An Excellent Father

 An Excellent father              (Jane Austen)

About the Author 

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was one of the most celebrated English novelists of the nineteenth century. She was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England, into a cultured and educated family. Her father, George Austen, was a clergyman who encouraged reading and writing in the household.

From an early age, Jane Austen showed great literary talent. She began writing stories, plays, and short novels as a teenager. Her writings mainly focus on the lives, manners, and social relationships of the English middle and upper classes during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Austen is particularly famous for her witty style, realistic characters, and sharp social observation. She often explored themes such as marriage, morality, social status, family relationships, and the role of women in society.

Her major novels include:

Pride and Prejudice (1813)

Sense and Sensibility (1811)

Emma (1815)

Mansfield Park (1814)

Persuasion (1817)

Among these, Pride and Prejudice is her most famous work. It is admired for its humour, irony, and deep insight into human character. Jane Austen died on July 18, 1817, but her novels remain widely read and studied all over the world.

Summary 

The extract from Pride and Prejudice introduces the Bennet family and presents the social atmosphere in which the story takes place. The passage mainly focuses on a conversation between Mrs Bennet and her husband Mr Bennet regarding a wealthy young man named Mr Bingley.

The story begins when Mrs Bennet excitedly informs her husband that Netherfield Park, which had been vacant for a long time, has finally been rented by a rich young gentleman from the north of England. She learned this news from Mrs Long, who had visited her earlier that day. The new tenant’s name is Mr Bingley, and he has a large annual income of about four or five thousand pounds.

Mrs Bennet becomes extremely happy on hearing this news because she immediately thinks that Mr Bingley could become a suitable husband for one of her five daughters. In the society of that time, marriage was considered very important for young women, especially if the husband was wealthy and well-established. Therefore, Mrs Bennet wants her husband to visit Mr Bingley as soon as possible in order to establish a social connection.

However, Mr Bennet responds with humour and sarcasm. Instead of sharing his wife’s excitement, he pretends to be indifferent and teases her by asking why he should visit Mr Bingley. Mrs Bennet insists that he must go because it would help their daughters meet the wealthy young man. Mr Bennet jokingly suggests that perhaps Mrs Bennet herself should go with the daughters because she might be the most attractive among them and Mr Bingley might fall in love with her instead. His playful remarks irritate Mrs Bennet, who complains that he enjoys troubling her and does not care about her “poor nerves.”

Despite his teasing attitude, Mr Bennet secretly decides to visit Mr Bingley. However, he does not tell his wife about it immediately. Later in the evening, while his daughter Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzy) is trimming a hat, Mr Bennet casually mentions Mr Bingley. Mrs Bennet becomes annoyed because she believes they will not be able to meet him since Mr Bennet refused to visit him earlier. Elizabeth then reminds her mother that they might meet Mr Bingley at social gatherings or assemblies where Mrs Long has promised to introduce them.

Mrs Bennet expresses distrust toward Mrs Long, believing that she will prioritize introducing Mr Bingley to her own nieces rather than to the Bennet daughters. During this conversation, Mrs Bennet also scolds her daughter Kitty for coughing too much and complains about her weak nerves, which further highlights her anxious and dramatic personality.

At this moment, Mr Bennet surprises everyone by revealing that he has already visited Mr Bingley earlier that morning. This revelation astonishes all the women in the family, especially Mrs Bennet. Although she was previously upset with her husband, she now becomes extremely happy and praises him for his thoughtful action. She admits that she always believed she would eventually persuade him to make the visit.

Mr Bennet’s announcement creates excitement among the daughters because it means they will now be able to meet Mr Bingley socially. The scene ends humorously when Mr Bennet tells Kitty that she may cough as much as she likes now, and then he leaves the room, leaving the family surprised and amused.

Overall, the passage introduces the main characters of the Bennet family and highlights the importance of marriage, wealth, and social connections in their society. Through witty dialogue and humorous interactions, the author also reveals the contrasting personalities of Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet while setting the tone for the rest of the novel.

