THE LAZY TOUR OF TWO IDLE APPRENTICES(两个闲荡徒弟的旅行).pdf

THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE (1783-1784)
THE LIFE AND
PERAMBULATIONS OF
A MOUSE
(1783-1784)
by Dorothy Kilner
1
THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE (1783-1784)
INTRODUCTION
During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow
confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to have
one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and were hot
obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I was on a visit to
Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a large party of young folk,
who all seemed, by their harmony and good humour, to strive who should
the most contribute to render pleasant that confinement which we were all
equally obliged to share. Nor were those further advanced in life less
anxious to contribute to the general satisfaction and entertainment.
After the more serious employment of reading each morning was
concluded, we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man's-buff, battledore
and shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting and innocent;
and when tired of them, drew our seats round the fire, while each one in
turn told some merry story to divert pany.
At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth reciting,
and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly girl pany
proposed that every one should relate the history of their own lives; 'and it
must be strange indeed,' added she, 'if that will not help us out of this
difficulty, and furnish conversation for some days longer; and by that time,
perhaps, the frost will break, the snow will melt, and set us all at liberty.
But let it break when it will, I make a law, that no one shall go from
Meadow Hall till they have told their own history: so take notice, ladies
and gentlemen, take notice, everybody, what you have to trust to. And
because,' continued she, 'I will not be unreasonable, and require more from
you than you can perform, I will give all you who may perhaps have
forgott