So that the ancient and unreformed filth and wretchedness of Thorn appealed to my senses as they had never done before.
There were evidences too of the terror in which the inhabitants had long lived.

The houses of the rich burghers were sadly dilapidated.

No man thought it worth while to spend a pot of paint on a house which might be knocked about his ears that very night, if the Duke conceived there was money or gear to be found within the walls of it.
Here and there the same black banner appeared.
I asked the reason of it from our guide.
"Is it that the plague is in the city ?" "The plague has, indeed, been in the city--yes! But that is not the reason of the flag." "And what then is the meaning of the black flag ?" said I.
"Ye are strangers indeed!" answered the man.

"Did you not know that the great Duke Casimir is dead, and that the black flag flies for him, and must fly on the Wolfsberg till his successor be crowned." "And who is his successor ?" said I.
"Who but young Otho, the worst of the Wolfs litter.

But perhaps you are his friend ?" He turned with a keen look, like one who has been accustomed to deliver himself in company where he is sure of sympathy, and who suddenly has to consider his words in society the tone of which he is not sure of.
"Nay," said I, "we are travelling strangers and know nothing of your politics.