Helen said, “that when she went to school, her little pets were all given to farmer Johnstone’s daughter, Susan. Minny and Bob were still alive and well, and the little ones they had nursed so tenderly were grown as large as themselves.”
And now Mr. Ashton told the little party, they must leave the carriage, and ascend the lofty rampart which they saw before them; and which, he said, was reported to have been formerly used as a place of security for the distressed Britons, when invaded by their powerful foes, the Romans; being still known by the designation of the Poor-man’s-wall. The intrenchment, which is accessible only by a narrow projection to the south, is surrounded by a broad ditch.
Having reached the summit of the mount, the lovely and extensive prospect which opened to the view, was an ample compensation for the fatigue of ascending. The undulating verdant downs, the boundless ocean, and the distant view of hill, and dale, and wood, altogether formed a prospect more picturesque and beautiful than the children had ever beheld.
The day was clear; and papa’s telescope was in great request.
Mr. Ashton pointed out the romantic view of the extensive weald of Sussex, and parts of Hampshire, Surrey, and Kent adjoining.
At last, when the scenery, far and near, had been admired again and again, when the boys had made the tour of the Dyke as often as they pleased, and Helen had filled her handkerchief with the musk-ophrys, and other wild-flowers, the happy party left the attractive spot, and were soon reseated in the carriage.
“Not homeward-bound yet, papa!” exclaimed Lewis.
“I thought,” returned his father, “you would not object, now that we are so near, to see the little village of Poynings; particularly as there are some remains of antiquity in the neighbourhood, which, perhaps, may interest you.”
“Thank you! thank you!” exclaimed the children, one and all.
The name of the village of Poynings, is derived from two ancient British words, descriptive of its situation; pou, country, and ings, downs: that is, the plain country under the Downs. The church is a large and ancient edifice; it is built in the form of a cross, with a tower in the centre. The ruins Mr. Ashton spoke of, were those of some stupendous building raised in ancient times, which tradition relates was the seat of the barons of Poynings.