“Of ups and downs we daily see
Examples most surprising,
The high and low of each degree,
Now falling are, now rising.
Some up, some down, some in, some out,
Home neither one nor t'other;
Knaves--fools--Jews--Gentiles--join the rout,
And jostle one another.
By ups and downs some folks they say
Among grandees have got, Sir,
Who were themselves but yesterday
The Lord knows who, or what, Sir.
_Sans_ sense or pence, in merits chair,
They dose and dream supine 0;
But how the devil they came there,
That neither you nor I know.”
~~282~~~
The departure of Merrywell left our three friends at perfect liberty,
and they were determined to enjoy it as much as possible during
Sparkle's visit. The remainder of the evening was therefore devoted to
the retracing of past events, in which they had formerly been engaged
together, in drinking success to Merrywell's journey, and in laying down
some plans for the proceedings of the next day. On the latter subject,
however, there were as many opinions as there were persons. The Hon.
Tom Dash all proposed going to the Review--Sparkle was for a journey
to Gravesend in the steam-boat, with the religious friends who were to
accompany Lord Gambier--and Tallyho proposed a visit to the Tower
of London, in order to inspect its interior. It was therefore left
undecided till the morning, which proving extremely inviting, they
determined to sally forth, and leave the direction of their course
wholly to chance, as they had many times done before.
~~283~~~ Sparkle's relish for the sprees and sports of a London life,
was evidently injured by his residence in the country; though at the
same time former scenes and former circumstances rushing occasionally
upon his sight and his recollection, appeared to afford him
gratification and delight.
“And how,” said Sparkle, addressing himself to Tallyho, “do you like the
scene of ever varying novelty--has it lost any of its charms since I saw
you last?”
“By no means,” replied Tallyho; “for although many of them are grown
familiar to me, and many are also calculated to excite painful feelings,
I am not yet tired of the inquiry. I set out with the intention to
contemplate men and manners as they actually are, and I conceive a
useful lesson for instruction and improvement may be afforded by it.”
“Right,” continued Sparkle, “real life is a most excellent school; and
if in imbibing the instruction with which it is fraught, the judgment is
not misled, or the mind vitiated none can be more important to mankind.”
“Come,” said Tom, “I see you are getting into one of your moralizing
strains, such as you left us with. Now I am well aware that you have an
excellent acquaintance with the pursuits you are speaking of, and have
enjoyed them as much as myself; nor can I conceive that your temporary
absence has wrought such a change in your opinion, as to make you wholly
disregard the amusements they afford. So come along, no more preaching;
“and thus saying, he seized him by one arm, while Tallyho closed upon
the other; and they proceeded on their way along Piccadilly towards the
Haymarket.
“Besides,” continued Dashall, “every day makes a difference in this
metropolis; so that even you who have proved yourself so able a
delineator of men and things as they were, may still find many things
deserving of your observation as they are.”
“I do not doubt it,” was the reply; “and consequently expect, that
having just arrived from rural felicity, you will direct my footsteps
to the most novel scene of metropolitan splendour or extraordinary
character.”
~~284~~~ “Character is an abundant and everlasting supply of humour and
eccentricity for an observant quiz like yourself, and being fly to most
occurrences either in town or country, I shall rather confine myself to
the most remarkable circumstances that happen to strike my recollection
us we proceed. The first that occurs at this moment, is the opening of a
new establishment in Regent-street, under the title of the Cafe Royale,
to which, as we have not yet paid a visit, I propose now to direct your
steps.”
“Cafe Royale” repeated Sparkle, “there is something Frenchified in the
sound. I suppose it is quite in the tip top stile of elegance.”
“So says report.”
“Then _allons_,--but as we proceed, I beg to ask one question. If it
be considered important in a national point of view, that the superior
elegancies of our Parisian neighbours should be engrafted on our own
habits, and that an establishment of this nature should be formed, with
a view of its becoming the resort of rank and fashion, whether any good
reason can be given why such an establishment, in an English city for
Englishmen, should not have an English title?”
“A most extraordinary question for a fashionable man.”
