Page:Hannah More (1887 Charlotte Mary Yonge British).djvu/110

98 of gratitude from all the neighbouring villages, stepped forward and preceded the whole, playing 'God save the King.' We followed the clergy, then Ma'am Baker, and her two hundred Cheddarites, and so on, the procession ending with Nailsea, the girls having fine nosegays, and the boys carrying white rods in their hands, the gentlemen and ladies weeping as though we had exhibited a deep tragedy, though the pleasing idea of the hungry going to be fed, I believe, caused these tears, rather those of joy than of sorrow.

"At the entrance of our circle the music withdrew, and the children then struck up their psalms and hymns. All were then seated in circles, fifteen completing the whole. The effect was really very interesting. When all were served, they arose, and each pastor stepping into the midst, prayed for his blessing on his own flock; and this part of the ceremony they did well. Examinations, singing, &c. took place. At length every voice on the hill was permitted, nay invited, to join in one general chorus of "God save the King." This is the only pleasure in the form of a song we ever allow. Instantaneously the children, their masters and mistresses, keeping their eyes on the clergy and ourselves, fell into the procession as at the beginning, walked to the place where we first met, and every school marched off to their several districts, singing Hallelujahs till they sank into the valley, and their voices could no more