In February, having returned from my circumnavigation of the globe, my mind turned to where I would go next. Being of a solitary cast, not of my own free will, I purposed to travel with a group, being more friendly. To that end, I visited an agent, at the sign of the Barley Mow. This gentleman does assemble groups of pilgrims and the like, wishing to visit the Holy Land or peruse the many interesting things to be seen in the world.

Having, in other times, viewed the remains of many Roman and Greek cities, I purposed to attend both Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities obscured by the mighty volcano, Vesuvius, and now newly excavated. In company with others of a like bent and accompanied by one who could discourse on what we were to see, I resolved that this would be a pretty way to spend some time.

Having surveyed the various ways of travel and having disdained the new flying machine as being most deleterious to the quality of the air, I resolved to proceed by steam carriage through Switzerland, before crossing the Alps and descending to Italy.

Having given the agent a small amount of gold to secure my place, I thought no more of it until plague descended, not only upon our country but upon others. Quarantines being imposed about the place, it became unsafe to travel. The government of the day seemed unprepared for what they termed a ‘pandemic’, despite having a had a Plan in former years.

I had foreseen that I would travel in mid October. The agent, having much information on the differing rules that were imposed on us during this time, resolved to make a final reckoning in September, wanting the outstanding gold at that time.

Although many travellers had resolved not to leave for the voyage, there were a select group. Arrangements had been made for us to leave as anticipated (and, despite the despoliation of the air, for me to take the flying machine).

Barely a week before the anticipated voyage, some travellers reneged on their vows and would not go. None could leave following this as there were not a sufficient number. Happily, the next day, the plague having resurged in Naples, quarantine was re-imposed and visitors kept away.

Upon petition, the agent readily disbursed the gold he had been paid and all are content, for the moment. The plague continues……