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78 THE SUSSEX COAST |
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disliked any expression to which a definite meaning could be attached. A Devonshire coachman working for a Sussexian exactly fulfilled their ideal, and once surpassed himself by the way he stood a volley of questions from a stranger who wished to know about a road. He was sitting on the box of a dogcart at Hayward's Heath Station, from which emerged a passenger, who asked—
" Which of these roads leads to Cuckfield ? "
" Both of 'em, sir."
" Which is the shortest ? "
" Both about the same, sir."
" Which is the best road ? "
" Not much difference, sir."
" Which is the most convenient to take ? "
" Well, sir. Some says one, some says the other."
" But which do you consider the best ? "
" Well, sir. I can't rightly say I ever considered the question."
Something of this cautious spirit pervades the letter of Bishop Sherburne to Thomas Cromwell.
" After my most hearty recommendations, with like thanks for your manifold kindnesses shewed unto me in times past: Pleaseth it you to be advertised that upon Sunday, viz., the 13th day of this instant month of June, after such small talent as God hath lent me, I preached the word of God openly in my Cathedral Church of Chichester, and also published there the King's most dreadful commandment concerning (with other things) the uniting of the supreme head of the Church of England unto the Imperial Crown of this realm ; and also the abolishing and secluding out of this realm the enormities and abuses of the Bishop of Rome's |
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