“It may be so,” continued Sparkle; “but you must attribute it to my
country habits of thinking: however, as I like argument better than
assertion, I see no reason to abandon my question. The adoption of
any thing foreign, is only rational in proportion as it is useful or
agreeable; for foreign wines, foreign fruits, foreign made coffee, &c.
no one can be a greater advocate than myself; but I apprehend that these
good things may taste as well, whether the room in which they are taken
be called by a French or an English name.”
“That is a truth so self evident as to require no reply; and really I
can give no sort of reason for the adoption of a French title, unless
it be with a view to give it that air of novelty which invariably proves
attractive to Johnny Bull; and I think I need not attempt to explain to
you the importance of a title.”
“However,” said Sparkle, “I cannot help thinking, that if the place
alluded to is to become a permanent establishment, it would become an
Englishman to have an English name for it. We need not be ashamed of our
language, although some folks disdain to use it, if they can find
any substitute, however inapt. Why should it not be called the Royal
Coffee-house, the King's Coffee-house, the Patrician, the Universal, or
in fact any thing, so that it be English?”
~~285~~~ “Because,” said Tallyho, “those titles are already engrossed
by newspaper editors, coffee-shops of a lower order, magazines, &c.:
for instance, we have the Royal Magazine, the Universal Magazine;
and consequently these are all grown common, and any thing common is
extremely vulgar.”
“Besides,” continued Dashall, “_Cafe Royale_ is a mouthful, without
attacking its contents; and the very sound of it seems to impart a
taste, before you approach it, of what may be obtained in the interior.
Zounds! this country life of your's seems to have altered your opinions,
and almost obliterated your former education: I never had any relish for
it.”
“In town let me live, and in town let me die, For in truth 1 can't
relish the country, not I: If one must have a villa in summer to dwell,
Oh give me the sweet shady side of Pall Mall.”
By this time they had reached the Cafe Royale, and upon entrance were
ushered by a man in blue livery, with gold laced trimmings, into an
apartment far exceeding in splendour any thing that their previous
conversation had led them to expect. The walls, formed of looking glass
and rich tapestry, and ornamented in a fanciful manner, reflected their
persons as they passed along at every point; while the choicest flowers
and shrubs, with which they were surrounded, sent forth a delightful
fragrance, and gave some distant idea of Eastern luxuries.
“Here,” said the Hon. Tom Dashall, “is elegance at least; and if
the accommodations are found to be equally good, it can be of little
consequence to us whether the place itself have an English or a foreign
name.”
“I confess,” replied Sparkle, “that I still conceive, that as a place
of resort appropriated to the upper ranks of natives and foreigners,
magnificent in its decorations, superior in its accommodations, and
conducted with skill and liberality, to become truly national and
deserving of support, it should be honoured with an English title.”
“And that it certainly is,” continued Dashall, “not only one but many,
for nobility is frequently to be found within its walls; nay, a proof of
it appears at this moment, for there is Lord P------ and Lord C------ now
entering; but come, let us try the coffee, catch a view of the papers,
and proceed.”
~~286~~~ They had now seated themselves near an elderly gentleman, who
seemed to be in deep contemplation, occasionally rubbing his hands with
apparent gratification, and shaking his head with importance, while he
glanced over a newspaper which lay before him.
“I should judge,” said Tallyho, “he is a member of parliament,
probably conning over the report of his last night's speech in the
House.”
“Or probably,” said Dashall, “an author in search of ideas for his
next publication, wherein he intends to cut up the ministers and their
measures.”
“Yes,” continued Sparkle, “or a quack doctor, examining if the editor
has given insertion to his new flaming advertisement, wherein he
promises to perform what is utterly impossible to be accomplished.”
“I wonder if he can speak,” said Tom, laying clown the paper; “I'll try
him.--A fine morning, Sir.”
As this was directed immediately to meet the old gentleman's ear, he
looked up for the first time since they had entered.
“Beautiful, Sir,” was the reply--and here the conversation ceased again.
“Excellent coffee,” said Sparkle,--“is there any news to-day, Sir?”
endeavouring to rouse him again.
