General Arion and Swaddie, two well-fed and curvaceous slugs, are in conversation
Been busy, sir?
Just taking forty winks, Swaddie. It’s been that sort of weather.
Snowdrops have been up, sir, whilst you’ve been snoozing.
They’ve been taking forty winks as I have, Swaddie. The snow has been and gone and it is only now that the snowdrops decide to disport themselves. Aren’t they hardy any more?
They’ve had their moments, sir. The frost has burnished their petals the odd night since they first lifted their heads.
Have you indulged, Swaddie? You are looking svelte at the moment, as one who supped on fine food.
After all your warnings, sir! I’ve kept me warm these past nightsand not gone anywhere but just thinking about primulas warms the heart, sir. They’ll be along soon, I fancy.
Depends upon our gardener, Swaddie. She is apt to take four hundred winks at this time of year. Spring can come and be gone before she has fully woken up to the new year and the glory of primulas.
