The Open Air 



the craft I espy certain vessels of glass on which is 

 the label of Epernay. And of such is peace. 



Drifting ever downwards, I approached the creek 

 where my skiff had to be left; but before I reached 

 it a " beach-comber," with a coil of cord over his 

 shoulder, asked me if he should tow me " up to 

 'Ampton." I shook my head, whereupon he abused 

 me in such choice terms that I listened abashed at 

 my ignorance. It had never occurred to me that 

 swearing could be done like that. It is true we have 

 been swearing now, generation after generation, these 

 eight thousand years for certain, and language 

 expands with use. It is also true that we are all 

 educated now. Shakespeare is credited with knowing 

 everything, past or future, but I doubt if he knew how 

 a Thames " beach-comber " can curse in these days. 



The Thames is swearing free. You must moderate 

 your curses on the Queen's highway; you must not 

 be even profane in the streets, lest you be taken 

 before the magistrates ; but on the Thames you may 

 swear as the wind blows howsoever you list. You 

 may begin at the mouth, off the Nore, and curse your 

 way up to Cricklade. A hundred miles for swearing 

 is a fine preserve. It is one of the marvels of our 

 civilisation. 



Aided by scarce a touch of the sculls the stream 

 drifted me up into the creek, and the boatman took 

 charge of his skiff. " Shall I keep her handy for 

 you, sir? " he said, thinking to get me down every- 

 day as a newcomer. I begged him not to put himself 

 to any trouble, still he repeated that he would keep 

 her ready. But in the road I shook off the dust of 

 my feet against the river, and earnestly resolved 

 never, never again to have anything to do with it (in 

 the heroic way) lower down than Henley. 

 132 