“There is always news, Sir,” was the reply, taking a plentiful supply of
snuff.
“Of one sort or other,” continued Bon.
“Why yes, have we not every day a quantity of newspapers that make their
appearance with the sun?”
“Truly,” replied Sparkle; “but you could hardly misunderstand me--I
alluded to something out of the common run of events; such, for
instance, as relates to the interests of the nation, the agricultural
distress, the distress of the Irish, the state of the American
independents, the proceedings of the Spanish cortes, and the French
chamber; the movements of the Greeks, the operations of Turkey and
Russia, or the--or--”
“Why, Sir, your inquiries are very rational; and as I perceive you have
a desire for intelligence, and I have at all times a desire to impart
such as I am in possession of for the benefit of others, the newspapers
have abundance of information; but I must say the editors, though men of
education and intelligence, are not always well informed: besides, Sir,
there is no reliance on their assertions; many valuable and important
secrets are in the hands of individuals, which never find their way into
the public journals.”
~~288~~~ Having proceeded thus far, our three friends were all
anxiety to continue what now assumed the appearance of an interesting
conversation.
“The nation is gull'd by misrepresentation, from the high to the low one
system is acted upon; but I have a document in my pocket which came into
my possession in rather an extraordinary manner, and is as extraordinary
in its contents; it was thrust into my hand on my way here by a
stranger, who instantly disappeared.”
“A curious salute,” observed Tom; “probably some state paper, some
information on foreign affairs, or a petition to be presented to the
House.”
“The fact is, Sir, as I had no conversation with the stranger, I was
ignorant of the importance of the document; but upon opening it, judge
of my astonishment, when I found it concerned a Prince well known to the
British nation, whose interests depend on its support.”
“O ho,” said Sparkle, “then perhaps it is of a delicate nature, and more
attaching to private circumstances than public affairs.”
“You shall hear, Sir.--It was an appeal to myself, amongst others, in
which Russia was stated to be in such connection with Greece, that
the heads of this kingdom could not but be conscious of the important
results; results, Sir, that were enough to make one's hair stand on end;
indeed, I have never been able to dismiss the subject from my mind since
I first cast my eye over the information.”
“Zounds, then,” cried Dashall, “there is much to be apprehended.”
“It is impossible for me,” continued the old gentleman, “to say how
far the distinguished person to whom I have alluded has already, or
may hereafter succeed in the objects he has in view; but this I think
certain, that if he can but interest the Poles on his side, his affairs
must thrive.”
The Hon. Tom Dashall by this time was puzzled with the lengthened
introduction this gentleman was giving; he sipped his coffee--looked
grave--smiled, took up the paper--pretended to read--then laid it down
again.
~~288~~~ Sparkle looked wise, and betrayed his anxiety by moving closer
to the communicant. Tallyho fixed his eyes on the old gentleman, with an
apparent desire to count the words he uttered.
“In the meantime,” continued the interesting stranger, “he is so
indefatigable in diffusing through all ranks of society, by means of the
press and private agents, a knowledge of the power he has of smoothing
the way to success, that the crown ought to receive his proffered aid
for its own benefit.”
“Then,” said Sparkle, “it really is a document of public importance: if
not too great a favour, might we be allowed a sight of the------”
“The document,--Oh certainly, Sir,” said he, hastily rising and drawing
a printed paper from his pocket; “I will leave it with you:” then
throwing it on the table, he made a precipitate retreat.
The little care which the old gentleman seemed to take of this scrap of
importance, struck them all with wonder.
“A rum old codger,” said Tom; “and I recommend his observations, as well
as the produce of his pocket, to the serious consideration of our friend
Sparkle, who will perhaps read this paper for the benefit of us all.”
Sparkle, who by this time had unfolded this mysterious paper, burst into
a hearty laugh; and as soon as he could command his risibility, he read
as follows:
“PRINCE'S RUSSIA OIL, For promoting the growth of Hair.”
