In frolics I keep up the day and the night;
I snooze at the Hummums till twelve, perhaps later,
?Your Honour,' says he, and he makes me a leg;
He brings me my tea, but I swallow an egg;
So I down with a glass of good right cherry-bounce.
With—swearing, tearing—ranting, jaunting—slashing,
smashing—smacking, cracking—rumbling, tumbling
—laughing, quaffing—smoking, joking—swaggering,
Staggering:
This, this is the life of a frolicsome5 fellow.”
[101]UPON entering the house, and depositing their shilling each to view this newly discovered animal from the Apalachian mountains of America, and being supplied with immense long bills descriptive of his form and powers—“Come along (said Sparkle,) let us have a look at the most wonderful production of nature—only seventeen months old, five feet ten inches high, and one of the most fashionable fellows in the metropolis6.”
“It should seem so,” said Tallyho, “by the long list of friends and visitors that are detailed7 in the commencement of the bill of fare.”
“Very likely (continued Sparkle;) but let me tell you the allusion9 in this case does not apply, for this animal has nothing of the donkey about him, and makes no noise, as you will infer from the following lines in the Bill:
“As the Bonassus does not roar,
His fame is widely known,
For no dumb animal before
Has made such noise in town.”
[102]At this moment the barking of a dog assailed10 their ears, and suspended the conversation. Passing onward11 to the den12 of the Bonassus, they found a dark-featured gentleman of middling stature13, with his hair, whiskers, and ears, so bewhitened with powder as to form a complete contrast with his complexion14 and a black silk handkerchief which he wore round his neck, holding a large brown-coloured dog by the collar, in order to prevent annoyance15 to the visitors.
“D——n the dog, (exclaimed he) although he is the best tempered creature in the world, he don't seem to like the appearance of the Bonassus “—and espying16 Sparkle, “Ha, my dear fellow! how are you?—I have not seen you for a long while.”
“Why, Sir D—n—ll, I am happy to say I never was better in my life—allow me to introduce you to my two friends, the Hon. Mr. Dashall, and Robert Tallyho—Sir D—n—ll Harlequin.”
The mutual17 accompaniments of such an introduction having passed among them, the Knight18, who was upon the moment of departure as they entered, expressed his approbation19 of the animal he had been viewing, and, lugging20 his puppy by one hand, and his cudgel in the other, wished them a good morning.
“There is an eccentric man of Title,” continued Sparkle.
“I should judge,” said Bob, “there was a considerable portion of eccentricity21 about him, by his appearance. Is he a Baronet?”
1 Of all the subjects that afford opportunities for the
observes, that “cheats can seldom stand long against
existing facts, it may be supposed that times are so
materially changed since the residence of that able writer
in this sublunary sphere, that the reverse of the position
prevailing28 practice of the present day, that, according to
the opinion of thousands, there is nothing to be done
actual power, and he who is the best able to bear laughing
at, is the most likely to realize the hopes he entertains of
success. Nothing can be more evident than this in the
all kinds, and in all situations, to be found in London.
This may truly be called the age of Quackery, from the
and such as cannot or will not think for themselves, ought
to be guarded in a publication of this nature, against the
fraudulent acts of those persons who make it their business
and profit to deteriorate33 the health, morals, and amusements
of the public. But, in the present instance, we are speaking
of the Medical Quack only, than which perhaps there is none
more remarkable34.
The race of Bossys, Brodrums, Solomons, Perkins, Chamants,
&c. is filled by others of equal notoriety, and no doubt of
Ruspinis, the Coopers, and Munroes, are all equally entitled
to public approbation, particularly if we may credit the
letters from the various persons who authenticate36 the
we hail almost said, the most impossible, cases. If those
persons are really in existence (and who can doubt it?) they
certainly have occasion to be thankful for their escapes,
and we congratulate them; for in our estimation Quack
Doctors seem to consider the human frame merely as a subject
for experiments, which if successful will secure the
reputation of the practitioner41. The acquisition of fame and
fortune is, in the estimation of these philosophers, cheaply
purchased by sacrificing the lives of a few of the vulgar,
some patients to the Doctor, is really astonishing. It is
said that a convalescent at Bath wrote to his Physician in
London, to know whether he might eat sauce with his pork;
but we have not been able to discover whether he expected an
answer gratis; that would perhaps have been an experiment
not altogether grateful to the Doctor's feelings.
