the chimes(教堂钟声)-第22部分
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free will; and took the child to her capacious breast。
'Will Fern!' said Trotty; pulling on his right…hand muffler。 'Not the
friend you was hoping to find?'
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The Chimes
'Ay!' returned Will; putting a hand on each of Trotty's shoulders。 'And
like to prove a'most as good a friend; if that can be; as one I found。'
'O!' said Trotty。 'Please to play up there。 Will you have the
goodness!'
To the music of the band; and; the bells; the marrow…bones and
cleavers; all at once; and while the Chimes were yet in lusty operation out
of doors; Trotty; making Meg and Richard; second couple; led off Mrs。
Chickenstalker down the dance; and danced it in a step unknown before or
since; founded on his own peculiar trot。
Had Trotty dreamed? Or; are his joys and sorrows; and the actors in
them; but a dream; himself a dream; the teller of this tale a dreamer;
waking but now? If it be so; O listener; dear to him in all his visions; try
to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come; and in
your sphere … none is too wide; and none too limited for such an end …
endeavour to correct; improve; and soften them。 So may the New Year
be a happy one to you; happy to many more whose happiness depends on
you! So may each year be happier than the last; and not the meanest of
our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share; in what our Great
Creator formed them to enjoy。
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