خلاصے کا اردو ترجمہ 

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یہ اقتباس Pride and Prejudice سے لیا گیا ہے جو Jane Austen کا مشہور ناول ہے۔ اس اقتباس میں بینٹ خاندان کا تعارف کروایا جاتا ہے اور اس سماجی ماحول کو پیش کیا جاتا ہے جس میں کہانی آگے بڑھتی ہے۔ اس حصے میں بنیادی طور پر Mrs Bennet اور ان کے شوہر Mr Bennet کے درمیان ایک گفتگو دکھائی گئی ہے جو ایک امیر نوجوان Mr Bingley کے بارے میں ہے۔

کہانی اس وقت شروع ہوتی ہے جب مسز بینٹ نہایت جوش و خروش کے ساتھ اپنے شوہر کو بتاتی ہیں کہ Netherfield Park جو کافی عرصے سے خالی پڑا تھا، اب ایک امیر نوجوان نے کرائے پر لے لیا ہے۔ انہیں یہ خبر مسز لانگ سے ملی تھی جو اسی دن ان سے ملنے آئی تھیں۔ اس نئے کرایہ دار کا نام مسٹر بنگلے ہے اور اس کی سالانہ آمدنی تقریباً چار یا پانچ ہزار پاؤنڈ ہے۔

یہ خبر سن کر مسز بینٹ بہت خوش ہو جاتی ہیں کیونکہ وہ فوراً سوچنے لگتی ہیں کہ مسٹر بنگلے ان کی پانچ بیٹیوں میں سے کسی ایک کے لیے ایک بہترین شوہر ثابت ہو سکتے ہیں۔ اس زمانے کے معاشرے میں شادی کو خاص طور پر لڑکیوں کے لیے بہت اہم سمجھا جاتا تھا، خصوصاً اگر دولہا امیر اور بااثر ہو۔ اسی وجہ سے مسز بینٹ چاہتی ہیں کہ مسٹر بینٹ فوراً جا کر مسٹر بنگلے سے ملاقات کریں تاکہ ان کے خاندان کے ساتھ سماجی تعلق قائم ہو سکے۔

لیکن مسٹر بینٹ اس خبر پر اپنی بیوی جیسا جوش ظاہر نہیں کرتے۔ وہ مزاح اور طنز کے انداز میں بات کرتے ہیں اور ظاہر کرتے ہیں کہ انہیں اس معاملے میں زیادہ دلچسپی نہیں ہے۔ وہ اپنی بیوی کو چھیڑتے ہوئے پوچھتے ہیں کہ آخر انہیں مسٹر بنگلے سے ملنے کیوں جانا چاہیے۔ مسز بینٹ بار بار اصرار کرتی ہیں کہ انہیں ضرور جانا چاہیے کیونکہ اس طرح ان کی بیٹیاں اس امیر نوجوان سے مل سکیں گی۔

مسٹر بینٹ مذاق میں یہ بھی کہتے ہیں کہ شاید مسز بینٹ خود ہی اپنی بیٹیوں کے ساتھ چلی جائیں کیونکہ ممکن ہے مسٹر بنگلے انہیں سب سے زیادہ پسند کر لیں۔ ان کے یہ مذاقیہ جملے مسز بینٹ کو ناراض کر دیتے ہیں اور وہ شکایت کرتی ہیں کہ ان کے شوہر انہیں پریشان کرنے میں مزہ لیتے ہیں اور ان کی کمزور اعصاب کی بالکل پروا نہیں کرتے۔

اگرچہ مسٹر بینٹ بظاہر مذاق کر رہے ہوتے ہیں، لیکن دراصل وہ خفیہ طور پر مسٹر بنگلے سے ملنے کا فیصلہ کر چکے ہوتے ہیں۔ تاہم وہ یہ بات فوراً اپنی بیوی کو نہیں بتاتے۔ بعد میں شام کے وقت جب ان کی بیٹی Elizabeth Bennet ٹوپی کو سجا رہی ہوتی ہے تو مسٹر بینٹ اچانک مسٹر بنگلے کا ذکر کرتے ہیں۔

