But it is one thing to see and another to touch.

The inn where I had lain was at the river's bank, and yet no road seemed to lead to it or from it.

As for mounting the river bank, that was impossible, by reason of the thickets which crowded down to the water's edge.

I had to tramp inland, through marsh and quagmire, in which more than once I thought to end my days, till, after much searching, I hit upon the road which led to the city.

Before I entered it the bells were clanging from a score of steeples, and many a hurrying form, clad like myself, crossed my path.
As I gained the east bridge, there was no small tumult in progress.