The practice of advertising46 and billing the town has become
so common, that a man scarcely opens a coal-shed, or a
potatoe-stall, without giving due notice of it in the
newspapers, and distributing hand-bills: and frequently with
great success. But our Doctors, who make no show of their
commodities, have no mode of making themselves known without
it. Hence the quantity of bills thrust into the hand of the
almost incredible performances of their publishers. A high-
sounding name, such as The Chevalier de diamant, the
Chevalier de Ruspini, or The Medical Board, well bored behind
and before, are perhaps more necessary, with a few paper
practice, to obtain notice and secure fame.
The Chevalier de Chamant, who was originally a box-maker,
occupation, was for deducing a logical position, not exactly
perhaps by fair argument, but at all events through the
teeth, and was determined51, although he could not, like Dr.
Pangloss, mend the cacology of his friends, at least to give
them an opportunity for plenty of jaw-work. With this
laudable object in view, he obtained a patent for making
artificial teeth of mineral paste; and in his advertisements
condescended52 not to prove their utility as substitutes for
the real teeth, when decayed or wanting, (this was beneath
Quackery unworthy of his great genius,) but absolutely
assured the world that his mineral teeth were infinitely55
superior to any production of nature, both for mastication56
declared (and he certainly ought to know) that none but
silly and timid persons would hesitate for one moment to
is wonderful to relate, that although his charges were
enormous, and the operation (as may be supposed) not the
most pleasant, yet people could not resist the ingenious
Chevalier's fascinating and drawing puffs; in consequence of
capital, with which he determined to speculate in the Funds.
For this purpose he employed old Tom Bish, the Stockbroker61,
to purchase stock for the amount; but owing to a sudden
place between the time of purchase and that of payment; a
circumstance which made the Chevalier grin and show his
teeth: Determining however, not to become a victim to the
declared the bargain was not legal, and that he would not be
bound by it. Bish upon this occasion proved a hard-mouthed
customer to the man of teeth, and was not a quiet subject to
be drawn, but brought an action against the mineral monger,
and recovered the debt. Tom's counsel, in stating the case,
sharper aud hold tighter than any teeth he could make; and
so it turned out.
The Chevalier de R—sp—ni is another character who has cut
no small figure in this line, but has recently made his
appearance in the Gazette, not exactly on so happy an
occasion as such a circumstance would be to his brother
chip, Dr. D—n—ll, now (we suppose) Sir Francis—though
perhaps equally entitled to the honour of knighthood. The
residing opposite Carlton House, and taken every precaution
to let the public know that such an important public
character was there to be found, by displaying his name as
visitors to Carlton House could hardly fail to notice him as
the second greatest Character of that great neighbourhood.
But what could induce so great a man to sport his figure in
the Gazette, is as unaccountable as the means by which he
obtained such happy celebrity. Had it occurred immediately
after the war, it might have been concluded without much
stretch of imagination, that the Chevalier, who prides
had, through the friendship of the Duke of Wellington, made
a contract for the teeth and jaw-bones of all who fell at
the battle of Waterloo, and that by bringing to market so
great a stock at one time, the article had fallen in value,
and left the speculating Chevalier so great a loser as to
cause his bankruptcy72. Whether such is the real cause or not,
lower commodities.
Among other modes of obtaining notoriety, usually resorted
to by Empirics, the Chevalier used to job a very genteel
carriage and pair, but his management was so excellent, that
was not intended to run, but merely to stand at the door
like a barker at a broker's shop, or a direction-post, he
had the loan on very moderate terms, the job-master taking
into account that the wind of the cattle was not likely to
smashed by any violent concussion79.
The Chevalier had a Son, who unfortunately was not endowed
by nature with so much ambition or information as his
at the door, he has been seen drinking gin most cordially
with Coachee, without once thinking of the evils of example,
or recollecting81 that he was one of the family. Papa used to
be very angry on these occasions, because, as he said, it
was letting people know that Coachee was only hired as &job,
and not as a family domestic.
For the great benefit and advantage of the community,
Medical Boards have recently been announced in various parts
of the Metropolis, where, according to the assertions of the
Principals, in their advertisements, every disease incident
among these truly useful establishments, those of Drs.
Cooper, Munro, and Co. of Charlotte house, Blackfriars, and
Woodstock-house, Oxford-road, are not the least conspicuous68.
ascertain. One thing however is certain, that Sir
therefore there can be no doubt but that all is fair above
board, for
“Brutus is an honourable86 man,
So are they all—all honourable men.”
exercised, it cannot be doubted but great and important
benefits may result to a liberal and enlightened people. Of
the establishment itself we are informed by a friend, that
having occasion to call on the Treasurer, upon some
a good-looking young Indian—not a fuscus Hydaspes, but a
and introduced him to the front room on the first floor,
where all was quackery, bronze and brass, an electrical
and a table covered with books and papers. In a short time,
apologizing for the absence of the Doctor, began to assure
him of his being in the entire confidence of the Board, and
in all probability would have proceeded to the operation of
feeling the pulse in a very short time, had not the visitor
person he had known in former times. 'Why, good God!'
cried he, 'is that you?—What have you done with the Magic-
lantern, and the Lecture on Heads?—am I right, or am I in
fairy-land?' calling him by his name. It was in vain to
hesitate, it was impossible to escape, the discovery was
legerdemain97, which, perhaps, he finds the most profitable of
the two.
