[Old Saint Paul’s by William Harrison Ainsworth]@TWC D-Link bookOld Saint Paul’s BOOK THE FIRST 173/210
Have you any further questions to ask me ?" "Not to-night," replied the earl; "except that I would gladly learn whether it is your opinion that the plague will extend its ravages ?" "It will extend them so far, my lord, that there shall neither be buriers for the dead, nor sound to look after the sick," replied Lilly. "You may have seen a little tract of mine published in 1651,--some fourteen years ago,--called '_Monarchy or No Monarchy in England_,' in which, by an hieroglyphic, I foretold this terrible calamity." "I heard his majesty speak of the book no later than yesterday," replied Rochester.
"He has the highest opinion of your skill, Mr.Lilly, as he cannot blind himself to the fact that you foretold his father's death. But this is not the only visitation with which you threaten our devoted city." "It is threatened by Heaven, not by me, my lord," replied Lilly.
"London will be devoured by plague and consumed by fire." "In our time ?" asked Etherege. "Before two years have passed over our heads," returned the astrologer. "The pestilence originated in the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Sagittarius, on the 10th of last October, and the conjunction of Saturn and Mars in the same sign, on the 12th of November.
It was harbingered also by the terrible comet of January, which appeared in a cadent and obscure house, denoting sickness and death: and another and yet more terrible comet, which will be found in the fiery triplicity of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, will be seen before the conflagration." "My calculations are, that the plague will be at its worst in August and September, and will not cease entirely till the beginning of December," observed Booker, laying aside his pen. "And I doubt not you are right, sir," said Lilly, "for your calculations are ever most exact." "My labour is not thrown away, Mr.Lilly," cried Quatremain, who had finished his task at the same time.
"I have discovered what I have long suspected, that treasure _is_ hidden in Saint Paul's Cathedral.
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