OF THE OX. 125 



in readiness, the outbreak of the disease found 

 her helpless and unarmed. 



On the other hand, the organic forms of the 

 English Government and municipal bodies, 

 the reserve of the Cabinet during the vacation, 

 the limited power of the Lord Mayor and his 

 civic counsellors, the subdivision of London 

 into parishes and vestries, as in the good times 

 of the middle ages, the loose scattering of the 

 shambles and meat markets through the many 

 streets of the huge town, the right asserted by 

 each man to be absolutely independent and 

 free, the sanctity of the Englishman's home, 

 &c., &c., all concurred to let loose and pro- 

 pagate the contagion, instead of keeping it 

 within bounds. 



Indeed, whilst the competent authorities, 

 with all the energy which could be expected 

 of them on so grave a matter, were meet- 

 ing and discussing the best measures to be 

 taken, and the interesting debates at the 

 Mansion-house were throwing the first light 

 upon the question, the insidious malady 

 pursued its destructive progress, diffusing new 

 terror and alarm. When at length the Privy 



