The Story of My Heart, 1883

CHAPTER I: THE STORY OF MY HEART [published Oct. 1883] commences seventeen years ago. In the glow of youth there were times every now and then when I felt the necessity of a strong inspiration of soul thought. My heart was dusty, parched for want of the rain of deep feeling; my mind arid and dry, for there is a dust which settles on the heart as well as that which falls on a ledge. ... When this began to form I felt eager to escape from it, to throw off the heavy clothing, to drink deeply once more at the fresh fountains of life. An inspiration―a long deep breath of the pure air of thought―could alone give health to the heart. There is a hill [Liddington] to which I used to resort at such periods. The labour of walking three miles to it, all the while gradually ascending, seemed to clear my blood of the heaviness accumulated at home. On a warm summer day the slow continued rise required continual effort, which carried away the sense of oppression.... I began to breathe a new air and to have a fresher aspiration. ... Moving up the sweet short turf, at every step my heart seemed to obtain a wider horizon of feeling; with every inhalation of rich pure air, a deeper desire. The very light of the sun was whiter and more brilliant here. By the time I had reached the summit I had entirely forgotten the petty circumstances and the annoyances of existence. I felt myself, myself.

19 March 2019

Jefferies-Williams Meeting 6 April 2019

Readings from Richard Jefferies and Alfred Williams




On Saturday 6th April members of the Richard Jefferies Society and the Friends of Alfred Williams gather to share readings of both writers at the Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road, Coate, Swindon SN3 6AA.

The event starts promptly at 2.00pm, is open to public and free to attend.

The Friends are hosting the gathering this year.

Select a short extract to read to others by or about Richard Jefferies or Alfred Williams or just come along to listen.