OLD MICHAELMAS DAY 297 



grim entertainment provided for them, 

 have just finished their morning meal on 

 the stubbles, and are now contemplating 

 a period of peaceful retirement. 



But with all this you have little to do ; 

 the sun is high up in the heaven before 

 you can make up your mind to rise, 

 betaking yourself with much splashing 

 and singing (why does every one, however 

 mute a swan at other times, sing, whistle, 

 or hum in his bath ?) to the cold tub, 

 whence you presently emerge in a glow 

 of rude health to don your lightest shoot- 

 ing suit for a glance through the open 

 window assures you of a real day of 

 Indian summer hobnail shoes and spats, 

 and descend the carved oak staircase of 

 the old Jacobean manor-house wherein 

 you are staying. The gong is just sound- 

 ing for family prayers, but the easier 

 manners of the present day no longer 

 enforce universal attendance, so you slip 

 out through a side door, and take a short 

 but quick walk through the old-world 

 6 pleasaunce,' where flaunting peacocks 



