THE PADDOCK
While I.... It can’t come true!
Can’t it? It shall!
....Let’s think all round it.—I should have to keep
Aunt’s house; and Town, of course, is not the world....
It’s the beginning, though! it’s Somewhere Else!
It’s stir and change, it’s people everyday,
It’s openings and chances—doors ajar,
And roads all round, leading all sorts of ways.
O Paddock! it’s the start; it’s the first step
Beyond your fence. It is, it is, it shall be!
I’m going to race that feather, little Creek!
Let’s see, now: I must keep it in all day,
And speak to-night....If there could be a letter
By to-day’s mail, to say how bad she seems....?
(Not very bad, of course, poor little Mirrie!)....
Oh! it must do....it must....It’s made to fit;
I’ve only just to fit it in—and won’t I!
....I’ll be half sorry, too. ’Tis lovely here....
But I’ll be coming back again, old Paddock.
Maybe I’ll find I really like you best,
Once I’ve the chance of liking other things.
Oh! Oh! the first step!....Oh! I can’t sit still....
I can’t go in....No Hine yet....where’s Dapple?
One little gallop round the Paddock fence
I’m going to gallop over, Dap! Hurrah!
(Exit Janet.)
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