Out of reverence to his genius I went yesterday to see the place of his birth." "Sir," said the man in grey, "I should be sorry to leave you without enjoying your conversation at some length.

In yonder house they sell good ale, perhaps you will not be offended if I ask you to drink some with me and my friend ?" "You are very kind," said I, "I am fond of good ale and fonder still of good company--suppose we go in ?" We went into the cottage, which was kept by a man and his wife, both of whom seemed to be perfectly well acquainted with my two new friends.

We sat down on stools, by a clean white table in a little apartment with a clay floor--notwithstanding the heat of the weather, the little room was very cool and pleasant owing to the cottage being much protected from the sun by its situation.

The man in grey called for a jug of ale, which was presently placed before us along with three glasses.

The man in grey having filled the glasses from the jug which might contain three pints, handed one to me, another to his companion, and then taking the third drank to my health.