62

UNIT - IV

STRUCTURE 4.1

History and the Reader

4.1.1 Introduction

4.1.2 Summary

4.1.3 Annotations

4.1.4 Glossary

4.1.5 Intext Questions

4.1.6 Assignments

4.2 Cricket and its champion

4.2.1 Introduction

4.2.2 Summary

4.2.3 Annotations

4.2.4 Glossary

4.2.5 Intext Questions

4.2.6 Assignments

4.3 On Marriage

4.3.1 Introduction

4.3.2 Summary

4.3.3 Annotations

4.3.4 Glossary

4.3.5 Intext Questions

4.3.6 Assignments

4.4 Thoughts at the Ferry

4.4.1 Introduction

4.4.2 Summary

4.4.3 Annotations

4.4.4 Glossary

4.4.5 Intext Questions

4.4.6 Assignments

4.5.1 Introduction

4.5.2 Summary

4.5.3 Annotations

4.5.4 Glossary

4.5.5 Intext Questions

4.5.6 Assignments

4.5 The B.B.G 101

4.6 A Disappointed Man

4.6.1 Introduction

4.6.2 Summary

4.6.3 Annotations

4.6.4 Glossary

4.6.5 Intext Questions

4.6.6 Assignments

4.7.1 Introduction

4.7.2 Summary

4.7.3 Annotations

4.7.4 Glossary

4.7.5 Intext Questions

4.7.6 Assignments

4.7 In Crimson Silk

102 103

4.1 HISTORY AND THE READER G. M. Trevelyan

4.1.1 INTRODUCTION G. M. Trevelyan is an authority in British History. He has written many books on history and biography. He was a Professor of Modern History and then Master of Trinity College Cambridge. The History of England and English Social History are two of his monumental works that bear proof of his scholarship. This essay stresses on the need and importance of historical knowledge.

4.1.2 SUMMARY

History, according to G.M. Trevelyan, has its interest and value, besides being a mere record of the past. It enlightens us about the evolution of the present from the past. Generally reviewing the past will always be delightful. So we read history to learn the habits and thoughts of the forgotten past; the origin of the institutions and beliefs; and for information about the history of mankind. Today our intellectual curiosity about the past gets fully satisfied due to modern scholarship. Our study of history helps us to escape into a rich world of art, craft and imagination. Archaeologists and antiquarians have greatly benefited by the discovery about the life of mankind on earth in the distant past. They are enthralled by the mystery of time changeability of things, and succession of the ages and generations. It throws as much light on the present as on the past. And it tells us of our rich ancient heritage, which justifies what we are today. Especially in the present context, a deep knowledge of history will help the modern man very much to shed all his inhibitions. So that he will be able to understand and appreciate the social and political conditions of his neighbour nations. For example he cannot understand the French and the Germans without knowing about the French Revolution and the German's political set up. The same is true of any country. If one aspires to know and understand the Russians, one should have learnt about the Tartar and Teutonic invasions, which knitted the Russians together. If we know all these we will become generous enough to allow and accept their way of life and their government. So a perfect historical knowledge is always desirable. Lest we will also commit the same mistake of Mr. Ford committed, who called history a "bunk". Our knowledge of any country's history may be considered perfect, only if we are able to correlate the past with the present in the right perspective. If we fail to do, it will result in misconception like Trevelyan's American officer friend. He came out with his wrong impression about England. He said that he expected to find England still continuing with its traditional ways of life with its serfs and feudal aristocracy. So Trevelyan opines that it would have 104 been right if he had come before the Hundred Years War. The Hundred Years War has made great change in England. But, at the same time, it is also true that there are certain old countries like Ireland. The Irish are too historical minded people to grow out of their past. This is because of the one sided ultrapatriotic visions of the past. In fact this has become a common defect in all of us at present. Trevelyan himself suffered from such inconstant opinion: hence he says that he cannot pass a judgement on the French Revolution. So he honestly believes that there can never be a final "verdict of history". Trevelyan advocates that we must always approach any social of political problem without any prejudiced view. Such discipline can be attained only by a careful and through reading of history. This will enable us to develop broad mindedness and mental poise. Even then it is quite possible that all of us may not agree in our views. But, to a fair extent we will gain wisdom and understanding. Therefore, it becomes necessary, on the part of the historians that they must present history in a variety of forms readable by different sections of the public. He must also make it fascinating by his faithful and interesting presentation without distortion. To put it in other words, history being a sincere and interesting record of man's evolution, must be more interesting that the first chapter of Genesis. It will contain religion, science, art and literature: hence more wonderful then the wonders of physical science. So history is a mystery unsolved, yet it is a solid fact. Since the proper study of mankind is man, It become all the more important to him that any other branch of learning.

