Old Saint Paul's A Tale of the Plague and the Fire

but few were put down to the plague, and a large number to the spotted fever (another frightful

accident, that a discovery was made. Quack doctors were secretly consulted, instead of the regular practitioners; the searchers were bribed to silence; and large fees were given to the undertakers and buriers to lay the deaths to the account of some other disorder. All this, however, did not blind the eyes of the officers to the real state of things. Redoubling their vigilance, they entered houses on mere sus

inhabitants as from the presence of the plague, and this added to the forlorn appearance of the streets, which in some quarters were almost deserted. For a while, nothing was seen at the great outlets of the city but carts, carriag

t instead of producing its usual enlivening effect on the spirits, the fine weather added to the general gloom and apprehension, inasmuch as it led to the belief (afterwards fully confirmed), that if the present warmth was so pernicious, the more sultry seasons which were near at hand would aggravate the fury of the

tly loaded. Fresh directions were issued by the authorities; and as domestic animals were considered to be a medium of conveying the infection, an order, which was immediately carried into effect, was given to destroy all dogs and cats. But this plan pr

in of their number, amongst whom was the reader's acquaintance, Doctor Hodges, were appointed to attend the infected; and two out of the Court of Aldermen were required to see that they duly executed their dangerous office. Public prayers and a general fast were likewise enjoined. But Heaven seemed deaf to the supplications of the doomed inhabitants-their prayers being followed by a fearful increase of deaths. A vast crowd was collected within Sai

rded as an intolerable grievance, and though most were compelled to submit to it, some few resisted, and tumults and disturbances ensued. As the plague increase

shut up, withheld all information from the examiners and searchers. His wife died, and immediately afterwards one of his children was attacked. Still he refused to give notice. The matter, however, got wind. The searchers arrived at night, and being refused admittance, they broke into the house. Finding undoubted evidence of infection, they or

ined the street. A party of the watch happened to be passing at the time, and the fugitive was instantly secured. He made a great clamour, however,-calling to his neighbours and the bystanders to rescue him, and in another moment the watch was

nder-lane, and drove away the watchmen. One man, more courageous than the others, tried to maintain his post, and was so severely handled by his assailants, that he died a few days afterwards of the in

t them. A council of war was held, and many of the rabble were disposed to fly; but Barcroft again urged them to proceed, and they were unexpectedly added by Solomon Eagle, who, bursting through their ranks, with his brazier on his head, crying, "Awake! sleepers, awake! the plague is at your doors! awak

ut finding no one on guard-for the watchman, guessing their errand, had taken to his heels-they smeared over the fatal cross and inscription with a pail of mud gathered from the neigh

"We are determined no longer to let our families be imprisoned at the pleasure of the Lord

ave been opened in three days hence by the officers; so that I have suffered all the inconvenience of the confinement, and can speak to it. It is no doubt very irksome, and may be almost intolerable to persons of an impatient temperamen

loud groans and upbraid

e has no interest in the matter, except that he would have others suffer as he has done. Heed him not,

thoritative voice. "In the name of those you

r. "Is this your gratitude for the favour we have just conferred upon you? Comma

rmly. "In the Lord Mayor's name, I comman

or greater outrage. The grocer and his apprentice were instantly assailed by several others of the mob, who, leaving them both

m, and several half-naked creatures were found dead in the streets on the following morning. Two houses in Blackfriars-lane were set on fire, and the conflagration was with difficulty checked; nor

ished in prison of the distemper. Far from being discouraged by the opposition offered to their decrees, the city authorities enforced them with

me to express his high approval of it, offering to remit the few days yet unexpired of his quarantine. The gro

first meeting after their long separation. It took place in the room adjoining the shop. Mrs. Bloundel received the joyful summons from Leonard, and, on descending with her children, found her husband and her son Stephen anxiously expecting her. Scarcely able to make up her mind as to which of the two she should embrace fir

ugh her tears, and almost smothering him with kisses, "you are not so much altered as I expected; and I do not think, if I had had the care of you,

ciently grateful for

affecti

om this great danger, my son, not to me," returned Bloundel.

se with bright and cheerful countenances; and even Blaize seemed to have shaken off his habitual dread of the pestilence. As he retired with Patience, he observed to her, "Master Stephen looks quite wel

t, I would," r

ty, and see what progress the plague is making. I am all anxiety to know. I must get a fresh supply of medicine, too. My private store is qu

tience. "I haven't touched my last year'

l elixir, as he passed the house yesterday. I must find him out and buy a bottle. Besides, I must call on my fr

om which I have picked the kernel, and filled its place with quicksilver, stopping the hole with

s remedy?" asked Bla

r," returne

r heard of it,"

to put such matters into your head," replied Patience. "But I couldn

ren flock together, and pretend that some of their number are dead, solemnizing the burial in a mournful sort, it is a certain token that a great mortality is at hand.' This I have myself seen mo

Patience: "but I did no

brings back my old symptoms. I must have a supper to guard against infection

us, they proceede

together again, and expressed a hearty wish that they might never more be divided. He watched Amabel and Leo

the watch, and had scarcely slept at night, so anxious was he to prevent the possibility of any communication taking place between Rochester and his mistress. But, in spite of all

mself to his feelings. As to his wife, she could scarcely contain herself, but wept and laughed by turns-now embracing her husband, now her son, between whom she had placed herself. Nor did s

ience I have never witnessed such generous self-devotion as Mr. Bloundel has exhibited towards his son. You must no

it, sir," repli

an by which he trusts to secure you and his children

so it does not separat

Blo

been. I mean to shut up my house, having previously stored it with provisions for a twelvem

ntinues twenty years," replied his wife. "Bu

r, I have no doubt

" exclaim

un now. Your father is right to adopt these precautions.

cried

peremptorily. "Who ever leaves the ho

close it, fathe

er; "as soon as I have laid in a

ouse for a year?" cried Amab

to leave it?" asked h

Leonard, in a low to

The former, however, did not notice her embarrassment, but ob

laimed your hand in a month, you would yield it

morrow," she repl

er," muttered the app