I never, in my life, saw anything at once so ridiculous, and so
unpleasant, as this sight--ridiculous in the absurd incidents
inseparable from it; and unpleasant in its senseless and unmeaning
degradation. There are two steps to begin with, and then a rather
broad landing. The more rigid climbers went along this landing on
their knees, as well as up the stairs; and the figures they cut, in
their shuffling progress over the level surface, no description can
paint. Then, to see them watch their opportunity from the porch,
and cut in where there was a place next the wall! And to see one
man with an umbrella (brought on purpose, for it was a fine day)
hoisting himself, unlawfully, from stair to stair! And to observe
a demure lady of fifty-five or so, looking back, every now and
then, to assure herself that her legs were properly disposed!
There were such odd differences in the speed of different people,
too. Some got on as if they were doing a match against time;
others stopped to say a prayer on every step. This man touched
every stair with his forehead, and kissed it; that man scratched
his head all the way.
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