4.1.3 MODEL ANNOTATIONS

You cannot understand the Russians steppes" G. M. Trevelyan explains how history is useful to the reader. According to him, it is useful in two very important ways: It tells us about the life in the past: and how the present has evolved from the past. We can understand better and appreciate the present social and political conditions only if we have knowledge of the past. A knowledge of the French Revolution will help us to know better about the French. Same is true of Russians. The knowledge of the past reveals to us that the Russians had to remain united for fear of frequent Tartar and Teutonic invasions over the plains of the Steppers. The Tartars and the Teutons were two different races. They were the barbarian hoarders who invaded Russia frequently to snatch away that resources of Russia, Steppe is the name of a vast pasture law of Russia. 1. "I told him that his historical knowledge ... the Hounded Years War" 105 Trevelyan insists on the right understanding of past history. Any imperfect knowledge will only mar the effect of reading history for enjoyment or for its own sake. He in this connection cites the notions of his American Friend about England, and his own sarcastic remark about it. Trevelyan told his friend ironically that his expectation would have been all right, if he had visited England in the early period of the famous Hundred Years War. The notion cherished by his American fried was that England would still be having the Feudal system in vogue, with its old fashioned castles and social set up. The Hundred Years War refers to the war fought between England and France from 1338 to 1543. This passage reveals Trevelyan's profound and thorough knowledge of the British History and his quaint humour. 2. "Mans evolution is far more extraordinary....to us. According to G. M. Trevelyan, we are interested in history for many reasons. One among them is that history furnishes us with information about the history of mankind. So it becomes the bounden duty, on the part of the historian to make it fascinating by a faithful and interesting presentation. To put it differently history must certainly be more interesting to the reader than the first chapter of Genesis. It is so because it reveals to us the interesting secrets of man's evolution through the ages. Genesis is the first chapter of the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter tells us the origin of life. The term “the proper study of mankind is man" is a quotation from Alexander Pope's “Essay on Man", II Epistle.

4.1.4 GLOSSARY

enthralled spell bound changing nature mutability Bismark the eminent statesman of the nineteenth century in Germany Mr Ford Henry Ford (1983-1947) the automobile king of America bunk nonsense the Hundred Years War this war was fought between England and France bias and prejudice Parties pris 1815 the year of the battle of waterloo in which Napoleon was defeated this earth this strange planet 1 106

4.1.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS a) What are the two questions which history raises to attempt and answer? b) What should a reader do to understand the French, the English and the Russians? c) How does history help the readers? d) How should we approach the social and political problems of any country?

4.1.6 ASSIGNMENTS a) How does history throw light on the present? b) Write a paragraph on what Trevelyan considers to be the two important functions that history serves. M 107

4.2 CRICKET AND ITS CHAMPION Neville Cardus

4.2.1 INTRODUCTION Neville Cardus is a famous writer on cricket. His relationship with cricket began as early as his thirteenth year. He was appointed as a cricket coach at Shrewsbury school. There began his cricket career, never to end in his lifetime. He is an authority on cricket, on which he has written voluminous books. He was equally an authority on music too. For several years he was serving as a newspaper reporter for Manchester Guardian. This lesson "Cricket and its Champion" is marked by his mastery, both in the game and in the most felicitous style.

4.2.2 SUMMARY

This lesson is a poetical expression of Neville Cardus about the sensational Cricket match. He was a great lover of the game. Here he recounts the last match of the season at Kent. In that match a famous cricketer Mr. Wooley, braved a century record. Besides the uproarious audience, nature also contributed for the grandeour of the match, with its wisp of clouds, chirping of birds and fine dusk. The crowd had disappeared after the match. Neville Cardus alone slowly saunters across munching some sweet thoughts about cricket. He is proud of the game, which is the heritage of the English. He admires the modesty of cricket against the roughness of football. At June the game will be played all over the country. Even small hamlets like Little Puddleton will be glorious with matches. They get lost in the game. As the season creeps to August the game loses its lusture. The players become weary, and ambition worn out and vanish. Autumn grows in everything. It is a game of absorbing interest. The spectators are kept under a spell when it is on. They relax along with the players. Even old uncles are no exception. They will fall in a fit of reminiscence. It is a game of sudden turn of events and chances. A slow fire will suddenly blaze by swift wind of circumstances. In on other game does a small event, both makes and mars immediately. So, as far as cricket is concerned, every minute can become a deciding one. The reaction it causes among the spectators is terribly emotional. One such remarkable commotion occurred in a match for rubber between England and Australia. A Player Knight held a magnificent catch for the thrill of the spellbound spectators. So, cricket means much to a man. It represents the English love of compromise between freedom and orderliness. The umpires in their magisterial coast exhibit it. They never get any contemptuous treatment as the football refrees. 108 Even the cricket fields are reverentially maintained. The game is so inured in their blood that even a lame man has his notions about it. Enjoying a cricket match in between busy schedules is a proof of man's Englishness. To put it in other words, no Englishman can resist the temptation of catching a glimpse even when he travels fast. It is a game of fascination for people of all status. A player W. G. Grace, was a celebrity of English cricket. The elevation of it being a typical English game goes to him. So he came to be placed on equal status with persons of great renown, like Sir Albert Memorial and Sir National Debt as Sir cricket. The Champion Neville Cardus worships W G. Grace, a gigantic and swarthy faced man. He describes how Grace began his career Grace used to practice on the green pastures of Gloucester shire. The silent Orchard began to creek with the cricket bat; the young boys joined him shouting with enthusiasm. The labourers passing by heard the sound. But none knew that a famous cricket man was on the making. Even before he became famous he could give a scientific basis for His methods were quite in keeping with western fashion. This man latter grew to national renown. Not a match was conducted without his participation whether small of big. He always played a conventional game even in fashionable areas. He was a strongly built man with a forked beard. His dint of effort and gusto for each day's play made cricket a national game. Like the Victorians he believed that authority must fully be exploited; hence the game became a part of the Victorian epoch. Soon he shot up to eminence by his skill and his name got frequently mentioned by all, at all places. He became the heart-throb of all cricket lovers. People from various places thronged around the stadium. His face became familiar even among those who did not like cricket. It became a part of the etiquette among the Royal family that they inquired about his health. Young boys took delight in acting and calling themselves. W.G.G entrance fees got enhanced if Grace participated in a particular match. He showed no discrimination between the country and the country matches. He played both with the greatest and the humblest. Wieket keepers deemed it a honour to declare Grace out. The crowd used to protest against such umpires who declared him so. Therefore, umpires too hesitated to do so, for it would disappoint the spectators. He was like Spofforth an acclaimed, dangerous fast bowler. This giant of a man running with his forked bead for bowling was a great fascination to his fans. As a celebrity he used to mingle with great-persons like Locus Steel and Stoddart. While playing for Thornbury, the usual scene repeated. A rustic revolted against a catch while Grace was batting. Grace took quarter of an hour to convince and pacify the rustic. Incidents of this kind frequently occurred. Grace grew one 109 with the game and has left an indelible impression by his significant contribution to it even to be remembered.

