DISCRETION 



a tough ashen rail, beyond, it is wise, should we 

 mean having it at all, to catch hold of the bridle 

 and increase our pace, for the last two or three 

 strides, with such energy as shall shoot us through 

 the thorns like a harlequin through a trap-door, 

 leaving the orifice to close up behind, with no 

 more traces of our transit than are left by a 

 bird! 



Perhaps we find an easy place under a tree, 

 with an overhanging branch, and sidle daintily up 

 to it, bending the body and lowering the head as 

 we creep through, to the admiration of an indis- 

 creet friend on a rash horse, who spoils a good 

 hat and utters an evil execration while trying to 

 follow our example. Or it may be, rejoicing to 

 find ourselves on arable land, that actually rides 

 light and yet carries a scent, 



" Solid and tall, 

 The rasping wall," 



challenges us a quarter of a mile off to face it or 

 go home, for it offers neither gate nor gap, and 

 seems to meet the sky-line on either side. I do 

 not know whether others are open to the same 

 deception, but to my own eye, a wall appears 

 more, and a hedge less, than its real height at a 

 certain distance off. The former, however, is a 

 most satisfactory leap when skilfully accomplished, 

 and not half so arduous as it looks. 



" Have it ! " says valour. " Yes, but very 



131 