“And Sparkle introduced to Greece,” said Tom.--“Well, the old buck has
paid you off for your interruption: however, he has certainly proved his
own assertion, that there is no reliance on any body.”
“A mountain in labour,” continued Tom,--“I think he had you in a line,
however.”
“I cannot help thinking,” replied Sparkle, “that there is a great
similarity between him and some of our most popular parliamentary
orators, for he has said a great deal to little purpose; but come, let
us move on, and lose no more time in the French coffee house, discussing
the merits or virtues of Russia oil.”
~~289~~~ This proposition being acceded to, our friends now took their
way along Pall Mall, where the improvements recently made struck Sparkle
with pleasure and delight; the appearance of new and elegant houses
occupying the situation of buildings of a shabby and mean exterior,
and the introduction of new streets, were subjects of considerable
admiration.
“The rapidity of alterations in London,” said Sparkle, “are almost
inconceivable.”
“That remark,” replied Tom, “only arises from your late absence from the
scene of action; for to us who frequently see their progress, there is
but little to excite wonder. Now for my part I am more astonished
in present times, when so many complaints are made of distress, that
occupiers can be found for them, and also seeing the increase of
buildings at every part of the environs of London, where tenants can be
found to occupy them.”
“I confess,” said Tallyho, “that is a subject which I have often thought
upon without being able to come to any reasonable conclusion; it appears
to me to prove a great increase of population, for although I am aware
of the continued influx of new comers from the country, the towns and
villages appear as full as ever.”
“I am not able to solve the mystery to my own satisfaction,” replied
Sparkle, “in either case, though I cannot help acknowledging the facts
alluded to. It however seems in this place to prove the correctness of
the Poet's lines, who says,
“Wherever round this restless world we range,
Nothing seems constant saving constant change.
Like some magician waving mystic wand,
Improvement metamorphoses the land,
Grubs up, pulls down, then plants and builds anew,
Till scenes once loved are banished from our view.
The draughtsman with officious eye surveys
What capabilities a site displays:
How things may be made better for the worse,
And much improve--at least the schemer's purse.”
Continuing their course along Parliament-street, they soon arrived at
Westminster-bridge, when the day proving extremely fine, it was proposed
to embrace the opportunity of making an excursion by water. The tide
served for London Bridge, and without further ceremony, Tom, Bob, and
Sparkle jumped into a wherry, and were quickly gliding along upon the
bosom of Old Father Thames. The smiling appearance of the day, and the
smooth unruffled surface of the water, excited the most cheerful and
enlivening feelings of the mind.
~~290~~~ “Nice weather for the rowing match,” said a bluff looking
sturdy built waterman, who had doffed his coat, waistcoat, and cravat,
in order to facilitate him in performing his duty.
“Rowing match,” inquired Tom. “When does it take place?”
“Why this afternoon at four o'clock, your Honour. Vauxhall will be very
full to-night,--Them ere people what's got it now are a getting plenty
of company, and they will have a bumper to-night, for the gentlemen what
belongs to the funny club gives a funny to be rowed for.”
“That's funny enough,” exclaimed Sparkle.
“And convenient too,” said Tom; “for as we have no engagement for the
evening, we can mingle with the lads on their water frolic.”
“With all my heart,” said Bob; “and as I am given to understand Vauxhall
is greatly improved, it will make an admirable wind up of the day.”
Approaching Waterloo Bridge--“What have we here,” exclaimed Tallyho.
“That,” said Tom, “is a floating fire engine, for the protection of
shipping, and sometimes very useful in cases of fire on the banks of the
river.”
“An excellent idea,” continued Bob, “because they can never be in want
of water.”
“Will you sit a little more this way, Sir, if you please? we shall trim
better.”
Bob rose hastily upon this intimation; and had not his Cousin caught him
by the coat, would have trimmed himself into the watery element.
“Zounds, man, you had nearly upset us all. You must trim the boat, and
sit steady, or we shall all go to Davey's locker. You must not attempt
to dance in such a vehicle as this.”
Bob's confusion at this circumstance created laughter to his two
friends, which however he could not exactly enjoy with the same relish;
nor did he perfectly recover himself till they were safely landed at
Tower Stairs.
