Not far from the Tower is Rosemary Lane, where Rag Fair is daily held.
To describe the great variety there sold, would exceed all bounds; we
would, however, advise every country customer who visits that place, to
take particular care of his pockets, that the money depart not without
his consent; and, if he takes change, to see well that the silver be
good. A word to the wise is sufficient. But as many dealers in old
clothes know that an industrious disposition is worth more than good
opportunities without it; and as nothing is to be got by standing still,
up old Levi gets early in the morning, and rambles about from street to
street, and buys old clothes of those who have got new ones: or sometimes
he gets a stock of hats and slippers, and then begins his walk again.
So, as he wants his money more than he does his goods, he sells them to
those who want the goods more than they want their money. Thus both
parties are accommodated. This is the business of a trader; and his
customers are as much obliged to him for letting them have his things, as
he is to them for letting him have their money.