4.2.3 MODEL ANNOTATIONS

1. "It is all right, it is all right... Maker" Nevile Cardus nostalgically looks backward and describes a particular match between England and Australia. It was really a tough match for the rubber. The chances were fluctuating. The Australian batsman Clem Hill smashed a ball for a four. The entire Sydney multitudes were dead still as the ball fell into Knight's hand. Mr. Knight held an artistic catch. He seemed to go down on his knee and bow his head. The spectators mistook it for illness and rushed towards him. But Knight rose up dramatically muttering that everything was all right. He continued that he was only thanking his Maker for the golden opportunity. Trough this passage Neville makes us understand the grace and humour of Knight while playing. He was able to create a sudden excitement among his colleagues by his act of suspense. 2. "Admission three pence... six pence" Neville Cardus pays a mighty tribute to Mr. W.G. Grace. He was the champion of the game. He used to practice very strenuously even at the early morning hours. The echo of the bat when hit would make the passersby labours to mutter that Dr. Grace was at work. He had made such a deep impact in the minds of the cricket lovers; that even the Royal personages used to inquire about him as part of their sophistry. He was the cynosure of the game wherever played. So the advertisements will read that the entrance fees has been hiked in view of Grace's participation. This passage reveals the due importance given to the champion, Dr. Grace who used to play the game with heart and soul. spoil it." 3. Come here George said W. G. Grace. A mad on rush of people will pour into the pavilion if Dr. Grace participated in match. People of different age group and different walks of life would through around the champion. They would applaud his arrival as well every hit of him. He too would invest the game with richness and eloquence by every hit. The audience would never want Grace get caught. Young and old would in unison protest against such an unfortunate event. Even rustics would insist that the umpire must declare it "not out". Then Dr. Grace had to pacify them. Here is one such occasion where he affectionately chastised a rustic fan with these words that he must remain calm accepting the verdict of the umpire. 110 This shows how everyone was quite crazy of Dr. Grace, the champion of cricket. Incidentally we learn about the fairness, equity and the dedication with which Grace played his game. 4.2.4 GLOSSARY Cricket seasons In England the cricket season is from April to August Woolley A brilliant batsman from Kent Little Pudddleton Imaginary name for a small village Lord's The cricket ground in London Hobbes Jack Hobbes, from surrey was one of the greatest batsman England has ever produced here the bat Willow hedges surrounds Clem Hill an Australian batsman Wilfred Rhodes famous English bowler W.G. Grace (1865-1908) the most celebrated name in Cricket. He scored 54896 runs and took 2876 wickets The champion W.G. Grace Glaadstone (1809-98) the eminent Victorian liberal politician Squire Country gentleman

4.2.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS

a) How are the cricket and football seasons different in England? b) How according to Neville Cardus does cricket differ from other games? c) What does Neville Cardus say to establish the great popularity that W.G. Grace enjoyed as a cricketer? d) What was distinctive in Grace's bating?

4.2.6 ASSIGNMENTS

a) Write on the cricket season in England and describe how it affects the game and the players. b) What are Neville Cardus reflections as the cricket season comes to the end? c) Why was W.G. Grace known as The chamption? 111 ON MARRIAGE Ernest Barker

4.3.1 INTRODUCTION

Sir Ernest Barker has written several books on political science and an autobiography. He had a very healthy educational background. His writings prove his concern for tradition. "On Marriage" is from his book "The values of Life". In this essay he tries to establish the truth that a family is a complete society in miniature.

