Part 51 (2/2)

”At least,” replied Tallyho, ”I have been gratified by the view of some of the leading men who contribute to fill up the columns of your London Newspapers.”

”Egad!” said his Cousin, ”now I think of it, there is a tine opportunity of amusing ourselves for the remainder of the evening by a peep at another certain house in Westminster: whether it may be a.s.similated, in point of character or contents, to what we have just witnessed, I shall leave you, after taking a review, to determine.”

”What do you mean?” inquired Tallyho.

”Charley's, my boy, that's the place for sport, something in the old style. The Professors there are all of the ancient school, and we shall just be in time for the first Lecture. It is a school of science, and though established upon the ancient construction, is highly suitable to the taste of the moderns.”

”Zounds!” replied Bob, ”our heads are hardly in cue for philosophy after so much wine and noise; we had better defer it to another opportunity.”

”Nay, nay, now's the very time for it--it will revive the recollection of some of your former sports;

For, midst our luxuries be it understood, Some traits remain of rugged hardihood.”

~387~~ Charley is a good caterer for the public appet.i.te, and, to diversify the amus.e.m.e.nts of a Life in London, we will have a little chaff among the Bear-baiters.”

Tally-ho stared for a moment; then burst into laughter at the curious introduction his Cousin had given to this subject. ”I have long perceived your talent for embellishment, but certainly was not prepared for the conclusion; but you ought rather to have denominated them Students in Natural History.”

”And what is that but a branch of Philosophy?” inquired Dashall.

”However, we are discussing points of opinion rather than hastening to the scene of action to become judges of facts--Allons.”

Upon saying this, they moved forward with increased celerity towards Tothill-fields, and soon reached their proposed place of destination.

On entering, Tallyho was reminded by his Cousin to b.u.t.ton up his toggery, keep his ogles in action, and be awake. ”For,” said he, ”you will here have to mingle with some of the queer Gills and rum Covies of all ranks.”

This advice being taken, they soon found themselves in this temple of torment, where Bob surveyed a motly group a.s.sembled, and at that moment engaged in the sports of the evening. The generality of the company bore the appearance of Butchers, Dog-fanciers and Ruffians, intermingled here and there with a few Sprigs of Fas.h.i.+on, a few Corinthian Sicells, Coster-mongers, Coal-heavers, Watermen, Soldiers, and Livery-servants.

[Ill.u.s.tration: page387 The Country Squire]

The bear was just then pinn'd by a dog belonging to a real lover of the game, who, with his s.h.i.+rt-sleeves tuck'd up, declared he was a d------d good one, and nothing but a good one, so help him G------d. This dog, at the hazard of his life, had seized poor Bruin by the under lip, who sent forth a tremendous howl indicative of his sufferings, and was endeavouring to give him a fraternal hug; many other dogs were barking aloud with anxiety to take an active share in the amus.e.m.e.nt, while the bear, who was chained by the neck to a staple in the wall, and compelled to keep an almost erect posture, shook his antagonist with all the fury of madness produced by excessive torture. In the mean time bets were made and watches pull'd forth, to decide how long the bow-wow would bother the ragged Russian. The Dog-breeders were chaffing each other upon the value of their canine property, each holding his ~388~~ brother-puppy between his legs, till a fair opportunity for a let-loose offered, and many wagers were won and lost in a short s.p.a.ce of time. Bob remained a silent spectator; while his Cousin, who was better up to the gossip, mixt with the hard-featured sportsmen, inquired the names of their dogs, what prices were fix'd upon, when they had fought last, and other questions equally important to amateurs.

Bruin got rid of his customers in succession as they came up to him, and when they had once made a seizure, it was generally by a hug which almost deprived them of life, at least it took from them the power of continuing their hold; but his release from one was only the signal for attack from another.

While this exhibition continued, Tom could not help calling his Cousin's attention to an almost bald-headed man, who occupied a front seat, and sat with his dog, which was something of the bull breed, between his legs, while the paws of the animal rested on the top rail, and which forcibly brought to his recollection the well-known anecdote of Garrick and the Butcher's dog with his master's wig on, while the greasy carca.s.s-dealer was wiping the perspiration from his uncovered pericranium.

Bob, who had seen a badger-bait, and occasionally at fairs in the country a dancing bear, had never before seen a bear-bait, stood up most of the time, observing those around him, and paying attention to their proceedings while entertaining sentiments somewhat similar to the following lines:--

”What boisterous shouts, what blasphemies obscene, What eager movements urge each threatening mien!

Present the spectacle of human kind, Devoid of feeling--dest.i.tute of mind; With ev'ry dreadful pa.s.sion rous'd to flame, All sense of justice lost and sense of shame.”

When Charley the proprietor thought his bear was sufficiently exercised for the night, he was led to his den, lacerated and almost lamed, to recover of his wounds, with an intention that he should ”fight his battles o'er again.” Meanwhile Tom and Bob walk'd homeward.

The next day having been appointed for the coronation of our most gracious Sovereign, our friends were off at an early hour in the morning, to secure their seats in ~389~~ Westminster Hall; and on their way they met the carriage of our disappointed and now much lamented Queen, her endeavours to obtain admission to the Abbey having proved fruitless.

”Oh that the Monarch had as firmly stood In all his acts to serve the public good, As in that moment of heartfelt joy That firmness acted only to destroy A nation's hope--to every heart allied, Who lived in sorrow, and lamented died!”

It was a painful circ.u.mstance to Dashall, who was seldom severe in his judgments, or harsh in his censures. He regretted its occurrence, and it operated in some degree to rob a splendid ceremony of its magnificence, and to sever from royalty half its dignity.

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