274 MERRIE ENGLAND
As we look back, however, across the centuries, we do not feel
so censorious, and like to think of these peasants at the end of the
day carolling their dissonant but joyous snatches on the ale-
house bench; or watching stout carls like Chaucer's miller
winning his ram or wrestling successfully against all comers;
or following with rapt admiration Nicholas, that merry clerk, as
he acted his part so well in the village pageant. These and like
pleasures gave but few enough happy moments in lives which
otherwise were so bare.