32 CONISTON. 



there now, or penitential psalms; but only the 

 voice of birds, winds, and waters. Knowing what 

 a territory the Abbots of Furness ruled over, like a 

 kingdom, it is well to come hither to look how it 

 is with that old palace and mitre, and to take one 

 more warning of how Time shatters thrones and 

 dominations and powers, and causes the glories of 

 the world to pass away. 



The tourist will be among the ruins late by 

 moon or starlight; and again in the morning, 

 before the dew is off, and when the hidden violet 

 perfumes the area where the censer once was 

 swung, and where the pillars cast long shadows on 

 the sward. But he must not linger ; for he has 

 a good circuit to make before night. 



In order to obtain the best general view of the 

 whole ruin, the traveller must pass through a small 

 gate at the southern end, and ascend the grassy 

 slope before him. From the ridge of this field he 

 will see not only the Abbey, but a great deal of the 

 surrounding country. 



If he has time to extend his ramble, he will find it worth while 

 to visit Hawcoat, a small village lying to the south-west of the 

 Abl>ey, and distinguishable from this ridge by a square tower 

 rising in the middle of it. The path lies across fields, and can- 

 not be mistaken ; and the distance is about a mile. There is 

 nothing of special interest in the primitive little village : and the 

 amazement with which the inhabitants regard a stranger shows 

 that they are not much in the habit of receiving visitors. The 

 tower is the object of attraction. The key is to be obtained at 

 one of the cottages near : and from the top there is a fine distant 

 view of the sands and valley of the Duddon, with the mountains 

 that close in the upper end. 



CONISTON. 

 The Lake of Coniston, the next object, is in the 

 district lying between Windermere and the Dud- 