“Now,” said Tom, “I propose a peep at the interior of this place, a row
down to Greenwich to dinner, and then a touch at the rowing match; what
say you--agreed on all hands.”
~~291~~~ “Then,” said the Hon. Tom Dashall, “wait for us here old boy,
and you shall be our conveyancer.”
“I don't know nothing of you, gentlemen; and you understand me, I'm
not a going to be done--I'm too old a hand to be catch'd in that there
fashion; but if so be you engages me for the day, you can take the
number of my boat--but then you must tip.”
“Right,” said Sparkle, “who knows whether we shall escape the Lions, and
then how is old rough and tough to get paid.”
“You'll excuse me, gentlemen, I don't mean no affront upon my soul; but
I have stood the nonsense before now, and been flung--but I von't
be sarved out in that there way any more. I am up to the gossip, and
expects you'll come down with the rag.”
“Certainly,” said Tom Dashall with a smile; “I am aware of the hint,
which by the way is pretty broadly conveyed, therefore be satisfied;
“and giving him a sovereign, they proceeded into the Tower.
The entrance to the Tower from the wharf is by a drawbridge, near to
which is a cut connecting the river with the ditch, having a water gate,
called Traitor's Gate; state prisoners having been formerly conveyed by
this passage from the Tower to Westminster for trial; and over this gate
is the water-works which supply the fortress.
Having passed the drawbridge, Bob looked around him, almost conceiving
himself in a new world; he saw houses and streets, of which he had
formed no conception.
“Zounds,” said he, “this Tower seems almost to contain a City.”
“Yes,” replied Dashall, “it occupies some ground. Its extent within the
walls is twelve acres and five roods. The exterior circuit of the ditch,
which entirely surrounds it, is 3156 feet. The principal buildings are
the Church, the White Tower, the Ordnance Office, the Record Office,
the Jewel Office, the Horse Armoury, the Grand Store House, the
small Armoury, the houses belonging to the Officers, barracks for the
Garrison, and two Suttling Houses for the accommodation of the military
and the inhabitants.”
~~292~~~ The White Tower, as it is called, is a large square building in
the centre of the fortress; on the top of which are four watch towers,
one being at present used as an observatory. Neither the sides of this
building, nor the small towers, are uniform. The walls are whitewashed:
near to it is the grand storehouse, a plain building of brick and stone,
345 feet long, and 60 feet broad.
Being conducted to the Spanish{1} armory, Tallyho was much gratified
with a view of its contents--trophies of the famous victory of Queen
Elizabeth over the Spanish armada, among which the most remarkable were
the thumb screws, intended to be used in order to extort confession
from the English, where their money was hidden. The axe with which
the unfortunate Anne Bullen was beheaded by order of Henry VIII.;
a representation of Queen Elizabeth in armour, standing by a
cream-coloured horse, attended by a page, also attracted his attention;
her majesty being dressed in the armour she wore at the time she
addressed her brave army at Tilbury, in 1588, with a white silk
petticoat, richly ornamented with pearls and spangles. In the Small
Armory, which is one of the finest rooms in Europe, containing complete
stands of arms for 100,000 men, they could not but admire the beautiful
and elegant manner in which the arms were disposed, forming tasteful
devices in a variety of figures: a piece of ordnance from Egypt, and the
Highland broadsword, also claimed particular notice.
1 The Spanish Armory, Small Armory, Train of Artillery, and
Horse Armory, may be seen at the price of 2s. each person,
with a compliment per company to the Warder.
The Volunteer Armory, containing arms piled in beautiful order for
30,000 men, with pikes, swords, &c. in immense numbers, presented
to them a fine figure of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, in bright
armour, bearing the very lance he actually used in his lifetime, which
is no less than 18 feet long. The Sea Armory, containing arms for nearly
50,000 seamen and marines, and the Royal Artillery, which is partly kept
on the ground floor under the Small Armory, next underwent inspection.
