He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.

More from Adam Bede

• It’s but little good you’ll do watering last year’s crops.
• A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run.
• A difference of tastes in jokes is a great strain on the affections.
• A different taste in jokes is a great strain on the affections.
• An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.
• Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.