not bear to look upon them, and I covered my face with my hands.  On raising my eyes again the flames were extinguished, but the building was