268 A BOOK OF ENGLISH GARDENS 



have covered five acres of land. In no old book 

 of this date is there a detailed account of any 

 Garden attached to the house at Knole, yet 

 Gardens there must have been. 



Fancy, that fickle fairy, that may be called forth 

 at will, can paint vividly the delightful charm that 

 must have lingered over the green Box-edged 

 bowers, and gay knots of flowers, which lay hidden 

 centuries ago behind the high grey walls that still 

 encircle the Garden at Knole. 



The fifth Earl of Dorset made many improve- 

 ments in the house and Park, living a great deal 

 at Knole; he married an heiress, Frances Cranfield, 

 and had her arms inpaled with his own on the 

 Garden gates and Sundial as well as in other 

 places. 



The house of Dorset has ever been celebrated 

 for its wit and genius, though, according to the old 

 rhyme, these good gifts invariably skip a generation. 



"Folly and sense in Dorset's race, 

 Alternately do run ! " 



Of all the witty Sackvilles the wittiest was 

 Charles, sixth Earl of Dorset, " who was the first 

 gentleman in the voluptuous court of Charles II. 

 and the gloomy one of King William," a boon 

 companion of Villiers, Sedley, and Rochester the 

 worst of profligates but the sweetest of singers. 



