Life in Town and Country
Amsterdam, delights, towards his declining days, in retiring to a country villa, and there enjoying absolute rest from his labours. Arnhem is the favourite camping-ground of retired Dutch East Indian nabobs. The names of these buitenplaatsen are characteristic of the national temperament. Among many are: Weltevreden (quite content); Veldlust (rustic enjoyment); Welgelegen (well-laid-out site); Buitensorg (sans-souci, or free from care); Door geluk (through luck); Vroeg op wint tyd (Who rises early, finds time); Komt, gaat in vrede (Come, and go in peace); Het Loo (the grove or wood); Lust in rust (pleasure in repose). And in most places there is the warning, Wacht U voor den hond! (Beware of the dog!). Happy hours are spent in these cosy retreats, and Dutch home life is there seen at its best—simple after having been strenuous.
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