I said just now that one desired to learn the secret of the calm life of these ancient grachts.

But the secret of the actual houses of fact is as nothing compared with the secret of those other houses, more sombre, more mysterious, more reserved, that one sees in the water.

To penetrate their impressive doors were an achievement, a distinction, indeed! With such a purpose suicide would lose half its terrors.
For the greatest contrast to these black canals, you must seek the Kalverstraat and Warmoes Straat.

Kalverstraat, running south from the Dam, is by day filled with shoppers and by night with gossipers.

No street in the world can be more consistently busy.