4.3.2 SUMMARY

Ernest Barker believed that the family is a single society. But writers of social and political subjects considered the family as a federal society with three different groups the family consisting of the man and wife: parents and children and master and servants. They refused to unite them together nor would they recognize the family as a society. The German philosopher, Laibiniz made a fourth division. Barker says that these three constitute a single society. The father is a husband and master at once. It is this oneness that really matters. The nuptial society exists only during the days of honeymoon. This passage of time converts them into father and mother. So marriage means understanding and adjustments of two persons for a common way of life. It includes both happiness and sadness, disagreement and reconciliation, differences and compromises. In other words, the institution of marriage will thrive successfully only with debates and compromises. According to Barker, basic temperamental differences exist between a man and woman. The process of metabolism is constant in man, while it is unstable in woman. For, example, illness disturbs a man violently while a woman takes it as a part of normal life. Man always craves for novelty. He may suffer from vexing impatience, but a sweet smile from his partner cures it off and pins man down to stability and good sense, say Barker. He maintains that men and women, being partners should learn to respect the differences of each other. That the secret of real nuptial happiness lies only in striking a golden mean between differences. Therefore, a perfect marriage is qualified by identical interest and pursuit. It grows perfect if the difference itself become a complement. It will be possible if the difference is approached sympathetically and solved. Both should be mutually frank and inform the other his (or her) interest and pursuit. Either must strive for togetherness lest the fun of anything will be lost. Togetherness is very much indispensable. This is true in cultivating some 113 Coy Mistress," a poem by Andrew Marvell. Eden is the garden of perfect endless bliss. 2. The peacock's wing......old age" Ernest Barker is of the opinion that a perfect marriage must be qualified by the identity of interest and pursuit. If by some misfortune some differences exist between the man and wife, it must be quelled by mutual, understanding and adoptability and frankness. If this method is followed with monastic strictness, then perennial happiness can certainly continue. Even at palsy romance gets spiritualized and continues as effectively as it was in its inception. Barker explains this phenomenon by a picturesque description; comparing the charm of romance with the colourful peacock. That is to say, even at the old age, romance may be sustained by spiritualizing the stimulus. This passage is an example Barker's vivid thinking and simple expression. The comparison is quite apt and thought-provoking. 3. "I can not but believe.....corpus mysticism" E. Barker holds this view that marriage is not merely a contract between a man and a woman. But it is something more than this. He thinks this is a bondage, both physical and spiritual, in which two people strive for togetherness. They learn to understand each other sympathetically. In this connection Barker endorse the view of the Catholic theologians. According to them the institution of marriage is a divine scheme behind our mortal existence. They call it by a Latin term (corpus mysticism), which means a mystical body (or society). By quoting the views of Catholic theologians, Barker declares that the institution of marriage has a touch of reverence. It includes and transcends the view that it is a mutual bondage towards a common end.

4.3.4 GLOSSARY

Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) the great Greek philosopher (1946-1716) German philosopher, a diplomat and a mathematician Leibniz Adam and Eve the first man and woman. Before they are the forbidden fruit, they lived a happy life in the garden of Edan Eden, the place of perfect happiness garden a miniature representation microcosm 114 the pundits the experts playboys those who live to enjoy nebulous vague divergence difference of opinion corpus mysticism a mystical body recession going back. this vision here the spiritual vision of a mark gregariousness love of company accommodations: here adjustments singing air the wind blowing with musical sound

4.3.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS

a) Why does the older writers say that family is a federal society? b) "It is better to be a follower of Leibniz in this matter" - Explain. c) What are Barker's views on honeymoon days? d) Mention some differences between men and women which Barker says. e) What are Barker's suggestions to avoid friction when there are differences in vastes and interests?

4.3.6 ASSIGNMENTS a) Sum up Barker's views on the institution of marriage. b) What are Barker's suggestions for a happy married life? 0 115

4.4 THOUGHTS AT THE FERRY E.V. Lucas

4.4.1 INTRODUCTION

E.V. Lucas is a very familiar name in the field of short essay. He has won a place for himself among the English essayists by his amazing versatility. He has edited the essays of Charles Lamb The central idea of this essay is that the ferrymen are generally gloomy fellows.

4.4.2 SUMMARY

Lucas begins his essay with a confession that his knowledge about the ferrymen is neither extensive nor happy. He does not like them for the following reasons. Journey in a boat is generally a pleasure; but it is not so in a ferry across the river. The delight of drifting along the current is not there. Instead its journey is from bank to bank. Therefore the journey is a drudge. No adventure is involved in the journey. There is no music or any mirth making even from the passengers. Lucas is reminded of his boyhood days in a Twickenham ferry. A ferryman remains tied down to his spot, even if the whole world goes way faring. Lucas maintains that simply crossing a river is uninteresting. And it becomes still worse if it is from spot to spot. The ferryman's work is a dull routine. He never participates with the eventful day of his passengers. The romance of the running water becomes uninteresting for him. The open air, over hanging clouds and the breeze that will make others poetical, fail to captivate him. Moreover he will be always on the opposite bank whenever he is wanted in this bank. This aggravates our dislike for him. Perhaps, thinks Lucas, if he gets an increase in his fare, he may become a bit cheerful but he is too unfortunate to have either a millionaire or a Carnegie to leave him with a fat sum. He is not even fortunate to have any companion, for the time and distance he plies, are very short. Variety of people travel with him. But he is not benefited by a conversation with them. This may be the reason for his ill-temper. This occupation, to many is not hereditary, but only out of necessity. This may be another reason for their moroseness. So to avoid loneliness, they will have dumb creatures like dogs and birds for their company in the boat. He remembers a particular ferryman with a goose for his company. He did not even row, but pulled his boat with a rope. He once praised his goose to the amazement of Lucas. It was so exciting an experience for Lucas that he thought of writing a fable about it, but did not do so for fear of sounding Aesopian. He gave that up for want of further inspiration. Lucas thinks that a preacher can capitalise on this subject and pointing out the follies and foibles of human beings. Lucas did not try it because many of us are 116 akin to the ferryman. To put it in other words, we are as much mistaken about the goodness of our friends as the ferryman who had mistaken his goose for a swan.

