“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.