The whole country, on the Essex side, was more or less marshy, until Epping Forest, some three miles off, was reached.
Through a swampy vale on the left, the river Lea, so dear to the angler, took its slow and silent course; while through a green valley on the right, flowed the New River, then only just opened.

Pointing out the latter channel to Jocelyn, Dick Taverner, who had now come up, informed him that he was present at the completion of that important undertaking.
And a famous sight it was, the apprentice said.

The Lord Mayor of London, the Aldermen, and the Recorder were all present in their robes and gowns to watch the floodgate opened, which was to pour the stream that had run from Amwell Head into the great cistern near Islington.

And this was done amidst deafening cheers and the thunder of ordnance.
"A proud day it was for Sir Hugh Myddleton," Dick added; "and some reward for his perseverance through difficulties and disappointments." "It is to be hoped the good gentleman has obtained more substantial reward than that," Jocelyn replied.

"He has conferred an inestimable boon upon his fellow-citizens, and is entitled to their gratitude for it." "As to gratitude on the part of the citizens, I can't say much for that, Sir.