Part 54 (2/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: page410 Masquerade]

A French _Frisseur_, without any knowledge of the language of the nation from which he appeared to come, could only answer a question _a la Francoise_ from the accomplished Tom Dashall, by a volume of scented powder from his puff, which being observed by a Chimney-sweeper, was returned by dust of another colour from his soot-bag, till the intermixture of white and black left it difficult to decide which was the Barber and which the Sweep. They were now suddenly attracted by a grotesque dance between a Clown of the Grimaldi school and a fancy Old Woman in a garment of patch-work made in an ancient fas.h.i.+on. A red nose, long rows of beads for ear-rings, and a pair of spectacles surmounted by a high cauled-cap, decorated with ribbons of various hues, rendered her the most conspicuous character in the room: and notwithstanding her high-heeled shoes, she proved herself an excellent partner for the Clown.

By this time, Bob, who was anxious to carry his plan into execution, began to be fidgetty, and proposed a walk into the open air again. As they left the room, his ears were attracted by the following song by a Watchman, which he could not help stopping to catch, and which afforded his Cousin an excellent opportunity of giving him the slip:

”Fly, ye prigs,{1} for now's the hour, (Tho' boosey kids{2} have lost their power,) When watchful Charleys,{3} like the Sun, Their nightly course of duty run Beneath the pale-faced moon;

1 Prigs--Pickpockets.

2 Boosey kids--Drunken men.

3 Charleys--A cant term for watchmen.

But take this warning while ye fly, That if you nibble, click,{1} or clye,{2} My sight's so dim, I cannot see, Unless while you the blunt{3} tip me: Then stay, then stay; For I shall make this music speak,{4} And bring you up before the Beak,{5} Unless the c.h.i.n.k's in tune.

Now, ye rambling sons of night, Or peep-o'-day boys{6} on your flight, Well prim'd with Jack or Child Tom's juice, While you the silver key{7} produce, Your safety then is clear.

But snuffy,{8} and not up to snuff,{9} You'll And your case is queer enough; Sh.e.l.l out the nonsense;{10} half a quid{11} Will speak more truth than all your whid:{12}

Then go, then go; For, if you linger on your way, You'll for my music dearly pay, I'll quod you, never fear.”

Turning round with laughter from this character, who had attracted many hearers, he look'd in vain for Dashall, and was not displeased to find he had fled. He therefore hastily withdrew from the scene of merriment, and according to the instructions previously received, and for which he had prepared, quickly changed his dress, and appeared again in the character of a Judge, under the impression hinted by his counsellor, that the gravity of his wig and gown, with a steady countenance,

1 Click--A contraction of the word clicker, for a watch.

2 Clye--A pocket-handkerchief.

3 Blunt--Money.

4 Music--Alluding to the rattle.

5 Beak--A magistrate.

6 Peep-o'-day boys--Staunch good ones--reeling home after the frolics of the night.

7 Silver key--Money which is thus termed, as it is supposed to open all places, and all hearts.

”If you are sick and like to die, And for the Doctor send, Or have the cholic in your eye, Still money is your friend--is it not?”

8 Snuffy--Drunk.

9 Up to Snuff---Elevation of ideas.

10 Sh.e.l.l out the nonsense--To pay money.

11 Half a quid--Half a guinea.

12 Whid--Words or talk.

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