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Show Page 58 May 24, 1620 I write this under an enormous tall maple tree near the gully that passes behind the Davidsons' dwelling house. 'Tis the only cool place I could find and the trickling of water over the rocks in the stream below is a refreshing sound. Yesterday I could not imagine a day so warm I would not feel like working. Yet today was such a day and I am limp from the heat. And it is only spring. The thought of the hot summer people speak of brings me no joy. Lucky I am I will not be required to labor during the heat of the summer day t i l l I am seasoned. If only I could run about as does Twig--in loose breeches and canvas jerkin, feet and legs bare--instead of in this long gown which sticks to my legs and arms. Had anyone ever told me I should one day envy a servant his dress, I would have said he was daft. Mayhap it is I who am daft for staying here in this land, for if the heat does not kill me, certain I am the work will. ******************** The morning after I arrived, Margaret shook me awake before the sun was up. After I had dressed, splashed water on my face and rolled my hair, I helped her with the morning |