THE SCOURING OF THE WHITE HORSE. [Illustration] THE SCOURING OF THE WHITE HORSE; OR, THE LONG VACATION RAMBLE OF A LONDON CLERK. BY THE AUTHOR OF “TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL DAYS.” [Illustration] ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD DOYLE. BOSTON: TICKNOR AND FIELDS. MDCCCLIX. AUTHOR’S EDITION. FIFTH THOUSAND. RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY H. O. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. OLD AND NEW. See how the Autumn leaves float by, decaying, Down the red whirls of yon rain-swollen stream; So fleet the works of men, back to their earth again; Ancient and holy things fade like a dream. Nay! see the Spring blossoms steal forth a-maying, Clothing with tender buds orchard and glen; So, though old forms go by, ne’er can their spirit die. Look! England’s bare boughs show green leaf again. KINGSLEY. [Illustration] PREFACE. The great success of the festival (or “pastime,” as it is called in the neighbourhood) which was held on White Horse Hill on the 17th and 18th of September, 1857, to celebrate the “Scouring of the Horse,” according to immemorial custom, led the Committee of Management to think that our fellow-county-men at least, if not our countrymen generally, would be glad to have some little printed memorial, which should comprise not only an account of the doings on the Hill on the late occasion, but should also endeavour to gather up the scattered legends and traditions of the country side, and any authentic historical notices relating to the old monument, of which we west-countrymen are all so fond and proud. I had the good or ill luck (as the case may be) to be the only member of the Committee whose way of life had led him into the perilous paths of literature; so the task of compiling and editing our little book was laid on my shoulders.