







The Blackbird 



CHAPTER XIX 



Avalon and a Blackbird 



At Glastonbury I spent some hours at the Abbey, 

 somewhat disturbed at the huge diggings and a httle 

 saddened at the sight of the repairs and restorations; 

 yet they were necessary if this lovehest ruin in England 

 is to be kept standing a few centuries longer. Un- 

 fortunately, however skilfully the restoring work is done, 

 the new portions will insist on looking outrageously 

 ncw^ Time will doubtless restore the lost harmony, 

 the ancient venerable appearance, but it will be long 

 before these staring fresh parts will cease to have the 

 effect of patches of a new cloth on the frayed and 

 faded garment. Fifty years of sun and rain will pre- 



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