OF GARDENING IN 1685 



outevergoingonceto town, though I amalmost Horace 

 in sight of it, and have a house there always ready 

 to receive me. Nor has this been any sort of affec- 

 tation, as some have thought it, but a mere want 

 of desire or humour to make so small a remove; 

 for when I am in this corner lean truly say with 

 Horace, 



Me quoties reficit gelidus Digentia rivus, 

 Quidsentireputas, quid credis amice precare? 

 Sit mihi quod nunc est etiam minus, ut mihi 



vivam, 



Quod superest sevi, si quid superesse volent Dii. 

 Sit bona librorum, et provisse frugis in annum 

 Copia, ne dubise fluitem spe pendulus horae, 

 Hoc satis est orasse Jovem qui donat et aufert. 



Me when the cold Digentian stream revives, 

 What does my friend believe I think or ask? 

 Let me yet less possess, so I may live, 

 Whate'er of life remains, unto myself. 

 May I have books enough, and one year's store, 

 Not to depend upon each doubtful hour; 

 This is enough of mighty Jove to pray, 

 Who, as he pleases, gives and takes away. 



That which makes the cares of gardening 

 more necessary, or at least more excusable, is, 



77 



