1784 A TOETOISE'S FEELINGS 129 



Hill or the extensive plains of the neighbouring meadow, 

 both of which I could discern from the terrass. One sunny 

 morning, therefore, I watched my opportunity, found the 

 wicket open, eluded the vigilance of Thomas Hoar, and 

 escaped into the S*-foin, which began to be in bloom, and 

 thence into the beans. I was missing eight days, wandering 

 in this wilderness of sweets, and exploring the meadow at 

 times. But my pains were all to no purpose ; I could find 

 no society such as I wished and sought for. I began to 

 grow hungry, and to wish myself at home. I therefore came 

 forth in sight, and surrendered myself up to Thomas, who 

 had been inconsolable in my absence. Thus, Madam, have 

 I given you a faithful account of my satisfactions and 

 sorrows, the latter of which are mostly uppermost. You are 

 a lady, I understand, of much sensibility. Let me, therefore, 

 make my case your own in the following manner ; and then 

 you will judge of my feelings. Suppose you were to be 

 kidnapped away to-morroiv, in the bloom of your life, to 

 a land of Tortoises, and were never to see again for fifty 

 years a human face ! ! ! Think on this, dear lady, and pity 



Your sorrowful Eeptile, 

 Timothy. 



To Miss White. 



Selborne, Aug. 16th, 1784. 



Did you not, Molly, feel a sharp twinge in one of your 

 arms on the 22nd of July, by sympathy ? because on that 

 day the heavy gales, and showers broke off a great bough 

 from your ajmaSevSpov, the sycamore, and have injured it 

 much ! As I have a great regard for you, and all that 

 belongs to you, I am much concerned for your tree. 



You know I never dictate to you about your coming to 

 this place : I only injoin you to come before winter, and to 

 stay a long time. We have provided a young person to help 

 while you are here; so you need not trouble yourself to 



VOL. II. — K 



