The result we have here, in this uncouth specimen of humanity, in the
matted hair, the soiled garments, and the straggling gait; and what
gives the finishing touch to this grotesque picture is his utter
unconsciousness of the ludicrous features of his situation, as they
appear to other eyes. Soon, it is true, he will go through an AEson-like
rejuvenation; for, in a certain cottage, there are hearts that anxiously
await his return, and hands ready to fulfil their oft-repeated duties in
the way of refitting him out for another tramp. But, before this
transformation is effected, let us suppose the case of his being set
down in the streets of London, somewhere in the vicinity of Cheapside.
What an eddying of stragglers about this new-found focus of attraction!
what amazement, and curiosity to find him out, if, indeed, he be
find-out-able, and not, as the unmistakable papaverian odor suggests,
some Stygian bird, hailing from the farther side of Lethe. But, Stygian
or not, neither Hermes nor Pan (nor Panic, his namesake) could muster
such a rabble at his heels, supposing _him_ to appear on Cheapside!
In his innermost sensibilities he would have shrunk from this vulgar
notice as from pollution itself.
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