Munros have been consumed by the electrical fluid of their
own Board) much might be said. He is the inventor of a life-
preserver, with which it may be fairly presumed he has
effected valuable services to his country by the
preservation98 of Royalty, as a proof of deserving the honour
and benevolent101, a great admirer of fancy horses and fancy
ladies, a curer of incurables102, and has recently published
laid before the public, embellished105 with two portraits:
which of the two is most interesting must be left to the
discrimination of those who view them. It must however be
acknowledged, that after reading the following extract,
person shall be admitted to the honour of knighthood, in
consequence of two surreptitious presentations lately”—the
one an M.D. the other F.R.C. Surgeons, particularly if it
were possible that this Gentleman may be one of the persons
excited the interest of the first characters among the
nobility, and an introduction to Court was repeatedly
offered to Sir Francis on this account. After a previous
communication with one of the Royal Family, and also with
the Secretary of State, on the 14th June last, he had the
appreciating the merit of the discovery, was pleased to
confer upon him the honour of knighthood.
“Thus it is pleasing, in the distribution of honours by the
hand of the Sovereign, to mark where they are conferred on
real merit. This is the true intention of their origin; but
it has been too often departed from, and they have been
given where no other title existed than being the friend of
those who had influence to gain the Royal ear. From the
above statement, it will be seen this honour was conferred
on Sir Francis by his Majesty for an invention, which has
saved since its discovery the lives of many hundreds, and
which may be considered as having given the original idea to
the similar inventions that have been attempted since that
time. Its utility and importance we have also seen
acknowledged and rewarded by the two leading Societies in
and the Society of Arts. The Sovereign therefore was only
recognizing merit which had been previously117 established; and
the honour of knighthood, to the credit of the individual,
was conferred by his Majesty in the most liberal and
handsome manner, without any other influence being used by
Sir Francis than simply preferring the claim.”
Thus the subject of Knighthood is to be nursed; and as the
Doctor and the Nurse are generally to be recognized
together, no one can read this part of the Memoir without
exclaiming—Well done, Nussey. But why not Gazetted, after
this liberal and hand-some manner of being rewarded? or why
an allusion to two surreptitious presentations, the names of
misunderstood? This is but doing things by halves, though no
Charlotte-house, where Cooper, Munro, and Co. (being well
explained) means two or three persons, viz. a black, a white
man, and a mahogany-coloured Knight—a barber by trade, and
his prototype—a practitioner in panygyric—the puff direct—
the puff preliminary—the puff collateral—the puff
Whether this will apply to Sir Charles Althis or not, is
perhaps not so easy to ascertain; but as birds of a feather
misfortune deserve to be noticed in the same column,
although the one is said to be a Shaver, and the other a
Quaker. It seems they have both been moved by the same
spirit, and both follow (a good way off) the profession of
medicine.
Among the various improvements of these improving times, for
we are still improving, notwithstanding complaint, a learned
the establishment of a Medical Assurance-office, where
person and property might be insured at so much per annum,
and the advantages to be derived from such an Institution
would be, that instead of the insurance increasing with
years, it would grow less and less. How many thousand
medicals, and would by them be considered a devilish hard
case.
They now attended the Keeper, who explained the age, height, weight, species, size, power, and propensities128 of the animal, and then departed on their road towards Temple Bar,—on passing through which, they were overtaken again by Sir Francis, in a gig drawn by a dun-coloured horse, with his puppy between his legs, and a servant by his side, and immediately renewed the previous conversation.
“There he goes again,” said Sparkle, “and a rare fellow he is too.”
“I should think so,” said Bob; “he must have quacked129 to some good purpose, to obtain the honour of knighthood.”
[108]"Not positively130 that,” continued Sparkle; “for to obtain and to deserve are not synonymous, and, if report say true, there is not much honour attached to his obtaining it.
Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity135,
At least speak most to my capacity.”
