Note 2 — (First Pilgrimage.)

A gentleman, to whom I was remarking on the universal desire for change, evinced by passengers of every kind of politics and religion, observed that he, at least, was an exception. “I am going (said he) to cross the Pontine Marshes by the ancient road—the Via Romana. Now it must be admitted that, in so doing, I am holding to the grand principle of the conservatives and Chinese—‘STARE SUPER VIAS ANTIQUAS.’” I acknowledged the ingenuity of the argument; but questioned the policy of the measure. I counselled him not to “stare” it too long on the “Vias Antiquas” of the Pontine fens, but rather to keep moving there, lest his own constitution should shortly afterwords come in need of reform.