مسز بینٹ اس وقت ناراض ہو جاتی ہیں کیونکہ انہیں لگتا ہے کہ اب وہ مسٹر بنگلے سے نہیں مل سکیں گی کیونکہ مسٹر بینٹ نے پہلے ان سے ملاقات کرنے سے انکار کر دیا تھا۔ اس پر الزبتھ اپنی ماں کو یاد دلاتی ہے کہ وہ کسی سماجی تقریب یا اجتماع میں بھی مسٹر بنگلے سے مل سکتی ہیں کیونکہ مسز لانگ نے ان کا تعارف کروانے کا وعدہ کیا ہے۔

مسز بینٹ کو مسز لانگ پر زیادہ اعتماد نہیں ہوتا۔ وہ سمجھتی ہیں کہ مسز لانگ پہلے اپنے بھانجیوں کا تعارف کروائیں گی نہ کہ بینٹ خاندان کی لڑکیوں کا۔ اسی دوران مسز بینٹ اپنی بیٹی کِٹی کو زیادہ کھانسنے پر ڈانٹتی ہیں اور اپنے کمزور اعصاب کا بھی ذکر کرتی ہیں، جس سے ان کی بے چینی اور جذباتی مزاج ظاہر ہوتا ہے۔

اسی لمحے مسٹر بینٹ سب کو حیران کر دیتے ہیں جب وہ بتاتے ہیں کہ وہ اسی صبح مسٹر بنگلے سے مل کر آ چکے ہیں۔ یہ سن کر گھر کی تمام خواتین خاص طور پر مسز بینٹ حیران رہ جاتی ہیں۔ اگرچہ وہ پہلے اپنے شوہر سے ناراض تھیں، لیکن اب وہ بہت خوش ہو جاتی ہیں اور ان کی تعریف کرتی ہیں۔ وہ کہتی ہیں کہ انہیں یقین تھا کہ آخرکار وہ انہیں اس ملاقات کے لیے راضی کر ہی لیں گی۔

مسٹر بینٹ کے اس اعلان سے بیٹیوں میں بھی خوشی اور جوش پیدا ہو جاتا ہے کیونکہ اب وہ سماجی طور پر مسٹر بنگلے سے مل سکیں گی۔ منظر کا اختتام ایک مزاحیہ انداز میں ہوتا ہے جب مسٹر بینٹ کِٹی سے کہتے ہیں کہ اب وہ جتنا چاہے کھانس سکتی ہے، اور پھر کمرے سے باہر چلے جاتے ہیں جبکہ باقی خاندان حیرت اور مسکراہٹ کے ساتھ رہ جاتا ہے۔

مجموعی طور پر یہ اقتباس بینٹ خاندان کے مرکزی کرداروں کا تعارف کرواتا ہے اور اس معاشرے میں شادی، دولت اور سماجی تعلقات کی اہمیت کو ظاہر کرتا ہے۔ مصنفہ مکالمے اور مزاح کے ذریعے مسٹر بینٹ اور مسز بینٹ کی مختلف شخصیتوں کو نمایاں کرتی ہیں اور اسی کے ساتھ ناول کے آنے والے واقعات کے لیے فضا تیار کرتی ہیں۔

Critical Analysis

The opening passage of Pride and Prejudice is one of the most famous beginnings in English literature. Through irony, humour, and dialogue, Jane Austen introduces the central themes of the novel.

The famous opening sentence is ironic. It suggests that wealthy men are naturally looking for wives, but in reality it is often the families of unmarried women who are eager to secure such matches. This irony highlights the social pressure placed on women to marry well in nineteenth-century England.

The conversation between Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet reveals their personalities. Mrs Bennet is nervous, talkative, and completely focused on arranging marriages for her daughters. Mr Bennet, on the other hand, is intelligent and sarcastic, often teasing his wife for amusement.

Through this dialogue, Austen skillfully uses humour to criticize the social values of her time. Marriage is treated not only as a romantic relationship but also as a social and economic necessity.

The passage also introduces the theme of social class. The arrival of Mr Bingley, a wealthy gentleman, creates excitement in the neighbourhood because wealth and status are highly valued in society.

