A lasting monument of Chetham’s fame,
Unto posterity a boon most rich—
A refuge for the child of poverty,
A still secluded haunt for studious men,
The college of a merchant.
Though a mighty change has been wrought in the surroundings, the ancient pile looks pretty much the same as it must have done three centuries ago, when Warden Dee, who then occupied it, was casting horoscopes and practising alchemy, and when Drayton saw it, and in his “Polyolbion” made the Irwell sing—
First Roche, a dainty rill....
And Irk add to my store.
And Medlock to their much by lending somewhat more;
At Manchester they meet, all kneeling to my state,