And, according to my humble136 conception, he who talks much about himself, or pays others to talk or write about him, is generally most likely to be least deserving of public patronage137; for if a man possesses real and evident abilities in any line of profession, the public will not be long in making a discovery of its existence, and the bounty138, as is most usually the case, would quickly follow upon the heels of approbation. But many a meritorious139 man in the Metropolis is pining away his miserable140 existence, too proud to beg, and too honest to steal, while others, with scarcely more brains than a sparrow, by persevering141 in a determination to leave no stone unturned to make themselves appear ridiculous, as a first step to popularity; and having once excited attention, even though it is merely to be laughed at by the thinking part of mankind, he finds it no great difficulty to draw the money out of their pockets while their eyes are riveted142 on a contemplation of his person or conduct. And there are not wanting instances of effrontery143 that have elevated men of little or no capacity to dignified situations. If report say true, the present Secretary of the Admiralty, who is admirable for his poetry also, was originally a hair-dresser, residing somewhere in Blackfriar's or Westminster-road; but then you must recollect82 he was a man who knew it was useless to lose a single opportunity; and probably such has been the case with Sir Daniel Harlequin, who, from keeping a small shop in Wapping, making a blaze upon the water about his Life-preserver, marrying a wife with a red face and a full pocket, retired144 to a small cottage at Mile End, and afterwards establishing a Medical Board, has got himself dubbed145 a Knight. To be sure he has had a deal of puffing146 and blowing work to get through in his progress, which probably accounts for his black looks, not a little increased by the quantity of powder he wears. But what have we here?” finding the bustle147 of the streets considerably148 increased after passing Temple Bar.
“Some political Bookseller or other, in all probability,” said Tom—“I'll step forward and see.” And in passing through the numerous body of persons that crowded on every side, the whole party was separated. Bob, who had hung a little back while his two friends rushed forward, was lingering near the corner of the Temple: he was beckoned149 by a man across the way, to whom he immediately went.
“Do you happen to want a piece of fine India silk handkerchiefs, Sir? I have some in my pocket that I can recommend and sell cheap—for money must be had; but only keep it to yourself, because they are smuggled150 goods, of the best quality and richest pattern.” During this opening speech, he was endeavouring to draw Tallyho under the archway of Bell-yard, when Sparkle espying him, ran across to him, and taking him by the arm—“Come along (said he;) and if you don't take yourself off instantly, I'll put you in custody,” shaking his stick at the other.
All this was like Hebrew to Bob, who, for his part, really conceived the poor fellow, as he termed him, might be in want of money, and compelled to dispose of his article for subsistence.
“Ha, ha, ha,” cried Sparkle, “I see you know nothing about them: these are the locusts151 of the town.” At this moment they were joined by the Hon. Tom Dashall.
“Egad!” continued Sparkle, “I just saved your Cousin from being trepanned, and sent for a soldier.”
“What,” cried Tom, “in the wars of Venus then, I suppose I know he has a fancy for astronomy, and probably he was desirous of taking a peep into Shire-lane, where he might easily find the Sun, Moon, and Seven Stars.”
“Ha! ha! ha!” replied Sparkle, “not exactly so; but I rescued him from the hands of a Buffer154,{1} who would
swindling which is rather difficult of detection, though it
is daily practised in London. The term Buffer takes its
derivation from a custom which at one time prevailed of
carrying Bandanas, sarsnets, French stockings, and silk of
various kinds, next the shirts of the sellers; so that upon
making a sale, they were obliged to undress in order to come
at the goods, or in other words, to strip to the skin, or
buff it; by which means they obtained the title of Buffers.
This trade (if it may be so termed) is carried on in a
genteel manner. The parties go about from house to house,
and attend public-houses, inns, and fairs, pretending to
sell smuggled goods, such as those already mentioned; and by
offering their goods for sale, they are enabled by practice
to discover the proper objects for their arts.
of the word, only offer to sell their goods to the best
police, but are equally subversive158 or destructive of common
honesty under a cloak or disguise; for if they can persuade
any person that the article offered is actually better or
cheaper than any other person's, they are doing no more than
every tradesman does; but then as they pay no rent or taxes
to the State, the principal objection to them lies in the
mode of operation, and an overstrained recommendation of
their goods, which are always, according to their account,
walking up with a serious countenance161 and interesting air,
sale an excellent article well worth their attention, giving
implicitly164 observed, or it may lead to unpleasantness to
both parties. By these means persons from the country are
goods; and if they do not succeed in one way, they are
almost sure in another, by having an accomplice166, who will
not fail to praise the articles for sale, and propose some
money by passing forged Bank-notes, base silver or copper,
in the course of their dealings.
[110]doubtless have fleeced him in good style, if he could only have induced him to attend to his story.”
