["When every one has a bicycle and flies to the suburban roads, the
suburban dwellers will desert their houses and come back to crowded
London to find quiet and freedom from dust."--_Daily Paper._]
Time was desire for peace would still
My footsteps lure to Richmond Hill,
Or to the groves of Burnham I,
Much craving solitude, would fly;
Thence, through the Summer afternoon,
'Mid fragrant meads, knee-deep in June,
Lulled by the song of birds and bees,
I'd saunter idly at mine ease
To that still churchyard where, with Gray,
I'd dream a golden hour away,
Forgetful all of aught but this--
That peace was mine, and mine was bliss.
But now should my all-eager feet
Seek out some whilom calm retreat,
"Pip, pip!" resounds in every lane,
"Pip, pip!" the hedges ring again,
"Pip, pip!" the corn, "Pip, pip!" the rye,
"Pip, pip!" the woods and meadows cry,
As through the thirsty, fever'd day,
The red-hot scorchers scorch their way.
Peace is no longer, Rest is dead,
And sweetest Solitude hath fled;
And over all, the cycling lust
Hath spread its trail of noise and dust.
So, would I woo the joys of Quiet,
I see no more the country's riot,
But the comparatively still
Environment of Ludgate Hill.
There, 'mongst the pigeons of St. Paul's,
I muse melodious madrigals,
Or loiter where the waters sport
'Mid the cool joys of Fountain Court,
Where, undisturbed by sharp "Pip, pip!"
My nimble numbers lightly trip,
And country peace I find again
In Chancery and Fetter Lane.
* * * * *
VEHICULAR PROGRESSION.--_Mr. Ikey Motor_ (_to customer_). Want a
machine, sir? Certainly, we've all sorts to suit your build.
_Customer._ It isn't for me, but for my mother-in-law.
_Mr. Ikey Motor._ For your mother-in-law! How would a steam roller suit
her?
[Mr. I. M. _is immediately made aware that the lady in question has
overheard his ill-timed jest, while the customer vanishes in blue
fire._
* * * * *
EXPERTO CREDE.--What is worse than raining cats and dogs?--Hailing motor
omnibuses.
* * * * *
Illustration: COMPREHENSIVE.--_Owner_ (_as the car starts backing down
the hill_). "Pull everything you can see, and put your foot on
everything else!"
* * * * *
Illustration: _Farmer_ (_in cart_). "Hi, stop! Stop, you fool! Don't
you see my horse is running away?"
_Driver of Motor-car_ (_hired by the hour_). "Yes, it's all very well
for you to say 'stop,' but I've forgotten how the blooming thing
works!"
* * * * *