4.4.3 ANNOTATIONS

1. "Was there ever a rich.............a legacy In the opinion of Lucas, all ferrymen are sad and lonely people. They would never get benefited either by the exciting ferry travel or by the company of and conversation with the passengers in the ferry. A bitter truth is that they will be always available only on the opposite bank when they will be very much needed in this bank. Because of these reasons they are not liked by people; more so by Lucus. He has aversion to these "bad half pennies. In this connection Lucas believes that they may also perhaps become cheerful if a raise in fare is offered. But it is unfortunate that they never seem to have had either a millionaire or a Carnegie to leave them with riches. Carnegie was a poor Scotsman who became later fabulously rich. He gave away huge sums of money for public causes. He founded an endowment on his name of help the poor Scottish students. 2. "Do we know our friends......geese?” Lucas has so many reasons for his unpleasant disposition towards the ferrymen. One such reason is their indifference to the company of passengers. The brevity of time and distance deprive them of this. To escape their monotony they will have some mute creatures like dogs and geese in their ferry for company In this context Lucas remembers a Wye ferryman with his goose. He once praised it to the amazement of Lucas. He seemed to have mistaken it for a swan. Lucas criticizes us that we are no better than the ferryman. We are as much mistaken about the goodness of our friend as the ferryman has mistakes his goose for a swan. This sarcastic remarks of Lucas is directed towards the dissemblers on the one hand and towards us for our lack of judgement about persons on the other hand. The rhetorical question at the end of the essay enhances its richness. Lucas hints at the power of flattery.

4.4.4 GLOSSARY

deliberate here slow, in no hurry One who does dull work drudge Twickenham Ferry The ferry across the Thames towards the west of London Sing joyfully Carol 117 Wayfaring Traveling Lure Captivate A fare Here a passenger Whimsical Eccentric Carnegie Andrew Carnegie(1835-1918) a poor Scotsman who became very rich in America. We donated large sums of money for public causes. Ardent Enthusiastic Pensive Gloomy Wye A river in West England Apathy Here reserve Pertinent apologue A suitable moral fable

4.4.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS

a) Why does E.V. Lucas say that ferryman's boat is a drudge? b) What does the author say about the ferrymen? c) Why does the ferrymen like to talk to the strangers who come to their boat for a journey? d) What reason does Lucas give for the ill-temper of the ferrymen?

4.4.6 ASSIGNMENTS

a) What are the reasons for the ferryman's lack of mirth? b) What are the thoughts of the author as he waits for the boat from the other side of the river? 118

4.5 THE B. B.G. Hilaire Belloc

4.5.1 INTRODUCTION Hillaire Belloc is a famous humorist. His writings, especially his skits, saturate with satire and humour. He has written verses and novels too. After a brief indulgence in politics, he switched over to literature as his full time pursuit. "B.B.C" describes the life of Lord Pallington who became rich by exploiting the blind beggars of London.

