2l8 THE PEAK IN THE DAYS OF QUEEN ANNE. 



And yet the pleats so soft and flowing are 

 As finest folds from finest looms they were. 

 But far as hands could reach to give a blow 

 By the rude Clowns broke and disfigured so 

 As may be well supposed when all that come 

 Carry some piece of the Rock Crystal home. 

 Of all these Rarities this alone can claim 

 A doubtless right to everlasting fame." 



"This is called the Queen of Scots pillar; for when the 

 Queen of Scots was in these parts she ventured her princely 

 person thus far into the Cave, and saluting the Pillar called it 

 hers; and since then it has retained that name. It was with 

 some difficulty we prevailed with our Guides to a further search, 

 the way being very dangerous. At last they yielded to lead us 

 by arm down a steep and slippery Descent by the side of y e 

 pillar. When we came to the bottom we crossed a dangerous 

 stream jumping from one stone to another, till we came to the 

 foot of the most affrighting Rocks that ever we beheld. Our 

 next attempt was to storm this place, which we did by laying 

 hold on the rugged part of the solid with our Hands, while our 

 Guides supported us behind. After we had ascended about 

 one hundred yards our heads almost touched the Roof, and 

 looking down we saw a candle left at the stream below which 

 looked like a distant star. The Grotto admitting us no farther 

 we began to think of the upper world again ; so turning about 

 to go down we were amazed to see the horrid Descent. Nothing 

 but Despair seised us while we mov'd downwards for you are 

 supported on either side by our conductors while some others 

 slide down before you, against whom you place your feet, so 

 that if any of you slip, you are unavoidably dash'd to peices. 

 In this manner we proceeded till we came again to the pillar. 

 And from thence, after we had seen Mr. Pool's apartments, 

 we were conducted thro' the narrow passage again to the door 

 we entered in at, which being opened we took leave of the 

 Dark Abyss, and mounting our horses continued our journey." 



