The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 12, No. 331, September 13, 1828

The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 12, Issue 331, September 13, 1828, by Various

One of the most delightful things in the world is going a journey. Now if there be one of our million of friends who, like the fop in the play, thinks all beyond Hyde Park a desert, let him forthwith proceed on a pilgrimage to Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of SHAKSPEARE; and though he be the veriest Londoner that ever sung of the sweet shady side of Pall Mall, we venture to predict his reform. If such be not the result, then we envy him not a jot of his terrestrial enjoyment. Let him but think of the countless hours of delight, the full houses, the lighted dome and deeping circles, of the past season; when
Dread o'er the scene the ghost of Hamlet stalks;
Othello rages, &c.
and then will he not enjoy a visit to the place where—
——Sweetest Shakspeare, Fancy's child,
Warbled his native wood-notes wild.
Sterne, the prince of sentimental tourists, says, Let me have a companion of my way, were it but to remark how the shadows lengthen as the sun declines; but, for our part, we should prefer a visit to Stratford, alone , unless it were with some garrulous old guide to entertain us with his or her reminiscences.
This brings us to Charlecote Hall , one of the Shakspearean relics. It consists of a venerable mansion, situated on the banks of the Avon, about four miles from Stratford, and built in the first year of the reign of Elizabeth, by Sir Thomas Lucy;
A parliamente member, and justice of peace.
At home a poor scare-crow, at London an asse,