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                                THE SKETCH BOOK

                              A SUNDAY IN LONDON*

                              by Washington Irving

  * Part of a sketch omitted in the previous editions。



  IN A preceding paper I have spoken of an English Sunday in the

country; and its tranquillizing effect upon the landscape; but where

is its sacred influence more strikingly apparent than in the very

heart of that great Babel; London? On this sacred day; the gigantic

monster is charmed into repose。 The intolerable din and struggle of

the week are at an end。 The shops are shut。 The fires of forges and

manufactories are extinguished; and the sun; no longer obscured by

murky clouds of smoke; pours down a sober; yellow radiance into the

quiet streets。 The few pedestrians we meet; instead of hurrying

forward with anxious countenances; move leisurely along; their brows

are smoothed from the wrinkles of business and care; they have put

on their Sunday looks; and Sunday manners; with their Sunday

clothes; and are cleansed in mind as well as in person。

  And now the melodious clangor of bells from church towers summons

their several flocks to the fold。 Forth issues from his mansion the

family of the decent tradesman; the small children in the advance;

then the citizen and his comely spouse; followed by the grown…up

daughters; with small morocco…bound prayer…books laid in the folds

of their pocket…handkerchiefs。 The housemaid looks after them from the

window; admiring the finery of the family; and receiving; perhaps; a

nod and smile from her young mistresses; at whose toilet she has

assisted。

  Now rumbles along the carriage of some magnate of the city;

peradventure an alderman or a sheriff; and now the patter of many feet

announces a procession of charity scholars; in uniforms of antique

cut; and each with a prayer…book under his arm。

  The ringing of bells is at an end; the rumbling of the carriage

has ceased; the pattering of feet is heard no more; the flocks are

folded in ancient churches; cramped up in by…lanes and corners of

the crowded city; where the vigilant beadle keeps watch; like the

shepherd's dog; round the threshold of the sanctuary。 For a time every

thing is hushed; but soon is heard the deep; pervading sound of the

organ; rolling and vibrating through the empty lanes and courts; and

the sweet chanting of the choir making them resound with melody and

praise。 Never have I been more sensible of the sanctifying effect of

church music; than when I have heard it thus poured forth; like a

river of joy; through the inmost recesses of this great metropolis;

elevating it; as it were; from all the sordid pollutions of the

week; and bearing the poor world…worn soul on a tide of triumphant

harmony to heaven。

  The morning service is at an end。 The streets are again alive with

the congregations returning to their homes; but soon again relapse

into silence。 Now comes on the Sunday dinner; which; to the city

tradesman; is a meal of some importance。 There is more leisure for

social enjoyment at the board。 Members of the family can now gather

together; who are separated by the laborious occupations of the

week。 A school…boy may be permitted on that day to come to the

paternal home; an old friend of the family takes his accustomed Sunday

seat at the board; tells over his well…known stories; and rejoices

young and old with his well…known jokes。

  On Sunday afternoon the city pours forth its legions to breathe

the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine of the parks and rural

environs。 Satirists may say what they please about the rural

enjoyments of a London citizen on Sunday; but to me there is something

delightful in beholding the poor prisoner of the crowded and dusty

city enabled thus to come forth once a week and throw himself upon the

green bosom of nature。 He is like a child restored to the mother's

breast; and they who first spread out these noble parks and

magnificent pleasure…grounds which surround this huge metropolis; have

done at least as much for its health and morality; as if they had

expended the amount of cost in hospitals; prisons; and penitentiaries。





                        THE END




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