offices of humanity.



CHAPTER XI



Of the passage of the River Dee, and of Chester


Having crossed the river Dee below Chester, (which the Welsh call
Doverdwy), on the third day before Easter, or the day of absolution
(holy Thursday), we reached Chester. As the river Wye towards the
south separates Wales from England, so the Dee near Chester forms
the northern boundary. The inhabitants of these parts assert, that
the waters of this river change their fords every month, and, as it
inclines more towards England or Wales, they can, with certainty,
prognosticate which nation will be successful or unfortunate during
the year. This river derives its origin from the lake Penmelesmere,
{182} and, although it abounds with salmon, yet none are found in
the lake. It is also remarkable, that this river is never swollen
by rains, but often rises by the violence of the winds.

Chester boasts of being the burial-place of Henry, {183} a Roman
emperor, who, after having imprisoned his carnal and spiritual
father, pope Paschal, gave himself up to penitence; and, becoming a
voluntary exile in this country, ended his days in solitary
retirement. It is also asserted, that the remains of Harold are
here deposited. He was the last of the Saxon kings in England, and