self-multiplication as the wood of the true cross; of which
there is enough extant to build a ship of the line.

The most favorite object of curiosity, however, is Shak.
speare's chair. It stands in the chimney-nook of a small
gloomy chamber, just behind what was his father's shop.
Here he may many a time have sat when a boy, watching the
slowly-revolving spit, with all the longing of an urchin; or of
an evening, listening to the crones and gossips of Stratford,
dealing forth churchyard tales and legendary anecdotes of the
troublesome times of England. In this chair it is the custom
of everyone who visits the house to sit: whether this be done
with the hope of imbibing any of the inspiration of the bard,
I am at a loss to say; I merely mention the fact; and mine
hostess privately assured me, that, though built of solid oak,
such was the fervent zeal of devotees, that the chair had to be
new-bottomed at least once in three years. It is worthy of
notice also, in the history of this extraordinary chair, that it
partakes something of the volatile nature of the Santa Casa
of Loretto, or the flying chair of the Arabian enchanter; for
though sold some few years since to a northern princess, yet,
strange to tell, it has found its way back again to the old
chimney-corner.

I am always of easy faith in such matters, and am very
willing to be deceived, where the deceit is pleasant and costs
nothing. I am therefore a ready believer in relics, legends,
and local anecdotes of goblins and great men; and would
advise all travellers who travel for their gratification to be the
same. What is it to us whether these stories be true or false
so long as we can persuade ourselves into the belief of them,
and enjoy all the charm of the reality? There is nothing like
resolute good-humored credulity in these matters and on this
occasion I went even so far as willingly to believe the claims
of mine hostess to a lineal descent from the poet, when, un-
luckily for my faith, she put into my hands a play of her own
composition, which set all belief in her consanguinity at
defiance.

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