 | The works of Washington Irving |  |
VILLAGE WORTHIES.
Nay, I tell you, I am so well beloved in our
town, that not the worst dog in the street will hurt
my little finger.
Collier of Croydon.
As the neighbouring village is one of
those out-of-the-way, but gossiping little
places, where a small matter makes a
great stir, it is not to be supposed that
the approach of a festival like that of
May-day can be regarded with indifference,
especially since it is made a matter
of such moment by the great folks at the
Hall. Master Simon, who is the faithful
factotum of the worthy squire, and jumps
with his humour in every thing, is frequent
just now in his visits to the village,
to give directions for the impending fete;
and as I have taken the liberty occasionally
of accompanying him, I have
been enabled to get some insight into the
characters and internal politics of this
very sagacious little community.
Master Simon is in fact the Cæsar of
the village. It is true the squire is the
protecting power, but his factotum is the
active and busy agent. He intermeddles
in all its concerns, is acquainted with all
the inhabitants and their domestic history,
gives counsel to the old folks in
their business matters, and the young
folks in