[64] In the previous edition of this work, there appeared a facsimile of a
    small portion of this bas-relief, representing—­as I imagine—­the
    setting out of Francis to meet Henry.  Nothing, as far as correctness
    of detail goes, can give a more faithful resemblance of the PRECISE
    STATE in which the original appears:  the defaced and the entire parts
    being represented with equal fidelity.  Mons. Langlois has given a
    plate of the entire facade or front—­in outline—­with great ability;
    but so small as to give little or no notion of the character of the
    original.

[65] In Ducarel’s time, “the ground story consisted of a great quadrangle
    surrounded with booksellers shops.  On one side of it a stone staircase
    led to a large and lofty room, which, in its internal as well as
    external appearance, resembled, though in miniature, Westminster Hall. 
    Here (continues Ducarel) I saw several gentlemen of the long robe, in
    their gowns and bands, walking up and down with briefs in their hands,
    and making a great show of business.” Anglo-Norman Antiquities,
    p. 32. [According to Mons. Licquet, this “singularly curious hall” was
    begun to be built in 1493.  It was afterwards, and is still called,
    la Salle des Procureurs.]

[66] the choicest library] Monsieur Riaux, Archiviste de la Chambre
    de Commerce.  This amiable man unites a love of literature with that of
    architectural antiquities.  The library of M. Le Prevost is however as
    copious as that of Mons. R.

LETTER VII.

THE QUAYS.  BRIDGE OF BOATS.  RUE DU BAC.  RUE DE ROBEC.  EAUX DE ROBEC ET
D’AUBETTE.  MONT STE. CATHARINE.  HOSPICES—­GENERAL ET D’HUMANITE.

Still tarrying within this old fashioned place?  I have indeed yet much to impart before I quit it, and which I have no scruple in avowing will be well deserving of your attention.

Just letting you know, in few words, that I have visited the famous chemical laboratory of M. Vitalis, (Rue Beauvoisine) and the yet more wonderful spectacle exhibited in M. Lemere’s machine for sawing wood of all descriptions, into small or large planks, by means of water works—­I must take you along THE QUAYS for a few minutes.  These quays are flanked by an architectural front, which, were it finished agreeably to the original plan, would present us with one of the noblest structures in Europe.  This stone front was begun in the reign of Louis XV. but many and prosperous must be the years of art, of commerce, and of peace, before money sufficient can be raised for the successful completion of the pile.  The quays are long, broad, and full of bustle of every description; while in some of the contiguous squares, ponderous bales of goods, shawls, cloth, and linen, are spread open to catch the observing eye.  In the midst of this varied and animated scene, walks a well-known character, in his large cocked hat, and with his tin machine upon his back, filled with lemonade or coffee, surmounted by a bell—­which “ever and anon” is sounded for the sake of attracting customers.  He is here copied to the life.