ENGLISH COUNTRY SCENERY.

9

hill. The banks on each side rose high above their heads, thickly covered with brambles, traveller's-joy, honeysuckle, and dog-roses; and beneath nestled, in luxuriant profusion and full bloom, clusters of fox-glove, violets, primroses, and lovely harebells. The blue sky and glorious sunlight formed a rich canopy above; the dew-drops trembled in diamond rows upon the twigs and leaves; the air was perfumed by surrounding hay-fields; the linnet in the hedge-row, and the lark in heaven, gave a voice to the beauty of the morning scene. On the happy party trudged, ever and anon stopping at an opening or stile that afforded a view

gave a still more secluded

feeling to their bowery lane; until at length they reached the brow of the hill, when the whole grand extent of panoramic loveliness burst upon their view, and leaning against a gate to recover their breath, they feasted their sight with the magnificence of the scene. There lay the waving corn

fields in their green, spring beauty; there were the smooth pasture-meadows, with the young lambs chasing each other

10

BIHTH-DAY REFLECTIONS.

about; near at hand was a purple clover-field, giving a present meal and future milk to warm-uddered kine; and farther on, rivalling the golden sun, a home-field studded with buttercups and honey-sweep cowslips. Through all wandered "at its own sweet will" the shining river; while here and there, picturesque mansions, and snug farm-houses with their little garden-crofts, homesteads, barns, and ricks, told of ease and luxury, with homely comfort, the Englishman's best inheritance. Beyond all, and shutting in the verdant scene, stretched the swelling uplands, crowned with thick woods of "monumental oak," and beech and ash, the farmer's wealth.

"It is the contemplation of such scenes as this before us," said Mr. Warden, addressing himself more particularly to William, "that elevate man's nature, and make him wiser and better: they inspire grateful and devout feelings of joy towards the beneficent Creator of the universe; a determination to endeavour to become more worthy of the blessings He bestows: aspirations after everything that is good, and towards all that is grand, and beautiful, and true, both in nature and in art, in preference to 'low-thoughted cares,' sordid cravings, and pleasures that leave behind them the sting of self-reproach. Such calm and lovely scenes (emblems of heavenly peace) inspire us with universal love and charity for our fellow-creatures, and a hope to become a means of promoting their good and happiness by the cultivation of intellect and all kindly feelings. It is on one's birth-day, my dear William, that such sentiments should be more earnestly considered and fostered than on any other; and, indeed, it is the most appropriate occasion on which to form good and noble resolutions for future conduct in life, and to pray fervently for strength and steadfastness to undertake and fulfil them. No human being, however high

BIRTH-DAY REFLECTIONS.

11

or however low his station in this world, is exempt from this duty towards his fellow man; and in failing in this, he

fails in his duty towards his Creator. The higher his position indeed, and the greater his worldly means, the greater is his responsibility towards his humbler brethren in need. The monarch, on such a day, may indulge with advantage in extended acts of mercy and in plans of munificent provision for his subjects' welfare: he may resolve to obtain a clearer knowledge of their many wants and necessities, both mental and bodily; and above all, their moral wants; he may provide for these by surrounding himself by men of talent, of honest lives and experience only; by founding institutions for learning; encouraging art, and resolving to secure the inestimable blessing of peace, which brings so many other blessings in its train. Resolutions

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BIRTH-DAY REFLECTIONS.

and plans to effect all these good works would best be formed, and their foundation laid, on his birth-day-on no better day; and it would be a consecration of the festival, far more resplendent than the light of millions of illumination-lamps; while the still small voice' of his own approving heart would carry a triumphant echo of reverberation into that of his subjects beyond the braying of trumpets or of ten thousand cannon. The landlord might mark the day which gave him birth by some signal act of leniency to his tenants and followers; by enquiring into their domestic positions and worldly prospects; by gentle and brotherly speeches-grateful beyond money gifts to those below them in wealth and station; and by a joyous assemblage of them to celebrate the holiday with a feast and dancing. The master-manufacturer, by the gift of a 'fair day's wages,' free from the exaction of the 'fair day's work.' The tradesman, by an hour's extra leisure to the men or women employed by him, gained from the day's labour, by an early closing of the business shutters. And more than all, the milliner, the dressmaker, and the staymaker, by the same indulgence to their young women, with perhaps the rare vision of bliss in the shape of a slice of cake to each. And lastly, the lady of the house, by a glass of wine or some fruit, from her own abundant dessert, to her servants. In short, there is no station in life, wherein means may not be found of procuring happy thoughts and associations, and of paying honour to the day of our birth, by the observance of sympathy and consideration for others. Even the poorest and humblest can secure to themselves the luxury which arises from cherishing sweet temper and loving kindness; for, what though their hands lack the gold of the wealthy, their hearts can yield aid and comfort to their brethren who may be in sickness and affliction. As

MR. SINGLETON'S ARRIVAL.

13

a great and good man has beautifully said: "The soul celebrates, at every good deed, a birth-day.'"

During the pause which ensued at the close of what their father had said, and while the three children were pondering on his words, the sound of wheels and horses' feet was heard, and presently up dashed the London coach. The smoking horses were suddenly pulled up; the active coachman gave the reins into the hands of the box- -passenger, while he jumped down to "see to the gentleman's luggage." In another moment Mr. Singleton was by their side shaking hands, and wishing joy, and receiving the warm greetings of Mr. Warden and the boys, and giving a kiss to little Mary.

"And so this is your birth-day, my boy, is it?" said Mr. Singleton, as the coach dashed off again in all the brilliancy and animation of four-horse travelling, leaving the party to pursue their quiet way down the lane homewards. "Well, William, I can't do better than wish you (in the old, but good-fashioned, hearty terms) 'many happy returns of the day;' and I trust I may live to see you prove an honour, and a source of joy and comfort to your parents; and you will be all these, if you become as clever a man as my old school-fellow, your father here, and as tenderhearted and good as your dear, gentle mother."

At the garden gate they found Mrs. Warden and Lucy waiting to welcome them; and then, after the refreshment of a "good wash" (that truly English luxury, whereby Mr. Singleton declared he was as fresh as if he had not travelled a mile), in came the charming, social, and merry meal of breakfast. Just as they had all sat down, and Mr. Singleton had commenced a serious and formidable attack upon the pigeon-pie, without prejudice, as he declared, to a future onslaught on some ham and eggs, leaving