From the quays, I sauntered along the ramparts, which are flanked by broad ditches—­of course plentifully supplied with water; and passing over the drawbridge, by which all carriages enter the town—­and which absolutely trembles as if about to sink beneath you, as the diligence rolls over it.—­I made for the boulevards and tea-gardens; to which, business being well nigh over, the inhabitants of Havre flock by hundreds and by thousands.  A fine afternoon throws every thing into “good keeping”—­as the artists say.  The trees, and meadows, and upper lands, were not only bright with the sun-beam, but the human countenance was lighted up with gladness.  The occupations partook of this joyful character.  Accordingly there was dancing and singing on all sides; a little beyond, appeared to sit a group of philosophers, or politicians, upon a fantastically cut seat, beneath laburnums streaming with gold; while, still further, gradually becoming invisible from the foliage and winding path, strolled pairs in more gentle discourse!  Meanwhile the whoop and halloo of school-boys, in rapid and ceaseless evolutions, resounded through the air, and heightened the gratification of the scene....

  And young and old came out to play
  Upon a sun-shine holiday.

Gaining a considerable ascent, I observed knolls of rich verdure, with fine spreading trees, and elegant mansions, to be in the foreground—­in the middle-ground, stood the town of Havre:—­in the distance, rolled and roared the expansive ocean!  The sun was visibly going to rest; but his departing beams yet sparkled upon the more prominent points of the picture.  There was no time for finishing the subject.  After a stroll of nearly a couple of hours, on this interesting spot, I retraced my steps over the draw-bridge, and prepared for objects of still life; in other words, for the examination of what might be curious and profitable in the shape of a boke.

The lamps were lighted when I commenced my Bibliomaniacal Voyage of discovery among the BOOKSELLERS.  But what poverty of materials, for a man educated in the schools of Fust and Caxton!  To every question, about rare or old books, I was told that I should have been on the Continent when the allies first got possession of Paris.  In fact, I had not a single trouvaille.

The packet was to sail by nine the next morning, precisely.  For a wonder, (or rather no wonder at all, considering what had occurred during the last twenty-four hours) I had an excellent night’s rest, and was prepared for breakfast by eight.  Having breakfasted, I accompanied my luggage to the inner harbour, and observed the Honfleur packet swarming with passengers, and crammed with every species of merchandize:  especially tubs, casks, trunks, cordage, and earthenware.  We went on board, and took our stations near the helm; and after experiencing a good deal of uncomfortable heaving of the ocean, got clear from the mouth of the