XXXviii AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



world. Whilst I was listening to its varied 

 sounds, I thought of a nightingale pouring 

 forth its own sweet song in an unfrequented 

 hayloft. There is not a single pious ornament 

 left in this church. The walls seemed damp 

 and mouldy ; and a ship or two in miniature, 

 probably mementos of some great naval victory, 

 are seen suspended in the vast and vaulted 

 void. 



But whatever may be the notions of these 

 honest people concerning the value of holy 

 objects to assist the mind of man during the 

 time of his devotions, they have done every 

 thing for the comfort of the body throughout 

 the whole extent of their country. Hence 

 we see in Holland as fine country-houses, as 

 lovely gardens, as well regulated hotels, and 

 as comfortable cottages, as any flesh and blood 

 on earth can possibly wish for. I like the 

 Dutch. I know of no country in Europe 

 where human institutions appear to be upon a 

 better footing. 



"We ephemeral travellers, in passing through 

 a country like butterflies on a sunny day, 

 merely flutter over this flowery bank, or sip a 

 drop of nectar on that lily at the side of the 



