From the birth-place of the illustrious man, I found my way to his corpse-place; and never had I beheld so beautiful and venerable a church, or so tranquil and lovely a spot. The approach to the edifice, which is situated at some distance from the town, upon the banks of the fresh and murmuring Avon, is through an avenue of lime-trees, the branches of which are interlaced _archwise_, as Lord Bacon would say, so as to form a green canopy of some length. The scenery is not what is called _romantic_, but soft and quiet, and calculated, above all things, to surround the tomb of the genial poet of human nature. I was determined to get into the church, though it was so early; and, accordingly, after a little trouble, I found out the sexton, a fine old fellow, with a Saxon name, who was munching his breakfast in a large old-fashioned room with latticed casements, half kitchen and half parlour. But he was too busy with his meal to be disturbed; and accordingly he sent his wife with me to open the church, and I believe our footsteps were the first which had that morning disturbed the holy silence of the place. The building is very fine, and even stately; but the interest connected with Shakspeare absorbs all other feelings, and monopolizes one's admiration. I stood under his monument, on the very stone of his grave. * * * _Ibid._ * * * * * THE GATHERER. "I am but a _Gatherer_ and disposer of other men's stuff."--_Wotton._ * * * * * LORD RUSSEL. When my Lord Russel was on the scaffold, and preparing to be beheaded, he took his watch out of his pocket and gave it to Dr. Burnet, who assisted his devotions, with this observation: "My time-piece may be of service to you: I have no further occasion for it. My thoughts are fixed on eternity." * * * * * EPITAPH ON A SCOLD. Here lies my wife; and heaven knows, Not less for mine than her repose! * * * * * ON A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS PENNY. Reader, if in cash thou art in want of any, Dig four feet deep and thou shalt find A PENNY. * * * * * DRAMATIC SKETCH OF A THIN MAN.