their odour is congenial to a Dutch constitution? One should be
inclined to this supposition by the numerous banqueting-rooms and
pleasure-houses which hang directly above their surface, and seem
calculated on purpose to enjoy them. If frogs were not excluded from
the magistrature of their country (and I cannot but think it a little
hard that they are), one should not wonder at this choice. Such
burgomasters might erect their pavilions in such situations. But,
after all, I am not greatly surprised at the fishiness of their site,
since very slight authority would persuade me there was a period when
Holland was all water, and the ancestors of the present inhabitants
fish. A certain oysterishness of eye and flabbiness of complexion
are almost proofs sufficient of this aquatic descent: and pray tell
me for what purpose are such galligaskins as the Dutch burthen
themselves with contrived, but to tuck up a flouncing tail, and thus
cloak the deformity of their dolphin-like terminations?

Having done penance for some time in the damp alleys which line the
borders of these lazy waters, I was led through corkscrew sand-walks
to a vast flat, sparingly scattered over with vegetation. To puzzle
myself in such a labyrinth there was no temptation, so taking
advantage of the lateness of the hour, and muttering a few
complimentary promises of returning at the first opportunity, I
escaped the ennui of this endless scrubbery, and got home, with the
determination of being wiser and less curious if ever my stars should
bring me again to the Hague. To-morrow I bid it adieu, and if the
horses but second my endeavours, shall be delivered in a few days
from the complicated plagues of the United Provinces.