To Drury Lane this Evening, to see the Horsemanship, which did divert me
mightily; but had rather it had been at Astley's, which is the fitter
Place for it. After that, to Supper at the Cider Cellars in Maiden Lane,
wherein was much Company, great and small, and did call for Kidneys and
Stout, then a small Glass of _Aqua-Vitae_ and Water, and thereto a Cigar.
While we supped, the Singers did entertain us with Glees and Comical
Ditties; but Lack, to hear with how little Wit the young Sparks about
Town are tickled! But the Thing that did most take me was to see and
hear one Ross sing the Song of SAM HALL the Chimney-Sweep, going to be
hanged: for he had begrimed his Muzzle to look unshaven, and in rusty
black Clothes, with a battered old Hat on his Crown and a short Pipe in
his Mouth, did sit upon the Platform, leaning over the Back of a Chair:
so making believe that he was on his way to Tyburn. And then he did sing
to a dismal Psalm-Tune, how that his Name was SAM HALL, and that he had
been a great Thief, and was now about to pay for all with his Life; and
thereupon he swore an Oath which did make me somewhat shiver, though
divers laugh. Then, in so many Verses, how his Master had badly taught
him and now he must hang for it; how he should ride up Holborn Hill in a
Cart, and the Sheriffs would come, and then the Parson, and preach to
him, and after them would come the Hangman; and at the End of each Verse
he did repeat his Oath. Last of all, how that he should go up to the
Gallows; and desired the Prayers of his Audience, and ended by cursing
them all round. Methinks it had been a Sermon to a Rogue to hear him,
and I wish it may have done good to some of the Company. Yet was his
cursing very horrible, albeit to not a few it seemed a high Joke; but I
do doubt that they understood the Song and did only relish the Oaths.
Strange to think what a Hit this Song of SAM HALL hath made, and how it
hath taken the Town, and how popular it is not only among Tavern
Haunters and Frequenters of Night Houses, but also with the Gentry and
Aristocracy who do vote it a Thing that ought to be heard though a
blackguard, and look in at the Cider Cellars Night by Night after Dinner
at their Clubs to hear it sung. After SAM HALL, to pay for my Supper,
which cost me 2s. 2d., besides 4d. to the Waiter; and then Home in a
Cab, it being late, and I fearing to anger my Wife, which cost me 2s.
more; but I grudged not the Money, having been much diverted, and so to
Bed.
[Illustration: _AN "AT HOME." YE POLKA._