The Borough

These did the ruler of the deep ordain, To build proud navies and to rule the main. POPE, Homer’s Iliad.

Such scenes has Deptford, navy-building town, Woolwich and Wapping, smelling strong of pitch; Such Lambeth, envy of each band and gown, And Twickenham such, which fairer scenes enrich. POPE, Imitation of Spencer.

. . . . . . . . . . . Et cum coelestibus undis Aequoreae miscentur aquae: caret ignibus aether, Caecaque nox premitur tenebris hiemisque suisque; Discutient tamen has, praebentque micantia lumen Fulmina: fulmineis ardescunt ignibus undae. OVID, Metamorphoses.

The Difficulty of describing Town Scenery - A Comparison with certain Views in the Country - The River and Quay - The Shipping and Business - Shipbuilding - Sea-Boys and Port-Views - Village and Town Scenery again compared - Walks from Town - Cottage and adjoining Heath, &c. - House of Sunday Entertainment - The Sea: a Summer and Winter View - A Shipwreck at Night, and its Effects on Shore - Evening Amusements in the Borough - An Apology for the imperfect View which can be given of these Subjects.