through an arched passage into the crypt, which, methought, was in a
better style of architecture than the nave and choir.... Thence we went
into the cloisters, which are entire, but not particularly interesting.
Indeed, this cathedral has not taken hold of my affections, except in one
aspect, when it was exceedingly grand and beautiful.



ELY [Footnote: From "Old England: Its Scenery, Art, and People." Published
by Houghton, Mifflin Co.]

BY JAMES M. HOPPIN


I was attracted around by the way of Ely, to see the cathedral there,
instead of taking the Huntingdon route more directly to Cambridge. This
was quite a loss, for Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon. Hinchinbroke
House, the property of his family, now belongs to the Earl of Sandwich.

But Ely Cathedral was not to be lost. It is frozen history as well as
"frozen music." I value these old structures because such wealth of
English history is embodied in them; their human interest, after all, is
greater than their artistic. Ely is said to be derived from "willow," or a
kind of willow or ozier island, upon which the abbey and town were built
in the midst of marshes. Among these impenetrable marshes Hereward the
Saxon retreated; and here, too, we have that bit of genuine antique poetry
which from its simplicity must have described a true scene; and we catch a
glimpse of that pleasing and soothing picture, amid those rude and bloody
days, of King Canute and his knights resting for a moment upon their
toiling oars to hear the vesper song of the monks.