This Day a great Cricket Match, Surrey against England, at LORD'S, and I
thither, all the Way to St. John's Wood, to see the Place, having often
heard Talk of it, and the Playing, which MR. LONGSTOPPE did tell me was
a pretty Sight. Paid 6d. to be let in, and 2d. for a Card of the
Innings, and bought a little Book of the Laws of the Game, cost me 1s.
6d. more, though when I had got it, could hardly understand a Word of
it; but to think how much Money I spend out of Curiosity, and how
inquisitive I am, so as to be vexed to the Heart if I cannot thoroughly
make out every Thing I see! The Cricketing I believe very fine; but
could not judge of it; for I think I did never before see any Cricket
since I was a little Varlet Boy at School. But what a Difference between
the Manner of Bowling in those Days, and that Players now use! for then
they did moderately trundle the Ball under-hand; but now they fling it
over-handed from the Elbow, as though viciously, and it flies like a
Shot, being at least Five Ounces and a Half in Weight, and hard as a
Block. I saw it strike one of the Batmen on the Knuckles, who Danced and
shook his Fist, as methought well he might. But to see how handy some
did catch it, though knocked off the Bat by a strong Man with all his
Force; albeit now and then they missing it, and struck by it on the
Head, or in the Mouth, and how any one can learn to play Cricket without
losing his front Teeth is a Wonder. The Spectators sitting on Benches in
a Circle, at a Distance, and out of the Way of the Ball, which was wise;
but some on a raised Stand, and others aside at Tables, under a Row of
Trees near a Tavern within the Grounds, with Pipes and Beer; and many in
the Circle also Smoking and Drinking, and the Drawers continually going
the Round of them to serve them Liquor and Tobacco. But all as quiet as
a Quaker's Meeting, except when a good Hit made, or a Player bowled out,
and strange to see how grave and solemn they looked, as if the Sight of
Men in white Clothes, knocking a Ball about, were Something serious to
think on. Did hear that many had Wagers on the Game, but doubt it, for
methinks there had been more Liveliness if much Betting, and Chance of
winning or losing Money. The Company very numerous, and among them some
in Carriages, and was glad to see so many People diverted, although at
what I could not tell. But they enjoyed themselves in their Way,
whatever that was, and I in mine, thinking how droll they looked, so
earnestly attending to a mere Show of Dexterity. I, for my Part, soon
out of Patience with the Length of the Innings, and the Stopping and
Interruption after each Run, and so away, more tired, I am sure, than
any of the Cricketers. Yet I do take Pride, as an Englishman, in our
Country Sport of Cricket, albeit I do not care to watch it playing; and
certainly it is a manly Game, throwing open the Chest, and strengthening
the Limbs, and the Player so often in Danger of being hit by the Ball.
[Illustration: _A RAYLWAYE MEETYNGE. EMOTYON OF YE SHAREHOLDERES AT YE
ANNOUNCEMENTE OF A DIVIDENDE OF 2-1/2d._