tterance of a human tongue； save from those few who are dear to me。
Here； wake at what hour I may； early or late； I lie amid gracious stillness。 Perchance a horse's hoof rings rhythmically upon the road； perhaps a dog barks from a neighbour farm； it may be that there es the far； soft murmur of a train from the other side of Exe； but these are almost the only sounds that could force themselves upon my ear。 A voice； at any time of the day； is the rarest thing。
But there is the rustle of branches in the morning breeze； there is the music of a sunny shower against the window； there is the matin song of birds。 Several times lately I have lain wake