He is capable of producing them himself, and there seems also always to be a Frisian poet who has said the right thing.

Thus (of Leeuwarden): "It is surrounded by splendid fertile meadows, to all of which, though especially to those lying near the roads to Marssum and Stiens, may be applied the words of the Frisian poet Dr.E.Halbertsma:-- 'Sjen nou dat lan, hwer jy op geane, Dat ophelle is ut gulle se; Hwer binne brusender lansdouwen, Oerspriede mei sok hearlik fe ?' ('Behold the soil you are walking on, The soil, snatched from the waves; Where are more luxurious meadows, Where do you find such cattle ?') The farmer, living in the midst of this fine natural scenery, is to be envied indeed: if the struggle for life does not weigh too heavily upon him, his must be a life happier than that of thousands of other people.

Living and working with his own family and servants attached to him, he made the right choice when he chose to breed his cattle and improve his grounds to the best of his power.

The parlour-windows look out on the fields: the gay sight they grant has its effect on the mood of those inside.

The peasant sees and feels the beauty of life, and it makes him thankful, and gives him courage to struggle and to work on, where necessity requires it." I gather from the account of Leeuwarden that the justices of that city once knew a crime when they saw one--none quicklier.