Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume II.djvu/18

 ingenious architect: in the reign of Henry VI. by name Robert Rhodes, is said to have constructed this tower. It is two hundred feet high, and, I believe, may be considered an unique in its kind. Certain it is, nothing can exceed the lightness, airiness, and beauty of its plan; an effect which so pleased Ben Johnson, that he was tempted to forget the dignity of poetry, and make the following-nonsensical riddle on the steeple:

" My altitude high, my body four square,

" My foot in the grave, my head in the air;

" My eyes in my sides, five tongues in my womb,

" Thirteen hands on my body; four images alone;

" I can direct yen where the wind doth stay,

" And I tune God's precepts twice a day;

" I am seen where I am not, I am heard where I is not;

" Tell me now what I am, and sec that ye miss not."

On quitting Newcastle, we touched upon the famous Picts' wall, a boundary I should take an opportunity of describing to you at present, did not the prospect offer of a fairer ore for that purpose, on my return to the South, where an investigation of this ancient remain is intended to make one obje.ct of our attention. At present you must allow me to lead you towards Morpeth, by an excellent road, admiring in our way Gosforth-Hall, seal of Mr. Brandon, four miles from New-