| Citation |
PG-P.754.010
22 Jan 1754:11 (1309)
From the London Magazine for September 1753. The World, No.
36, September 6.
I was formerly acquainted with an old gentleman, who, as
often as he was ask'd at the tavern how his wife did, never
fail'd to assure us, "That he did not come abroad to be put
in mind of his wife." I could wish with all my heart, that
those persons that are married to the town for at least
eight months of the year, would upon their removal into the
country, forget the amusements of it, and attach themselves
to those pleasures which are to be found in groves and
gardens, in exercise and temperance. But as fond as we are
of variety, and as pleasing as the changes of the seasons
are generally acknowledged to be, it is observable, that in
all the large villages near London, the summer seems only to
be endured, as it is made to resemble the winter in town.
Routs, visits, assemblies, and meetings for drinking, are
all the pleasures that are attended to; which the meadows
and corn-fields
(Where the milk-maid singeth blithe,
And the mower whets his scythe)
are neglected and despised. . .
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