4.5.2 SUMMARY

Late Lord Pallington was originally known as Mr. Powke at the initial stage of his life. He aspired to grow rich. A trifling accident paved way for the success of his life. One day he saw a blind beggar, with his tin mug, little dog, and shielded eyes. A fantastic idea dawned suddenly in his mind. He dropped a one-penny coin in the tin mug. He dropped another half-penny and studied the facial change of the beggar. From the unchanged facial expression of the beggar, Powke discerned that the blind beggar was accustomed to receive several coins at a time; so he discovered that begging was really a profitable occupation. He watched the blind beggar through a widow from the opposite house. He kept vigil till the late evening and prepared statistics about the day's collection of the beggar. At nine O clock in the evening he shuffled away with his dog tapping with his stick. On reaching his safe, lonely place he removed off his eyeshield and the placard. Mr. Powke watched the 'blind beggar' from his refuge. He reckoned the day's collection to be 1.4 shillings. Then the blind beggar darted still further westward. Mr. Powke continued his vigil for two more day's. On the third day he learnt about the small levy on which the police allowed the beggar a monopoly. Soon Mr. Powke started his profitable profession of begging. Within days Mr. Powke's responsibility and jurisdiction increased. He appointed many watchers to assist him. The number of assistants soon increased from five to ten at all important centres. Within an year Mr. Powke was able to enlist as much as one hundred and three beggars of whom twenty seven were not really blind. To some of them, Mr. Powke expressed his sympathy for their low income and promised them an enhancement. To some others, he assured receipts; some else were threatened with a police compliant for malfeasance. And to some else who were not really blind, he informed, that they would be suitably dealt with, by some 'powerful' agents. In some cases even restitution was demanded. So some of the beggars resorted to police help; but in vain. The police themselves threatened some of the beggars with the loss of their usual area. By effective measures like these Mr. Powke was growing rich and came to be called as 'the King of Beggars'. 119 Mr. Powke was playing a dual role On the one hand, he was strongly denouncing the growth of mendicancy, and, on the other, went on stressing the necessity of its organisation. For the charitable minded ones, he promised solemnly that accounts were very neatly maintained and audited by Powke's own nephew periodically. He advocated thriftiness to his mendicant members. He provided the blind beggars with uniforms inscribed with "B.B.G." The B.B.G. had acquired such a renown that great people volunteered to encourage if by their substantial contributions. Charles Hagley celebrated Mr. Powke's "Christ-like efforts. One Miss Masham, on a royalty basis, set it to music and sung it as a devotional song at all sacred places. Every Londoner was familiar with B.B.G. Some who duplicated the uniform were punished seriously by magistrates for sacrilege. The sound and prudent management attracted some small trades too. Consequently central and district offices were established at various parts of London, in artistic premises. Soon a number of officials were posted to manage the affairs of the guild. Even banking operations came into existence with foreign exchange facilities. Mr. Powke became Mr. Henry Powke and then Lord pallington as his financial and social status went on developing But he did not live long to see the prosperity of the B.B.G. founded by him. He died of a peculiar disease (Caecopenuria) at his comparatively early age of sixty nine. His monument found its place among that of big people. By the laudable service of the B.B.G. family, even death rate by starvation and illegitimate births got considerably reduced. 4.5.3 ANNOTATIONS 1. And none could be better judge...years. Hilaire Beloe in his parody "the B.B.G. heartily writes about the modern cunning men who shoot up to fame by crooked means. He narrates the story of a fictitious character, Mr. Powke and his institution. "The Blind Beggars Guild shortly known as B.B.G. Belloc says that he has submitted this article to Lady Pallington for approval. He maintains that it will be an unpardonable offence to the memory of a great public personality if the information is wrong and the most competent person to evaluate any such work will be his wife only. This passage describes the wretchedness of modern men and the high sounding names are also suggestive of dishonesty at every stage and in every walk of life. 2. "He set another watcher....Harmersmith." Mr. Powke had gathered enough 'statistics' about the collection and the levy to the policemen, in the business of the blind beggars. He discovered it to be a highly profitable pursuit. So he had decided to exploit the source to his maximum benefit. 120 This needed a close vigil over the blind beggars. As the number of beggars at various centres to be watched increased, he found it difficult to manage it by himself. Therefore he hired watchers on small premium to exercise vigil over the blind beggars at the important places like Southwark, Bethnal Green and Hammersmith. We understand through this passage, that how Mr. Powke's new purist went on expanding day by day. 3. "Mr. Powke acquired a ringing piece.....edific. The climax of Mr. Powke's crooked life is commented by Hilaire Belloc. He says that Mr. Powke's new business flourished successfully. Soon he became very popular, to that extent that even certain small trades got absorbed into his business by his extra ordinary managerial acumen. The name B.B.G. grew to fame and big people encouraged its growth by their contributions. Yet another information about its popularity is that a widely read modern poet' by name Charles Hagley celebrated it, and the Christ like service of Mr. Powke, with his poem. It was set to music by Miss. Masham to be sung at all religious centers. Though this passage sounds exaggerated its humour is inescapable. Belloc points out how even certain religious people and institutions are corrupt and are ready to stoop to any level. We find certain real persons are behind the invented names of the author. The term "Christ-like effort is surcharged with a sense of sarcasm and quaint humour.

4.5.4 GLOSSARY

The B.B.G. The Blind Beggar's Guild The Salvation Army An organization for the revival of religion founded by General William Booth in 1912 pitch here the place of beggars the small levy the small amount which the beggars gave as bribe to the policemen so that they would not allow any other beggar to stay in this region malfeasance evil doing Archibald Glass an imaginary name of a painter inasmuch in so far Morceau short musical composition O.M. Order of merit a high honour conferred upon very eminent persons Babylon bar The counter where drinks are sold in the pub called the Babylon 121

4.5.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS

a) How did powke find out that it was not unusual for beggars to receive more than one coin from a single donor? b) What discoveries did Powke make about the beggars on the first day of his observations? c) What were the steps he took to collect full statistics? d) Describe the methods by which he gave wide advertisement to his organization.

4.5.6 ASSIGNMENTS

a) Explain the stages by which Mr. Powke built up the B.B.G. b) Bring out the humour and satire of the essay. 122

4.6 A DISAPPOINTED MAN Robert Lynd

4.6.1 INTRODUCTION

Lynd is one of the finest essayists of the twentieth century. His essays are true to the definition as "Works of prose art". His essays have been marked with a special trait. They begin innocently and grow to seriousness spontaneously. "A Disappointed Man" describes the unhappiness caused due to the vast gap between expectation and reality.

