Question Author
Too much excess indulgence befuddles the brain, alas. My apologies.
I'm still entranced by the the splendid copy of 'T'he Hum of Pooh' brought into the Edinburgh 'The Antiques Roadshow/' of a few days ago, and somewhat bemused by how use and changes of meanings of words make the title uncomfortable, in much the same way as one line in 'Kubla`Khan'
Sorry I digress.
Of course it's 'Wind in the Willows'.
But my essential question is unanswered. Why are the words so particularly quotable?
I'm happiest thinking they are a beloved as they generate a rosy hark back to childhood's pleasures recollected from simple activities, to days outdoors in the countryside, on seemingly endlessly sunny days, preferably involving water,
The teacher involved is very well-read, particularly in19C English literature, but strangely, although her brothers read them, both the works mentoned here passed her by. I've sent her copies to help complete her education though I doubt they will make any difference at all to her (American) spelling!