240 THE COACHING ERA 



bustling landlady; but still seizing an occasional moment 

 to exchange a flippant word, and have a rallying laugh 

 with the group round the fire. The scene completely 

 realized Poor Robin's idea of the comforts of mid- 

 winter: 



"Now trees their leafy hats do bare 

 To reverence Winter's silver hair; 

 A handsome hostess, merry host, 

 A pot of ale now and a toast, 

 Tobacco and a good coal fire, 

 Are things this season doth require." 