Overall, the passage effectively sets the tone of the novel by combining wit, irony, and social commentary. It prepares the reader for a story that explores love, pride, prejudice, and the complexities of human relationships.

Here are slightly extended answers (about 70–80 words) based closely on the extract from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. They follow the events and ideas exactly from the text.

Thinking About the Text 

Here are the "Thinking about the Text" questions and fully extended answers based strictly on the story.

1. What does Mrs Bennet tell her husband?

Mrs Bennet comes to her husband one day with exciting news. She asks him if he has heard that Netherfield Park is let at last. When Mr Bennet replies that he has not, she tells him that Mrs Long has just been here and told her all about it. She reveals that Netherfield Park has been taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England. His name is Mr Bingley. He came on Monday to see the place and was so delighted with it that he agreed to take it immediately. Mrs Bennet shares this news with great excitement, hoping her husband will take interest.

2. Who takes over Netherfield Park? Why is Mrs Bennet happy about it?

A rich young gentleman named Mr Bingley takes over Netherfield Park. He comes from the north of England and has a very large fortune of four or five thousand a year. Mrs Bennet is extremely delighted when she hears this news. The reason for her happiness is that Mr Bingley is unmarried. She immediately starts thinking what a fine thing it would be for one of her five daughters to marry him. In her mind, a single wealthy man in the neighborhood is a golden opportunity that must not be missed. She sees this as a perfect chance to secure a good future for her girls.

3. Why does Mrs Bennet insist her husband to meet Mr Bingley?

Mrs Bennet insists her husband meet Mr Bingley because she is already thinking of him marrying one of their daughters. She believes it is very likely that Mr Bingley may fall in love with one of them if given the chance. According to the social customs of that time, it was proper for a gentleman to make the first call. Without Mr Bennet's visit, it would be difficult for the ladies of the family to form an acquaintance with Mr Bingley. She tells her husband that he must visit him as soon as he comes. She becomes impatient when he pretends to refuse, showing how important this is to her.

4. 'You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves'. Explain.

Mrs Bennet says these words to her husband when he teases her about visiting Mr Bingley. She has been pleading with him to go and meet the wealthy bachelor for the sake of their daughters. Instead of agreeing, Mr Bennet makes sarcastic remarks. He suggests that she and the girls may go alone, or that Mr Bingley might like her best since she is still handsome. This frustrates Mrs Bennet greatly. She feels that he deliberately irritates her for his own amusement. She believes he has no understanding of her anxiety and suffering. Her "poor nerves" represent her worry about getting their daughters married well. She genuinely suffers from stress, but he treats it as a joke.

5. Why does Mrs Bennet think that Mrs Long is selfish?

Mrs Bennet thinks Mrs Long is selfish because she has two nieces of her own. When Elizabeth reminds her mother that Mrs Long has promised to introduce Mr Bingley to them at the assemblies, Mrs Bennet dismisses this completely. She says she does not believe Mrs Long will do any such thing. According to her, Mrs Long is a selfish woman who will try to secure the wealthy bachelor for her own nieces first. This shows Mrs Bennet's suspicious nature and her belief that every mother is competing for the same prize. She assumes others will put their own family first, just as she would.

6. How does Mr Bennet react to the plan designed by his wife?

Mr Bennet reacts to his wife's plan with sarcasm and amusement. When she first tells him about Mr Bingley, he pretends to have no interest. He teases her by asking pointless questions and suggesting that she visit Mr Bingley herself. He acts as if he will never agree to go. However, the truth is quite different. Mr Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though he kept assuring his wife he would not. He keeps his visit a secret until the next day. While watching his daughter Elizabeth trim a hat, he casually says, "I hope Mr Bingley will like it, Lizzy." When Mrs Bennet complains they cannot know his tastes, he reveals he has already paid the visit. He enjoys the astonishment of the ladies tremendously.

