CHAPTER II 
HYDE PARK 
The Park shone brighter than the skyes , 
Sing tan-tara-rara-tantivee, 
With jewels and gold , and Ladies' eyes , 
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 a feld full offlame , 
Which made me ride up tan-tivee. 
—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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