CHAPTER II 



HYDE PARK 



The Park shone brighter than the siyes. 



Sing tan-tara-rara-tantivee, 



With jewels and gold, and Ladies^ O"^-*"' 



That sparkled and cry* d come see me : 



Of all parts of England, Hide Park hath the name, 



For coaches and Horses and Persons of fame. 



It looked at first sight, like afield full ofjlame. 



Which made me ride up tan-tfuee. 



— News from Hide Park, an old ballad, c. 1670. 



N writing about London Parks the 

 obvious starting-point seems to be 

 the group comprising Hyde, Green, 

 and St. James's Parks, which are so 

 intimately connected with London 

 life to-day, and have a past teem- 

 ing with interest. What changes 

 some of those elms have witnessed ! 

 Generation after generation of the world of fashion have 

 passed beneath their shades. Dainty ladies with powder 

 and patches have smiled at their beaux, perhaps con- 

 cealing aching hearts by a light and careless gaiety. 

 Stately coaches and prancing horsemen have passed 

 along. Crowds of enthusiasts for various causes have 

 aired their grievances on the green turf. Brilliant re- 

 views and endless parades have taken place on the wide 



open spaces ; games and races have amused thousands 



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