4.6.2 SUMMARY

A blind man who regained his vision by a miraculous operation was full of regret. He had been disappointed by the nature of things. He cherished fantastic notions. But when he opened his eyes to reality he felt miserably disappointed, for there was a great chasm between the real and the imagined ones. It happened to Lynd too, when saw a lion "the King of Beasts for the first time. It was without all the imagined regalities. Similarly the elephant became a miniature and the camel, a seedy, turkey like animal. It was true of the London city and the famous Buckingham Palace. He seemed to have imagined it as a glory of the world in its size and artistic splendour worthy of Cinderella. But the entire charm got lost when he saw it really Lynd suggests some remedies to overcome such disappointments. He says one might develop familiarity with things so that he might know what to expect and what not. This might, to a certain extent, mitigate the problem We can avert disappointments by another method. We should not expect too much, for too great an anticipation is an enemy of pleasure. This is true of many books and movies. We expect, sometimes, a book to be masterpiece and get disappointed if it falls short of our expectations. But, from a bad movie we don't expect anything. And eventually we don't meet with disappointments too. Instead we are overjoyed by some unexpected acting and comic situations in the movies. In the case of travellers, disappointed anticipations and the pleasures of the unexpected are too many. It happened so to Oscar Wilde in the Atlantic Ocean, and to other men at Taj Mahal, and in the Mosque of Cordova. Lynd earnestly believes that people might have enjoyed Clovelly as they had come on it accidentally instead of with a previous knowledge about it. Lynd could enjoy it because he visited it without expecting anything from it. He enjoyed it all the more because he had listened to a dispraise about it. The same adjustment pattern might be practised by the man curved of blindness. He would not be vexed, because he would not look for all the time either 123 the face of Greek God in man, or a Helen in woman. Instead he would be prepared for an ugly figure, and would be delighted if he saw a beautiful woman. But whatever may be the fact, the irony of life is that what is beautiful to one need not to be so for the other. It is because beauty is subjective. So Lynd concludes saying that none will be ready to live in somebody else's Utopia.

4.6.3 MODEL ANNOTATIONS

1. "It is such a palace. palace was not that Lynd very methodically examinees the reasons for why a man gets disappointed. It happens because of the vast difference between reality and imagination. It can happen on various things. Human beings will, as a norm, have always a splendid and magnified image of anything unknown to them. But when they come across reality they get disappointed. Lynd cities his personal experience as an example. He confesses that he had been thinking of the Buckingham palace as the glory of the world, worthy of Cinderella. But the image got falsified when he chanced to see it. Cinderella is the heroine of a fairy-tale. She was a poor, ill-treated servant mind, who was fortune enough to marry a prince and live in his palace. This passage reveals the disillusionment of Lynd. 2. "Oscar wiled was disappointed. Cordova". Lynd feels that we will face number of disappointments in our life. It happens because of our high images of everything. It is very common with travellers who always go with high expectations. He suggests certain remedies like giving up too much anticipations, and being prepared to bad and mediocre things. These will certainly mitigate the problems of disappointment. As an example Lynd quotes the experiences of Oscar Wilde, a famous British Dramatist, Wilde seemed strange expectations that he would come across several adventures and enjoyment. But the journey ended without any interesting experience, Similarly men visit Taj Mahal with too many romantic ideas and expectations. But their anticipations are not fulfilled and they return vexed. Mosque at Cordova is a mosque built by the Moors. 3. Who has every wanted.. Utopia. Lynd makes a detailed investigation about man's disappointments and suggests remedies. The remedies suggested are very simple and easily practicable. Suddenly his mind retraces the beginning of his argument when he speaks of the pitiable, man, who gets vision after a period of blindness. To him everything would 124 look puzzling, for he might have conceived very grand visions about things of this world, during his blindness. He suggests such people can cultivate mental readjustments. This would enable them to avert the pangs of disappointment. In this context, Lynd declares that what is beautiful to one need not be so for the other. So he concludes that none will be ready to live in another's Utopia. Utopia is an ideal world where everything is said to be perfect. It was dreamt of by the famous novelist, Sir Thomas Moore. The concluding rhetorical question offers an effective ending to the essay.

4.6.4 GLOSSARY

strand a street in London native city here Lynd's native city Belfast Cinderella the famous heroine of the well-known fairy tale of that name Golden Miller a famous race horse Steed war-horse Charger a military officer's horse novelette short novel Mosque at Cordova a huge mosque built by the moors in Spain Clovelly a beautiful village in England Utopia ideal place Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) a famous play wright and story-writer

4.6.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS

a) Why was Lynd disappointed when he saw a lion for the first time? b) Why was Lynd disappointed when he saw London for the first time? c) How, according to Lynd, can we avoid disappointment? d) What should we do if we want to enjoy anything?

4.6.6 ASSIGNMENTS

a) Why are we disillusioned when we see a thing for the first time? b) What are the reflections of Lynd on hearing that a blindman who recovered his sight was disappointed with the world? 125

4.7 IN CRIMSON SILK J.B. Priestley

4.7.1 INTRODUCTION

J.B. Priestley has many novels and plays to his credit. Besides volumes of essays, he has tried his hand in the field of criticism and autobiographies too, Through the B.B.C. he has made many talks on various subjects. His mastery over the opulence of the English language becomes evident in this skit.

