A Diary of Innocence: Silver Stitchery
"I would like to know more about the beautiful literature of the world written by the immortal authors...'' Thirteen-year-old Mary Hutchinson, who wrote this charming diary in 1927, had a passion for words.
Sunday, May 1st. Arose 8 a.m. It is the first of May today and so I thought I would write this nice little poem in my book.
Silver stitchery
Elfin witchery
Sew up the sleeves of my Lady’s smock.
Quick and begin it,
Don’t waste a minute.
What is the time by the dandie’s clock?
Robin’s raggedy,
Torn and jaggedy,
Billy’s buttons want tightening up.
Waken you lazy
Sleepy-eyed daisy.
Polish your petals, oh buttercup.
Marshy marigold,
Every bud unfold.
Hawthorn, spread all your hedges with snow celandine.
Meadows gold and green,
May Day is coming, didn’t you know?
I got up before anybody else and lit the fire. I like to get up on a Sunday and light the fire. In the morning I went for a walk. I went a bit past Hildings‘. The spring flowers are at their best, and oh it was lovely. On the grass beside the road were bunches of nodding yellow cowslips, patches of white daisies. On the banks of the little streams that trickle on either side of the road deep down by the hedges there were water buttercups and sweet primroses, and pretty blue dog-violets like eyes in a kind face peeped forth. I had a nice walk with Papa down the fields. I also read a book by the well-known Scottish author Ian Maclaren -- otherwise the Reverend John Watson. There are some wonderful characters in it. I do love his books. At night I read the C.N. from cover to cover. Retired 9 p.m.
Monday, May 2nd. Arose 8.30 a.m. It is a very, very cold day. But it is fine. Alice went to see Dr. Mitchell. In the afternoon she went to Thirsk. I am writing this on Thursday and I forget details. I did some basket work. Retired 9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3rd. Arose 8.30 a.m. It is a dull day but quite fair. In the afternoon I went for a walk. I got a bunch of cuckoo clocks. That is not their correct name though. They are so sweet. They grow abundantly by the roadside. Dr. Mitchell came. I did some basket work. Nellie went to Mrs. Clayden’s to tea. Alice had the gloom. I would like to know more about the beautiful literature of the world written by the immortal authors. I would also like to read all the great poems by the great poets and poetesses. Retired 9 p.m.
Wednesday, May 4th. Arose 8.30 a.m. It is a beautiful day, with the warmth of summer and the breath of spring. Outside it is lovely. There is a healthy damp earthy smell. The new growth of leaves and the spring blossoms and flowers do smell fragrant. In the afternoon it commenced to rain and it thundered and lightened for the rest of the day. Mary Dale came. There is a beautiful Shakespearean text today from a poem of which I am very fond. Retired 9 p.m.
Hark, hark! the lark at Heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘gins arise…
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope’ their golden eyes.
Thursday, May 5th. Arose 8.30 a.m. It is a dull day. Mother is washing. Mary Dale stayed all night last night as it was so wet. She went back this morning. She is going in for nursing. I am not in favour of hunting. I think it is a cruel sport. But I like the little song very much. Retired 9 p.m.
A southerly wind and a cloudy sky
Bespeak a hunting morning.
Before the sun rises away we’ll go,
To sleep on a downy bed scorning.
Then to host my brave boys and away.
Bright Phoebe the hills is adorning.
The face of all nature looks gay.
It’s a beautiful hunting morning.
Then hark, hark, forward!
Tally ho, tally ho, tally ho.
Then hark, hark, forward!
Tally ho, Tally ho, Tally ho!
It was a lovely day on Friday 6th.
Saturday, May 7th was a lovely day. I went to Thirsk with Alice and Mother. I got two new hats.
Sunday, May 8th was a lovely day. I went to Sunday School.
Monday, May 9th was a lovely day. I went to Thirsk.
Tuesday, May 10th. It was a beautiful day.
So was Wednesday, May 11th.
