1763 



A PAETY AT THE WAKES 135 



one to bear, the sight of this beauteous prospect gives me a 

 pleasing melancholy. 6 of us walk 7 rode got back at nine. 



Thursday 28 in the morn; Rode to the Barnet from 

 whence we had a Prospect of Wilts; Hants Berks Sussex 

 Surry, got home to dinner at two after dinner went up to 

 the T>^ Hermitage we drank tea afterwards the old Hermit 

 came to us he told Nannie and H. Baker their fortunes after 

 the old man had sat some time with us he retired & we 

 adjourned to the tent where we Shepherdesses * danced ; at 

 nine the lamp was lighted, enchanting scene oh never did I 

 see anything like it 'tis 'tis Arcadia Happy Happy Vale 

 when shall I see thee again. 



Friday 29 after Breakfast the gentlemen came over here 

 musick all the morn dined & supt at Mr. Whites after 

 dinner Singing & Playing & Shadows taken after Supper 

 Catches & Songs. At one in the morn we changed Caps & 

 Wigs with the Gentlemen & danced minuets spent a very 

 agreeable day. 



Sat 30 Mr. Henry White breakfasted with us afterwards 

 went over the way heard the Eolian Harp there we had 

 some of old Handel at two Mr. H. & Mr. Cane went in the 

 afternoon we all went to Newton, very merry, Corridon 

 dined with us upon a leg of mutton. 



Sunday 31 went to Church twice Mr. White Pray'd & 

 Preached after Church we all walk'd together in our garden 

 the [sic] over the way drank tea here, walk'd to Hartley saw 



* This costume was apparently suggested by Gilbert White, since Miss 

 Battie preserved the following verses in his handwriting : — 



"Gilbert, a meddling, luckless swain 

 Must alter lady's dresses, 

 To dapper Hats, and tuck'd up train, 

 And jflower-enwoven tresses. 



** But now the Lout with loss of heart 

 Must for his rashness pay ; 

 He rues for tamp'ring with a dart 

 Too prompt before to slay ! " 



