154 SPRING-TIDE. 



of the Great Alfred, tells us how, in the 

 memorable battle of Ashendun, the fight 

 raged fiercest around one of these solitary 

 thorn trees unica spinosa arbor. 



S. Yes, and such a tree may have shel- 

 tered the Royal fugitive when, parted from 

 his friends and adherents, he traversed the 

 most unfrequented tracts, hoping and trust- 

 ing that a brighter hour awaited his de- 

 sponding countrymen. 



J. I confess, the scenes of the last five 

 days have wrought a great change in me ; 

 I could almost find it in my heart to 

 take to a country life. 



S. If such thoughts possess you now, 

 you will find them gaining firmer hold of 

 you in advancing life. When otherwise dis- 

 posed, I often found myself, amidst the din of 

 the busiest thoroughfares of London, repeat- 

 ing the lines of Marvel : 



" Climb at court for me who will 

 Tottering favour's pinnacle ; 



