December 1 + 

I believe I am good for another 12 months without abnormal worries. Just now, of course, the Slug ain’t exactly on the thorn⁠—on the cabbage in fact as E⁠⸺ suggested. The Grasshopper is much of a burden and the voice of the Turtle has gone from my land (where did all these Bible phrases come from?). The first bark of the Wolf (God save us, ’tis all the Animal Kingdom sliding down my penholder) was heard with the reduction in her work today, and I suspect there’s worse to come with a sovereign already only worth 12s. 6d. + 