7. Why does Mrs Bennet tell her girls that they have an excellent father?

Mrs Bennet tells her girls they have an excellent father because Mr Bennet actually visited Mr Bingley despite pretending he would not. When he reveals this news, she is completely astonished and overjoyed. She says, "How good it was of you, my dear Mr Bennet! But I knew I should persuade you at last." She believes her persistence paid off. She also says, "I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance." She realizes that underneath his teasing, he truly cares about his daughters' futures. She is so pleased that she calls it a good joke that he went this morning and never said a word till now. After he leaves the room, she proudly tells her girls what an excellent father they have.

 "Language Work"

1. Find word/s from the passage having the following meanings:

a) rent out – let

Evidence from text: "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

b) unmarried – single

Evidence from text: "Is he married or single?" "Oh single, my dear, to be sure!"

c) make someone angry – vex

Evidence from text: "You take delight in vexing me."

d) in great haste; unwilling to wait – impatiently

Evidence from text: "cried his wife impatiently."

e) to live somewhere permanently – settling

Evidence from text: "Is that his design in settling here?"

f) intention or plan – design

Evidence from text: "Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so!"

2. Agreement of the Verb with the subject (concord)

Concord means a harmonious relationship between two grammatical items.

Rule 1: A verb must agree with its subject in number and person.

· Singular: The list of things is quite long.

· Plural: The lists of things are quite long.

Exceptions to Rule 1:

i) A plural verb is always required after 'you' even when it is used in singular.

· Singular: You are watching TV, perhaps.

· Plural: All of you are wasting your time.

ii) If the subjects joined by 'and' refer to the same person or thing, the verb used is singular.

· Same person: The minister and scientist is on a tour. (one person)

· Two persons: The minister and the scientist are on a tour.

iii) If the nominatives of two subjects joined by 'and' denote one single idea, the verb must be singular.

· Law and order is in utter chaos.

· Bread and butter is not the only aim of education.

· Slow and steady wins the race.

iv) If two subjects connected by 'and' are preceded by 'each, every, many a, etc.', these must take a singular verb.

· Each boy and girl has done his or her homework.

· Every shirt and coat is on sale.

· Many a soldier has laid down his life for his country.

Rule 2: If a singular subject is connected to another noun by 'with, together with, along with, besides, as well as, including, in addition to, and not', the verb must be singular.

· The laptop, along with the carry bag, is on sale.

· He together with his parents has gone out.

· She, as well as I, is not wrong. (Note: verb agrees with first subject "She")

Rule 3: If the subject is made up of both singular and plural words connected by 'nor, or, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also', the verb must agree with the nearer part of the subject.

· Either he or you have done it. (verb agrees with "you")

· Either you or he has done it. (verb agrees with "he")

Rule 4: If a Collective Noun expresses a single whole, the verb must be singular. But if it expresses the individuals, the verb must be plural.

· The jury is unanimous in its opinion. (single whole)

· The jury are divided in their opinions. (individual members)

Now use a verb in agreement with its subject in the following sentences:

1. The page of the book is torn and the pages of the book are torn.

   (Rule 1: Singular subject "page" takes singular verb; plural subject "pages" takes plural verb)

2. Two and two make four.

   (General truth/arithmetic fact; plural verb is used)

3. A black and white dog is barking.

   (Exception ii: Refers to one dog with two colors, so singular verb)

4. The horse and the carriage are ready.

   (Two distinct items joined by 'and' take plural verb)

5. The madam as well as the students is in the library.

   (Rule 2: Verb agrees with first subject "The madam" which is singular)

6. Either she or her brother is absent.

   (Rule 3: Verb agrees with nearer part "her brother" which is singular)

7. Neither I nor he has resigned.

   (Rule 3: Verb agrees with nearer part "he" which is third person singular)

8. Physics is said to be an interesting subject.

   (Subject name ending in 's' but treated as singular)

9. Not only she but also her sisters are involved in this crime.

   (Rule 3: Verb agrees with nearer part "her sisters" which is plural)

10. The team is divided over who should be the captain.

    (Rule 4: Here "team" is thought of as a single unit, so singular verb)

Study the following tables (a) and (b) and make five more sentences on each of the patterns:

Table A Pattern: Subject + Verb + to + infinitive

Examples from text:

· Mr Bennet had always intended to visit Mr Bingley.

