carrying down my Castra to the time of Theodosius, sent by
Valentinian into Britain as late as the year 367, or thereabout. No, my good
friend, I appeal to people's eye-sight. Is not here the Decuman gate? and there,
but for the ravage of the horrid plough, as a learned friend calls it, would be
the Prætorian gate. On the left hand you may see some slight vestiges of the
porta sinistra, and on the right, one side of the porta dextra wellnigh entire.
Here, then, let us take our stand, on this tumulus, exhibiting the foundation of
ruined buildings, - the central point - the proetorium, doubtless, of the camp.
From this place, now scarce to be distinguished but by its slight elevation and
its greener turf from the rest of the fortification, we may suppose Agricola to
have looked forth on the immense army of Caledonians, occupying the declivities
of yon opposite hill, - the infantry rising rank over rank, as the form of
ground displayed their array to its utmost advantage, - the cavalry and
covinarii, by which I understand the charioteers - another guise of folks from
your Bond-street four-in-hand men, I trow - scouring the more level space below
-
 
- See, then, Lovel - See -
See that huge battle moving from the mountains!
Their gilt coats shine like dragon scales; - their march
Like a rough tumbling storm - See them, and view them,
And then see Rome no more! -
 
Yes, my dear friend, from this stance it is probable - nay, it is nearly
certain, that Julius Agricola beheld what our Beaumont has so admirably
described! - From this very Prætorium« -
    A voice from behind interrupted his ecstatic description - »Prætorian here,
Prætorian there, I mind the bigging o't.«
    Both at once turned round, Lovel with surprise, and Oldbuck with mingled
surprise and indignation, at so uncivil an interruption. An auditor had stolen
upon them, unseen and unheard, amid the energy of the Antiquary's enthusiastic
declamation, and the attentive civility of Lovel. He had the exterior appearance
of a mendicant. A slouched hat of huge dimensions; a long white beard which
mingled with his grizzled hair; an aged but strongly marked and expressive
countenance, hardened, by climate and exposure, to a right brick-dust
complexion; a long blue gown, with a pewter badge on the right arm; two or three
wallets, or bags, slung across his shoulder, for holding the different kinds of
meal, when he