nd flowers； I hear the birds whose wont it is to sing to me； ever and anon the martins that have their home beneath my eaves sweep past in silence。 Church bells have begun to chime； I know the music of their voices； near and far。
There was a time when it delighted me to flash my satire on the English Sunday； I could see nothing but antiquated foolishness and modern hypocrisy in this weekly pause from labour and from bustle。 Now I prize it as an inestimable boon； and dread every encroachment upon its restful stillness。 Scoff as I might at 〃Sabbatarianism；〃 was I not always glad when Sunday came？ The bells of London churches and chapels are not soothing to the ear； but when I remember their sound……even that of the most aggressively pharisaic conventicle； with its one dire clapper……I find it associated with a sense of repose； of liberty。 This day of the seven I granted to my better genius； work was put aside； and； when Heaven permitted； trouble forgotten。
When out of England I have always missed this Sunday quietude； this difference from ordinary days which seems to affect the very atmosphere。 It is not enough that people should go to church； that shops should be closed and workyards silent； these holiday notes do not make a Sunday。 Think as one may of its significance； our Day of Rest has a peculiar sanctity； felt； I imagine； in a more or less vague way； even by those who wish to see the village lads at cricket and theatres open in the town。 The idea is surely