· Mrs Long has promised to introduce him to us.

· The Bennet sisters wished to attend the assemblies.

· You wanted to tell me something.

· They were delighted to hear that Mr Bingley had taken Netherfield Park.

Five more sentences on this pattern:

1. The children are learning to read.

2. She hopes to become a doctor one day.

3. We plan to travel during summer vacation.

4. He forgot to bring his homework.

5. They agreed to help us with the project.

Table B Pattern: It + be + Subject Complement + that-clause

Examples from text:

· It is very likely that he may fall in love with one of our daughters.

· It is good news that a rich bachelor has taken Netherfield Park.

· It is almost certain that he will marry one of our girls.

· It was not clear what Mr Bingley meant to do there.

· It is such a good joke that you should have gone this morning.

· It was Mrs Bennet's guess that Mrs Long wouldn't introduce them.

Five more sentences on this pattern:

1. It is important that we finish on time.

2. It was obvious that she was telling the truth.

3. It is surprising that no one complained.

4. It was my belief that he would succeed.

5. It is clear that hard work pays off.

Writing Work

Character sketch of Mrs. Bennet:

Mrs. Bennet is a talkative, excited mother obsessed with marrying off her daughters. When she hears that rich, single Mr Bingley has taken Netherfield Park, she immediately plans for him to marry one of her girls. She is impatient and dramatic, often mentioning her "poor nerves" and accusing her husband of vexing her. She nags Mr Bennet to visit Bingley, believing this will lead to an acquaintance. She is suspicious of other women, thinking Mrs Long will selfishly keep Bingley for her own nieces. Despite her faults, she genuinely loves her daughters and wants security for them. When Mr Bennet secretly visits Bingley, she is overjoyed and calls him an excellent father. She is funny, emotional, and deeply caring in her own way.

Discussion

Is mother's love different from father's love?

Yes, in this story we see two different kinds of love. Mrs. Bennet's love is loud, worried, and practical. She constantly talks about her daughters' futures and nags her husband to help. Mr. Bennet's love is quieter. He teases his wife but secretly visits Mr Bingley because he cares. Both want what's best for their daughters, but they show it differently. Mothers often express love through worry and emotion. Fathers may show love through quiet actions and humor. But love is love—it just looks different from person to person.

Listening Skills

The teacher will narrate these passages with proper stress and intonation:

Passage 1:

"My dear Mr. Bennet," said Mrs. Bennet one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr Bennet replied that he had not. "But it is," said she; "for Mrs Long has just been here, and she told me all about it." Mr Bennet made no answer. "Do you want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently.

Passage 2:

"Oh single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!" "How so? How can it affect them?" "My dear Mr Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them."

Work sheet 1

Tick (✓) if you heard the sentence, cross (✗) if you did not:

1. Mr Bennet made no answer. ✓

2. Cried his wife impatiently. ✓

3. You take delight in vexing me. ✓

4. You mistake me my dear. ✓

5. This was invitation enough. ✓

6. Is he married or single? ✓

Work sheet 2

Fill in the blanks:

(Listen carefully to the teacher as he/she narrates the passage with proper stress and intonation, then fill in the missing words.)

1. A single man of large _______________.

2. What a fine thing for our _______________!

3. You must know that I am _______________ _______________ _______________ marrying one of them.

4. Design! _______________, how can you talk so!

5. I daresay _______________ _______________ will be very glad to see you.

6. You take delight in _______________ me.

7. You have no compassion on my _______________ _______________.

8. They are my _______________ _______________.

Answers:

1. A single man of large fortune.

2. What a fine thing for our girls!

3. You must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them.

4. Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so!

5. I daresay Mr Bingley will be very glad to see you.

6. You take delight in vexing me.

7. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.

8. They are my old friends.

Passage for reference:

"Oh single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!" "How so? How can it affect them?" "My dear Mr Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them." "Is that his design in settling here?" "Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes." "I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr Bingley might like you the best of the party." "You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves." "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends."