THE WORLD SET FREE
away. Indeed, judging by the grass between the stones and in the huts, I am inclined to doubt if it is in use even now."
"I suppose," said the king, "they would come up immediately the hay on this flower meadow is cut. It would be those slow, creamy-coloured beasts, I expect, one sees on the roads below, and swarthy girls with red handkerchiefs over their black hair. . . . It is wonderful to think how long that beautiful old life lasted. In the Roman times and long ages before ever the rumour of the Romans had come into these parts, men drove their cattle up into these places as the summer came on. . . . How haunted is this place! There have been quarrels here, hopes, children have played here and lived to be old crones and old gaffers, and died, and so it has gone on for thousands of lives. Lovers, innumerable lovers, have caressed amidst this golden broom. . . ."
He meditated over a busy mouthful of bread and cheese.
"We ought to have brought a tankard for that beer," he said.
Firmin produced a folding aluminium cup, and the king was pleased to drink.
"I wish, sir," said Firmin suddenly, "I could induce you at least to delay your decision."
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