How various are the situations of the people covered by the roofs beneath me , and how diversified are the events at this moment befalling them ! The new-born , the aged , the dying , the strong in life and the recent dead are in the chambers of these many mansions . The full of hope , the happy , the miserable and the desperate dwell together within the circle of my glance . In some of the houses over which my eyes roam so coldly guilt is entering into hearts that are still tenanted by a debased and trodden virtue ; guilt is on the very edge of commission , and the impending deed might be averted ; guilt is done , and the criminal wonders if it be irrevocable . There are broad thoughts struggling in my mind , and , were I able to give them distinctness , they would make their way in eloquence . Lo ! the raindrops are descending . The clouds within a little time have gathered over all the sky , hanging heavily , as if about to drop in one unbroken mass upon the earth . At intervals the lightning flashes from their brooding hearts , quivers , disappears , and then comes the thunder , travelling slowly after its twin-born flame . A strong wind has sprung up , howls through the darkened streets , and raises the dust in dense bodies to rebel against the approaching storm . The disbanded soldiers fly , the funeral has already vanished like its dead , and all people hurry homeward -- all that have a home -- while a few lounge by the corners or trudge on desperately at their leisure . In a narrow lane which communicates with the shady street I discern the rich old merchant putting himself to the top of his speed lest the rain should convert his hair-powder to a paste . Unhappy gentleman ! By the slow vehemence and painful moderation wherewith he journeys , it is but too evident that Podagra has left its thrilling tenderness in his great toe . But yonder , at a far more rapid pace , come three other of my acquaintance , the two pretty girls and the young man unseasonably interrupted in their walk . Their footsteps are supported by the risen dust , the wind lends them its velocity , they fly like three sea-birds driven landward by the tempestuous breeze . The ladies would not thus rival Atalanta if they but knew that any one were at leisure to observe them . Ah ! as they hasten onward , laughing in the angry face of nature , a sudden catastrophe has chanced . At the corner where the narrow lane enters into the street they come plump against the old merchant , whose tortoise-motion has just brought him to that point .
He likes not the sweet encounter ; the darkness XXXXX the whole air gathers speedily upon his visage , and there is a pause on both sides .
beneath by from if in lest of on while within