"It was evening when I arrived, much fatigued by the journey I had so often made so easily. The Boar could not put me into my usual bedroom, which was engaged,--probably by some one who had expectations,--and could only assign me a very indifferent chamber among the pigeons and post-chaises up the yard. But, I had as sound a sleep in that lodging as in the most superior accommodation the Boar could have given me, and the quality of my dreams was about the same as in the best bedroom." The visitors' book in the coffee-room, at the Bull--we never shall call it "The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel"--abounds with complimentary remarks on the hospitable treatment received by its guests; and there are several poetical effusions, inspired by the classic nature of "Dickens-Land." One of these, under date of the 18th September, 1887, is worth recording:-- "The man who knows his Dickens as he should, Enjoys a double pleasure in this place; He loves to walk its ancient streets, and trace The scenes where Dickens' characters have stood. He reads _The Mystery of Edwin Drood_ In Jasper's Gatehouse, and, with Tope as guide, Explores the old cathedral, Durdles' pride; Descends into the Crypt, and even would Ascend the Tower by moonlight, thence to see Fair Cloisterham reposing at his feet, And passing out, he almost hopes to meet Crisparkle and the white-haired Datchery. The gifted writer 'sleeps among our best And noblest' in our Minster of the West; Yet still he lives in this, his favourite scene, Which for all time shall keep his memory green." [Illustration: Old Rochester Bridge]