which idea is repeated by Weever. And in the year 1749, some unknown poet, soliloquising upon the top of Primrose Hill, bursts out into the following rapturous musing at the sight of "the old weather-beaten church" in the distance.—
"The rev'rend spire of ancient Pancras view,
To ancient Pancras pay the rev'rence due;
Christ's sacred altar there, first Britain saw,
And gaz'd, and worshipp'd, with an holy awe,
Whilst pitying heav'n diffus'd a saving ray,
And heathen darkness changed to Christian day."
Gentleman's Mag., xiv. 276.
Perhaps some of the gentlemen now engaged in compiling historical notices of the parish of St. Pancras will be able to dispel the Cimmerian darkness which at present envelopes the consecration of the old church.
The late Mr. Smith, author of Nollekins and his Times, made some collections towards a History of St. Pancras. Query, What has become of them?