“The mob you see collected there,” said the Hon. Tom Dashalll, “is attracted by two circumstances—Money's new Coronation Crop, just lanched—and a broken image of a Highlander169, at the door of a snuff-shop; each of them truly important and interesting of course, the elevation170 of one man, and the destruction of another. The poor Scotchman seems dreadfully bruised171, and I suppose is now under the Doctor's hands, for he has two or three plasters on his face.”
“Yes,” continued Sparkle, “he has been out on a spree,{1} had a bit of a turn-up, and been knock'd down.”
Upon hearing this conversation, Tallyho could not help inquiring into the particulars.
“Why the facts are simply as follows,” continued
[111]Sparkle—“in London, as you perceive, tradesmen are in the habit of exhibiting signs of the business or profession in which they are engaged. The Pawnbroker173 decorates his door with three gold balls—the Barber, in some places, (though it is a practice almost out of date) hangs out a long pole—the Gold-beater, an arm with a hammer in the act of striking—the Chemist, a head of Glauber, or Esculapius—the Tobacconist, a roll of tobacco, and of late it has become customary for these venders of pulverised atoms called snuff, to station a wooden figure of a Highlander, in the act of taking a pinch of Hardham's, or High-dried, as a sort of inviting175 introduction to their counters; and a few nights back, a Scotchman, returning from his enjoyments176 at a neighbouring tavern177, stopped to have a little friendly chat with this gentleman's Highlander, and by some means or other, I suppose, a quarrel ensued, upon which the animated178 young Scotchman took advantage of his countryman—floored him, broke both his arms, and otherwise did him considerable bodily injury, the effects of which are still visible; and Johnny Bull, who is fond of a little gape-seed, is endeavouring to console him under his sufferings.”
“Very kind of him, indeed,” replied Bob.
“At any rate,” said Tom, “the Tobacconist will have occasion to be grateful to the Highlander{1} for some portion of his popularity.”
1 It is matter of astonishment179 to some, but not less true,
that many tradesmen in the Metropolis have to ascribe both
fame and fortune to adventitious180 circumstances. It is said
that Hardham, of Fleet Street, had to thank the celebrated181
introducing his snuffbox, offered a pinch to the person he
and inquired where he obtained it?—“Why, at Hardham's, to
be sure.” And to this apparently185 trifling circumstance,
Hardham was indebted for his fortune.
The importance of a Highlander to a snuff-shop will appear
A very respectable young man, a Clerk in the office of an
Atkins, upon the charge of being disorderly. The prisoner,
it seemed, on his return home from a social party, where he
had been sacrificing rather too freely to the jolly god, was
struck with the appearance of a showy wooden figure of a
Highlander, at the door of Mr. Micklan's snuff-shop, No. 12,
Fleet Street. The young Attorney, who is himself a
Scotchman, must needs claim acquaintance with his
countryman. He chucked him familiarly under the chin, called
affection, embraced him with so much violence, as to force
him from his station. Mr. Micklan ran to the assistance of
his servant, and in the scuffle the unfortunate Highlander
neck damaged, besides other personal injuries, which his
Micklau gave him in charge to the watchman. Before the
reparation, but complained of the excessive demand, which he
stated to be no less than thirteen guineas. Mr. Micklan
excited a compound fracture of both arms, with a mutilation
of three or four fingers, and such other bodily wounds, as
to render his perfect recovery, so as to resume his
functions at Mr. Micklan's door, altogether hopeless. The
Highlander, the complainant stated, cost him thirteen
the young gentleman to pay for such a frolic, but it would
not compensate198 him for the injury he should sustain by the
absence of the figure; for, however strange it might appear,
he did not hesitate to say, that without it he should not
have more than half his business. Since he had stationed it
at his door, he had taken on an average thirty shillings a
day more than he had done previous to exhibiting his
attractions.
Atkins advised the gentleman to settle the matter upon the
best terms he could. They withdrew together, and on their
return the complainant reported that the gentleman had
agreed to take the figure, and furnish him with a new one.
Mr. Alderman Atkins, in discharging the prisoner,
recommended to him to get the figure repaired, and make a
memorial, it would probably save him more than it cost him.
The broken figure has since been exhibited in his old
he is not yet able to afford all the attractions of his
friends to a pinch of snuff gratis, by holding a box
actually containing that recreating powder in his hand, in
the most obliging and condescending203 manner—a mark of
politeness and good breeding well worthy of respectful
attention.
