Here the architects of the middle ages might have found studies for every form of the sacred art which sprang from the development of the pointed arch.

A mile farther we had to bow our heads under corniced elliptic arches in the romanesque style; and massive pillars standing out from the wall bent under the spring of the vault that rested heavily upon them.

In other places this magnificence gave way to narrow channels between low structures which looked like beaver's huts, and we had to creep along through extremely narrow passages.
The heat was perfectly bearable.

Involuntarily I began to think of its heat when the lava thrown out by Snaefell was boiling and working through this now silent road.

I imagined the torrents of fire hurled back at every angle in the gallery, and the accumulation of intensely heated vapours in the midst of this confined channel.
I only hope, thought I, that this so-called extinct volcano won't take a fancy in his old age to begin his sports again! I abstained from communicating these fears to Professor Liedenbrock.