4.7.2 SUMMARY

It is an essay on his purchase of fine, crimson silk pyjamas. He takes his readers into confidence and says that such a fine crimson piece is not meant for seedy looking persons like him; nor could he afford to buy one on such piece. But yet he says he bought it in a romantic moment. He then proceeds to describe the event. It was a dull day. He felt fed up by the mechanical life. So he stirred out. As he was aimlessly walking through the street, his eyes embarked upon a treasure. He could not restrain his temptation. The diffused evening light added to its rich colourfulness. It appeared to him that the manufacturer of the garment also wanted to conspire against him. And his moment of frailty too set in favourably. The shop man understood his mind and immediately packed it without waiting for confirmation. Priestley walked out with a sense of elation: his heart was fluttering in happiness. When he wore it, he felt like a different person. He, for sometime, was admiring his own magnificence and felt boasted up. His stretched arms looked like something super-imposed upon him. He suddenly felt like a wicked luxurious fellow amidst a huddle of Circassian beauties, and Nubian slaves around him. To put it in a passionate language, he looked like King Cambyse the wicked Persian king. He felt he was hand in glove with the notorious Borgias the children of Pope Alexander VI. He became arrogant and felt like whipping the poor mercilessly, with an air of authority and cruelty. He thought of himself as a demigod. This sense of revulsion vanished once he discarded his crimson silk pyjamas. He then becomes just a timid and respectable citizen to his family and friends. Once an enormous and expensive cigar is given, he again assumes air and poses as a different person. He feels rich, powerful and wreathes a grim at the poor, virtuous fools of this world. Amidst the neat and trimly dressed, he will turn our to be an ardent philosopher "full of wise saws and modern instances." Sometimes, like Thomas Carlyle, he will try to preach and expose their follies, even though they are affluent persons. With a Turkish cigarette in his hand, he will 126 behave so quixotically that the ladies beside him will think of him as a clever trifler with heartless flow of epigrams. To perfect that, he says, he must have a well creased trousers. Since he has none, he admits he does not want to play that role. All these tendencies will disappear when he sheds off his wonder-working new crimson silk garment. He will be a very normal and with a heart, brain and purpose. So, the combination of the crimson pyjamas with a cigar, or a pipe cigarette, is capable of such a potential miracle like Puck, in him. This makes him think of the constantly dissembling people. They dissembling people seem to him to be a supremely self-confident people. So he wonders, how not even a single occasion, has thrown a moment of self-realisation on them. He ardently believes that such people will ever continue to masquerade. They will delight in enacting innumerable roles in a few odd minutes. This forces Priestley into the conclusion that they, perhaps, may be wearing their crimson silk day and night.

4.7.3 MODEL ANNOTATIONS

1. In reality I was a kind... Tyre and Sidon. At the dictates of a romantic moment, the author, J.B. Priestley, bought a crimson silk pyjamas. The colour, price, and the business acumen of the shopkeeper, all conspired against the author in favour of the purchase. The salesman packed it without waiting for confirmation from Priestley. He came out with the bundle in hand with his heart fluttering in mirth. The very thought, that he is going to wear it that evening made him ecstatic. In his rapture, the crimson silk pyjamas did not appear as a mere piece of garment; but it was as precious and beautiful as the spoils of Tyre and Sidon, that deserve to be held in esteem. In his sensational mood even the purchase itself seemed to be an adventure, it is going to be followed by another when he will wear it. Tyre and Sidon are two cities in Lebanon on the Mediterranean Coast, know for their trade, wealth and splendour. The passage tells us the thrilling sensation experienced by the author at the instant of the purchase of the regal magnificence. 2. "I feel a wicked luxurious fellow... but myself." Priestly felt very much exhilarated by the purchase of a crimson silk pyjamas. And now he describes to us the miraculous changes the dress brought about to him. He felt differently. He then admired his magnificence and felt boosted up. His stretched arms looked like something superimposed upon him. 127 He suddenly felt like a wicked luxurious tyrant amidst a number of Circassian Beauties and Nubian Slaves. In the words of King Cambyse, he felt he was hand in glove with the Borgias. He grew arrogant and felt like whipping the poor mercilessly. He thought of himself as a demigod. Circassia is a country northwest of the Caucasus Mountains. The women of the region are known for timidity and beauty. Cabyse was a Persian King, the successor of King Cyrus, mentioned in Shakespeare's drama King Henry IV. Borgias were the son and daughter of Pope Alexander. Priestley wonders at the influence of the crimson silk piece on him. 3. "Thus can Cigar, pipe so potent. Priestley very elaborately and poetically describes the purchase of the crimson silk pyjamas and its influence on him. When it goes with the lengthy cigar, he behaved differently. And with a pipe the influence was still different, and in the presence of better dressed people, he says, he felt humbled and highly philosophical. He will be a very ordinary and unassuming person with a tremendous sense of responsibility when the crimson silk piece is discorded. These changes sleep Priestley into a stupor. So he compares the crimson silk piece with the Puck, which was capable of many miracles, in no time. He cannet but admire the potentiality of the garment that worked so many wonders in him. Puck is a Shakespeare's supernatural being capable of putting a girdle around the world in a short-while in his drama "The Midsummer Night's Dream. The comparison is very apt and artistic. 4.7.4 GLOSSARY dingier dirty-looking floundering here sitting clumsity a stock of plays that a company is prepared to act repertoire monochrome Tvre and Sidon a painting different tints in one colour two cities of Lebanon which were meant for wealth and splendour in ancient times Nubian slaves Negro slaves captured from the Nubian desert in North of Egypt King Cambyses a persian king Borgias daughter of Pope Alexander VI she was noted for wickedness robbers Brigands Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) a famous essayist Zanies foolish jesters 128 a) How did Priestley buy a crimson silk pyjamas? b) What changes did the dress bring to him? c) How did Priestley Pose as a different person when he got an expensive cigar? d) What happened to Priestley when he removed his crimson silk garment? 4.7.6 ASSIGNMENTS a) How does Priestley describe the event of buying the crimson pyjamas? b) What things came to his mind when he bought the pyjamas?

4.7.5 INTEXT QUESTIONS