“Come,” said Sparkle, “we are now in one of the principal thoroughfares of the Metropolis, Fleet Street, of which you have already heard much, and is at all times thronged205 with multitudes of active and industrious206 persons, in pursuit of their various avocations207, like a hive of bees, and keeping up, like them, a ceaseless hum. Nor is it less a scene of Real Life worth viewing, than the more refined haunts of the noble, the rich, and the great, many of whom leave their splendid habitations in the West in the morning, to attend the money-getting, [113]commercial men of the City, and transact208 their business.—The dashing young spendthrift, to borrow at any interest; and the more prudent209, to buy or to sell. The plodding210 tradesman, the ingenious mechanic, are exhausting their time in endeavours to realize property, perhaps to be left for the benefit of a Son, who as ardently211 sets about, after his Father's decease, to get rid of it—nay212, perhaps, pants for an opportunity of doing this before he can take possession; for the young Citizen, having lived just long enough to conceive himself superior to his father, in violation213 of filial duty and natural authority, affects an aversion to every thing that is not novel, expensive, and singular. He is a lad of high spirit; he calls the city a poor dull prison, in which he cannot bear to be confined; and though he may not intend to mount his nag75, stiffens214 his cravat215, whistles a sonata216, to which his whip applied to the boot forms an accompaniment; while his spurs wage war with the flounces of a fashionably-dressed belle217, or come occasionally in painful contact with the full-stretched stockings of a gouty old gentleman; by all which he fancies he is keeping” up the dignity and importance of his character. He does not slip the white kid glove from his hand without convincing the spectator that; his hand is the whiter skin; nor twist his fingers for the introduction of a pinch of Maccaba, without displaying to the best advantage his beautifully chased ring and elegantly painted snuff-box lid; nor can the hour of the day be ascertained218 without discovering his engine-turned repeater, and hearing its fascinating music: then the fanciful chain, the precious stones in golden robes, and last of all, the family pride described in true heraldic taste and na?vet39é. Of Peter Pindar's opinion, that
But every grin so merry draws one out,”
he thinks it an admirable piece of politeness and true breeding to give correct specimens220 of the turkey or the goose in the serious scenes of a dramatic representation, or while witnessing her Ladyship's confusion in a crowd of carriages combating for precedence in order to obtain an early appearance at Court. Reading he considers quite a bore, but attends the reading-room, which he enters, not to know what is worth reading and add a little knowledge to his slender stock from the labours and experience of [114]men of letters—no, but to quiz the cognoscenti, and throw the incense221 over its learned atmosphere from his strongly perfumed cambric handkerchief, which also implies what is most in use for the indulgence of one of the five senses. When he enters a coffee-room, it is not for the purpose of meeting an old friend, and to enjoy with him a little rational conversation over his viands222, but to ask for every newspaper, and throw them aside without looking at them—to call the Waiter loudly by his name, and shew his authority—to contradict an unknown speaker who is in debate with others, and declare, upon the honour of a gentleman and the veracity223 of a scholar, that Pope never understood Greek, nor translated Homer with tolerable justice. He considers it a high privilege to meet a celebrated pugilist at an appointed place, to floor him for a quid,{1} a fall, and a high delight to talk of it afterwards for the edification of his friends—to pick up a Cyprian at mid-day—to stare modest women out of countenance—to bluster224 at a hackney-coachman—or to upset a waterman in the river, in order to gain the fame of a Leander, and prove himself a Hero.
“He rejects all his father's proposed arrangements for his domestic comforts and matrimonial alliance. He wanders in his own capricious fancy, like a fly in summer, over the fields of feminine beauty and loveliness; yet he declares there is so much versatility225 and instability about the fair sex, that they are unworthy his professions of regard; and, perhaps, in his whole composition, there is nothing deserving of serious notice but his good-nature. Thus you have a short sketch226 of a young Citizen.”
“Upon my word, friend Sparkle, you are an admirable delineator of Society,” said Dashall.
“My drawings are made from nature,” continued Sparkle.
“Aye, and very naturally executed too,” replied Tom. Having kept walking on towards St. Paul's, they were by this time near the end of Shoe Lane, at the corner of which sat an elderly woman with a basket of mackerel for sale; and as they approached they saw several persons rush from thence into the main street in evident alarm.
