_The Duke of Monmouth_.--I made the following note many years ago,
and am now reminded of its existence by your admirable periodical,
which must rouse many an idler besides myself to a rummage amongst
long-neglected old papers. This small piece of tradition indicates
that the adventurous but ill-advised duke was a man of unusual
muscular power and activity.
"On the 8th of July, 1685, the Duke of Monmouth was brought
a prisoner to Ringwood, and halted at an inn there. My
mother, who was a native of Ringwood, used to relate that her
grandmother was one of the spectators when the royal prisoner
came out to take horse; and that the old lady never failed to
recount, how he rejected any assistance in mounting, though
his arms were pinioned; but placing his foot in the stirrup,
sprang lightly into his saddle, to the admiration of all
observers."