We are told that mankind are growing weaker and wizer; weaker i admit, but wisdum that is gained at the expense ov simplicity may be a doubtful gain.
I never hav met an old man yet, who didn’t mourn the degeneracy ov the times.
Wisdum don’t konsist in knowing more that iz new, but in knowing less that iz false.
But, dear Mr. ——, i will now git back tew whare i am, and tell yu sumthin about New Ashford.
If yu luv a mountain, cum up here and see me.
Right in front ov the little tavern, whare i am staying, rizes up a chunk ov land, that will make yu feel weak tew look at it.
I hav bin on its top, and far above waz the brite blu ski, without a kloud swimming in it, while belo me the rain shot slanting on the valley, and the litening played its mad pranks.
How is this for hi?
But what a still place this New Ashford iz.
At sunrize the roosters crow all around, once apiece; at sunset the cows cum hollering home tew be milked; and at twilite out steal the krickets, with a song, the burden ov which seems sad and weary.