THE TURQUOISE.                             275
	the boughs arched overhead, and showed the sunlight flashing in the beautiful perspective ; through dewy fern from which the startled hares leaped up, and fled at his approach ; by mantled pools, and fallen trees, and down in hollow places, rustling among last year's leaves, whose scent woke memories of the past, the placid Pecksniff strolled. By meadow gates, and hedges fragrant with wild roses ; and by thatched-roofed cottages, whose inmates humbly bow'd before him, as a man both good, and wise, the worthy Pecksniff walked, in tranquil meditation. The bee passed onward, humming of the work he had to do ; the idle gnats, for ever going round and round in one contracting, and expanding ring, yet always going on as fast as he, danced merrily before him ; the colour of the long grass came and went, as if the light clouds made it timid as they floated through the distant air. The birds,—so many Pecksniff consciences,—sang gaily upon every branch ; and Mr. Pecksniff paid his homage to the day, carolling as he went so sweetly, and with so much innocence, that he only wanted feathers and wings to be a bird."