Here they could not help admiring the room, which is 380 feet long,
50 feet wide, and 24 feet high, and the many peculiarly fine pieces of
cannon which it contained. The artillery is ranged on each side, leaving
a passage in the centre of ten feet in breadth. Twenty pillars in
this room support the Small Armory above, which are hung round with
implements of war, and trophies taken from the enemy, producing
altogether a grand and imposing effect.
~~293~~~ The Horse Armory--a noble room, crowded with
curiosities--proved a source of high gratification. Here they found
themselves in company with all the kings of England, from William the
Conqueror to George III.; the whole on horseback, and in armour. The
armour of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, seven feet high, and the
sword and lance of proportionable size, were viewed as objects of
wonder.
In the Jewel Office,{1} containing the regalia of state, was the next
object to which they directed their attention. Here they were shewn the
Imperial Crown, with which the Kings of England are crowned: it is
made of gold, enriched with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires,
and pearls. The cap is of purple velvet, lined with white taffety, and
turned up with three rows of ermine. This crown is never used but at
coronations; the golden globe, which is placed in the King's right hand
before he is crowned; the golden sceptre and its cross, upon a
large amethyst, decorated with table diamonds; the sceptre, which is
considered to be far the most ancient in the collection, and probably a
part of the original regalia, is covered with jewels and gothic enamel
work, surmounted with an onyx dove, was found by the present keeper
in the year 1814, and is estimated at a very high value. St. Edward's
staff, made of beaten gold, and which is borne before the King in the
coronation procession, is 4 feet 7 inches and a half in length, and 3
inches and 3 quarters round. The golden saltseller, the sword of mercy
without a point, the grand silver font, used for christenings of the
royal family, and the crown of state worn by the King at his meeting
of the Parliament, and other state occasions, were viewed in succession
with admiration and delight. The latter is of great splendour and value;
it is covered with precious stones of a large size, and on the top of
its cross is a pearl, which Charles I. pledged for eighteen thousand
pounds to the Dutch Republic: under the cross is an emerald diamond,
of a palish green colour, valued at one hundred thousand pounds, being
seven inches and
1 The Jewel Office is shewn for 1s. each person in company;
a single person pays 1s. 6d.: it may be seen separately, but
not without a Warder.
a half in circumference; in the front is a rock ruby in its purely
natural state, unpolished, three inches in length, the value of which
cannot be estimated. Several other curiosities of state regalia--such as
the golden eagle, the golden spur, the crown of Queen Mary, the cross
of King William, and the diadem worn by the Queens Anne and Mary, were
numbered among the valuable jewels contained in this office, together
with abundance of curious old plate, the value of which, independent
of several of the jewels, which are inestimable, is not less than two
millions sterling.
~~294~~~ “Now,” said Dashall, as they left the Jewel Office, “we have
taken a view of the inanimates, we must not leave the spot without
a peep at the lions;{l} for though I believe there is nothing very
extraordinary in the collection, more than may be seen at the menagerie
at Exeter Change, it would be an unpardonable omission not to see the
lions in the Tower.”
1 The wild beasts, &c. are shewn at 1s. each.
For this purpose they proceeded to the western entrance, where they were
quickly introduced by the keeper to the various animals under his care,
and who, in going round with them, explained, as usual, their several
histories.
In examining these various curiosities, time had imperceptibly stolen a
march upon them, and their original plan of proceeding to Greenwich was
found to be impracticable; besides which, upon reaching the stairs where
they had landed, the bluff old waterman was not to be found.
“Zounds,” said Dashall, “this looks like a do. I wonder what's become of
the old blade.”
Sparkle began to laugh, and Bob bit his lip. Tom made inquiry of a boy
at the stairs, who informed him that Barney was gone to the suttling
house to smoak a pipe.
“All right,” said Tom, “then we will soon rouse him, and start.”
Upon this they moved back again into the Tower, and according to the
directions they had received, they found Barney in the tap-room,
puffing away care, and singing with Stentorian voice to the surrounding
company--
“From Irongate to Limehouse Hole,
You will not meet a kinder soul,
While the Thames is flowing,
Pull away ho--Pull away ho.”