“Come up, d——n your eyes,” said an ill-favoured fellow with an immense cudgel in his fist, driving an ass3 laden227
1 Quid—A. Guinea.
[115]with brick-dust, with which he was belabouring him most unmercifully. The poor beast, with an endeavour to escape if possible the cudgelling which awaited him, made a sudden turn round the post, rubbing his side against it as he went along, and thereby228 relieving himself of his load, which he safely deposited, with a cloud of brick-dust that almost blinded the old woman and those who were near her, in the basket of fish. Neddy then made the best of his way towards Fleet-market, and an over-drove bullock, which had terrified many persons, issued almost at the same moment from Shoe Lane, and took the direction for Temple-bar. The whistling, the hooting229, the hallooing, and the running of the drovers in pursuit—men, women, and children, scampering230 to get out of the way of the infuriated beast—the noise and rattling of carriages, the lamentations of the poor fish-fag, and the vociferations of the donkey-driver to recover his neddy—together with a combination of undistinguishable sounds from a variety of voices, crying their articles for sale, or announcing their several occupations—formed a contrast of characters, situations, and circumstances, not easily to be described. Here, a poor half-starved and almost frightened-to-death brat182 of a Chimney-sweeper, in haste to escape, had run against a lady whose garments were as white as snow—there, a Barber had run against a Parson, and falling along with him, had dropped a pot of pomatum from his apron231-pocket on the reverend gentleman's eye, and left a mark in perfect unison232 with the colour of his garments before the disaster, but which were now of a piebald nature, neither black nor white. A barrow of nuts, overturned in one place, afforded fine amusement for the scrambling233 boys and girls—a Jew old clothes-man swore upon his conscience he had losht the pest pargain vhat he ever had offered to him in all his lifetime, by dem tam'd bears of bull-drivers—a Sailor called him a gallows234 half-hung ould crimp,{1} d——d his
1 Crimp—Kidnappers, Trappers, or Procurers of men for the
Merchant Service; and the East-India company contract with
home. These are for the most part Jews, who have made
charge an enormous price for every article. The poor
fellows, by these means, are placed under a sort of
to receive them; and then they are conducted on board at
Gravesend by the Crimp and his assistants, and a receipt
taken for them.
In this process there is nothing very reprehensible—the men
want births, and have no money—the Crimp keeps a lodging-
house, and wishes to be certain of his man: he therefore
takes him into the house, and after a very small supply of
cash, the grand do, is to persuade him to buy watches,
his advance previous to sailing. By this means and the
robberies have been committed.
With the same view of fleecing the unwary poor fellows, who
“... at sea earn their money like horses,
they watch their arrival after the voyage, and advance small
sums of money upon their tickets, or perhaps buy them out
and out, getting rid at the same time of watches, jewellery,
and such stuff, at more than treble their real value. Not
only is this the case in London, but at all the out-ports it
is practised to a very great extent, particularly in war
time.
amount, by what is called a long-shore attorney, or more
appropriately, a black shark, and thrown into jail!!! There
he lies until his body is wanted, and then the incarcerator245
négociates with him for his liberty, to be permitted to
enter on board again.
[116]eyes if he was not glad of it, and, with a sling246 of his arm, deposited an enormous quid he had in his mouth directly in the chaps of the Israelite, then joined the throng204 in pursuit; while the Jew, endeavouring to call Stop thief, took more of the second-hand247 quid than agreed with the delicacy248 of his stomach, and commenced a vomit249, ejaculating with woful lamentations, that he had lost his bag mit all his propertish.
The old mackarel-woman, seeing her fish covered with brick-dust, set off in pursuit of the limping donkey-driver, and catching250 him by the neck, swore he should pay her for the fish, and brought him back to the scene of action; but, in the mean time, the Street-keeper had seized and carried off the basket with all its contents—misfortune upon misfortune!
“D——n your ass, and you too,” said the Fish-woman, “if you doesn't pay me for my fish, I'll quod{1} you—that there's all vat99 I ar got to say.”
“Here's a bit of b——dy gammon—don't you see as how I am lost both my ass and his cargo251, and if you von't leave
1 Quod—A Jail—to quod a person is to send him to jail.
[117]me alone, and give me my bags again, I'll sarve you out—there now, that's all—bl——st me! fair play's a jewel—let go my hair, and don't kick up no rows about it—see vhat a mob you're a making here—can't you sell your mackarel ready sauced, and let me go ater Neddy?”
“Vhat, you thinks you are a flat-catching,{1} do you, Limping Billy—but eh, who has run away with my basket offish?”
“Ha, ha, ha,” cried Limping Billy, bursting into a horse-laugh at the additional distress252 of the old woman, in which he was joined by many of the surrounding spectators; and which so enraged253 her, that she let go her hold, and bursting through the crowd with an irresistible254 strength, increased almost to the fury of madness by her additional loss, she ran some paces distance in search of, not only her stock in trade, but her shop, shop-board, and working-tools; while the donkey-driver boisterously255 vociferated after her—“Here they are six a shilling, live mackarel O.”