~~295~~~ In search of real life and character, and at all times rather
inclined to promote mirth than spoil sport, our friends immediately
entered unperceived by Barney, and taking an opposite corner of the
room, were quickly attended by the landlord, who received orders, and
produced them supplies.
The song being over, and Barney rewarded for his exertions by the most
enthusiastic applause of the room, he renewed his pipe, at the same
time declaring to a soldier who sat near him, he thought “he had miss'd
fire, for he was d------d if he didn't think he'd lost his company,
or his company had lost him--but that he had taken care to nibble the
blunt, and upon that there score all was right--so landlord tip us
another quart, and if they don't make their appearance by the time
I've got through that, I'll tip them the toddle, shove off my boat, and
disappear.--That's the time of day, an't it, boy.”
“Why aye, to be sure,” replied the soldier, “you watermen leads a happy
life; you are your own masters, you does just as you pleases, while a
soldier dare as well be d------d as desert his post. But I say, Barney,
mind what
you says,--nose--nose;” accompanying the last two words with a
significant action of placing his finger on his nose, and winking his
eye.
Upon this intimation, which appeared to be well understood by Barney,
he puffed off an immoderate cloud of smoke, and looking round the room,
perceived his customers in the corner.
“Be quiet,” said he, “that's my fare--so it's all right again,--Do you
want me, gentlemen; I am always ready, so that whenever you says the
word, Barney's your boy.”
“Presently,” said Dashall, “for it would be hard to make you start upon
a full jorum.”
“Why I must say,” continued Barney, “I never likes to leave a foaming
quart behind me;” and catching hold of the pot of _heavy wet_, he roared
out,--
“What a hearty blade am I,
Care can never touch my heart;
Every trouble I defy,
While I view the foaming quart.”
and taking a hearty drink, he handed it to his companion, filled
his pipe afresh, lighted, and informed the gentlemen he was at their
service; when in a few minutes all being ready, they were quickly on
board.
~~296~~~ “I don't like the looks of the weather, my masters, why we
shall have a shower presently, where will you go to?”
“To Vauxhall,” was the reply.
“Very well, your Honour, then here goes; but if you don't get a sousing,
my name an't Barney.”
This prognostication proved true, for before they reached Blackfriars
Bridge, a smart shower came on, which nearly wetted them through before
they could reach land. When this was accomplished, they proceeded to the
Horn Tavern, Doctors Commons, where they partook of an excellent repast,
and the weather clearing up, they again joined Barney.
By this time the promising fineness of the evening had induced many
to venture forth to the rowing match, and the river was all gaiety and
delight. Boats of every description were seen filled with well dressed
persons, both male and female: the smiling countenances of the lads and
lasses were in unison with the laughing sun, that darted his brilliant
beams upon the dimpled wave, which seemed to leap in return with
grateful animation. The shores were lined with spectators, anxiously
waiting the moment for the commencement of this trial of skill. Our
friends were highly delighted with the prospect before them, and at the
appointed time, having rested on their oars near the place of starting,
they saw with pleasure the active preparations on the part of the
competitors, and upon the signal being given for the start, the river
appeared to consist of nothing but moving conveyances of happy faces,
all guided in one direction. The 'shouts of the various friends of the
occasionally successful candidates for the honour of victory, and the
skill and dexterity with which they manoeuvred against each other, were
subjects of continued admiration; while bands of music were heard from
boats that intermingled with the throng. The lads of the Funny Club were
in high glee--numerous cutters and sailing boats, with their owners and
visiting friends, were also in the throng. Barney pulled away like
a good one, and for a considerable distance kept nearly up with the
principal actors in this gay and animated scene of aquatic diversion,
and arrived off Cumberland gardens just in time to have an excellent
view of the winner coming in at the appointed spot, in prime style,
amidst the loud and reiterated plaudits of his friends.
~~297~~~ The intention of visiting Vauxhall Gardens was, however, for
the present evening relinquished; and our party, feeling fatigued by
their excursion, repaired homeward, where for the present we shall leave
them to their quiet and repose.