This taunt256 of the brick-dust merchant was too much to be borne, and brought her back again with a determination to chastise257 him, which she did in a summary way, by knocking him backwards258 into the kennel259. Billy was not pleased at this unexpected salute260, called her a drunken ——, and endeavoured to get out of her way—“for,” said he, “I know she is a b——dy rum customer when she gets lushy."{2} At this moment, a sturdy youth, about sixteen or seventeen years of age, was seen at a short distance riding the runaway261-ass back again. Billy perceiving this, became a little more reconciled to his rough usage—swore he never would strike a voman, so help him G——d, for that he was a man every inch of him; and as for Mother Mapps, he'd be d——nd-if he vouldn't treat her with all the pleasure of life; and now he had got his own ass, he vould go along with her for to find her mackarel. Then shaking a cloud of brick-dust from the dry parts of his apparel, with sundry262 portions of mud from those parts which had most easily reached the kennel, he took the bridle263 of his donkey, and bidding her come along, they toddled{3} together to a gin-shop in Shoe Lane.
1 Flat-catching—Is an expression of very common use, and
seems almost to explain itself, being the act of taking
advantage of any person who appears ignorant and
unsuspicious.
2 Lushy—Drunk.
infirmity or choice—“Come, let us toddle,” is a very
familiar phrase, signifying let us be going.
[118]Desirous of seeing an end to this bit of gig—“Come along,” said Sparkle, “they'll all be in prime twig265 presently, and we shall have some fun.
“I'm the boy for a bit of a bobbery,
A jolly good lark is not murder or robbery,
Let us be ready and nimble.”
Hark, (said he) there's a fiddle-scraper in the house—here goes;” and immediately they entered.
They had no occasion to repent267 of their movements; for in one corner of the tap-room sat Billy Waters, a well-known character about town, a Black Man with a wooden leg was fiddling268 to a Slaughterman from Fleet-market, in wooden shoes, who, deck'd with all the paraphernalia269 of his occupation, a greasy270 jacket and night-cap, an apron besmeared with mud, blood, and grease, nearly an inch thick, and a leathern girdle, from which was suspended a case to hold his knives, and his sleeves tuck'd up as if he had but just left the slaughter-house, was dancing in the centre to the infinite amusement of the company, which consisted of an old woman with periwinkles and crabs271 for sale in a basket—a porter with his knot upon the table—a dustman with his broad-flapped hat, and his bell by his side—an Irish hodman—and two poor girls, who appeared to be greatly taken with the black fiddler, whose head was decorated with an oil-skinned cock'd hat, and a profusion272 of many coloured feathers: on the other side of the room sat a young man of shabby-genteel appearance, reading the newspaper with close attention, and purring forth273 volumes of smoke. Limping Billy and Mother Mapps were immediately known, and room was made for their accommodation, while the fiddler's elbow and the slaughterman's wooden shoes were kept in motion.
Max{l} was the order of the day, and the sluicery{2} in good request. Mother Mapps was made easy by being informed the Street-keeper had her valuables in charge, which Limping Billy promised he would redeem274. “Bring us a
1 Max—A very common term for gin.
2 Sluicery—A gin-shop or public-house: so denominated from
were with gin, and probably derived from the old song
entitled “The Christening of Little Joey,” formerly sung
With striving to excel wit,
The lads began to hang their nobs,*
* Nobs—Heads.
** Frows—Originally a Dutch word, meaning wives, or girls.
*** Velvet—The tongue.
[119]noggin of white tape,{1} and fill me a pipe,” said he—“d——n my eyes, I knowed as how it vou'd be all right enough, I never gets in no rows whatever without getting myself out again—come, ould chap,{2} vet your vistle, and tip it us rum—go it my kiddy, that are's just vat I likes.”
“Vat's the reason I an't to have a pipe?” said Mother Mapps.
“Lord bless your heart,” said the Donkey-driver, “if I did'nt forget you, never trust me—here, Landlord, a pipe for this here Lady.”
“Which way did the bull run?” said the Irishman.
“Bl——st me if I know,” replied Limping Billy, “for I was a looking out for my own ass—let's have the Sprig of Shelalah, ould Blackymoor—come, tune42 up.”
The old woman being supplied with a pipe, and the fiddler having rosined his nerves with a glass of blue ruin{3} to it they went, some singing, some whistling, and others drumming with their hands upon the table; while Tom, Bob, and Sparkle, taking a seat at the other side of the room, ordered a glass of brandy and water each, and enjoyed the merriment of the scene before them, perhaps more than those actually engaged in it. Bob was alive to every movement and every character, for it was new, and truly interesting: and kept growing more so, for in a few minutes Limping Billy and Mother Mapps joined the Slaughterman in the dance, when nothing could be more grotesque278 and amusing. Their pipes in their mouths—clapping of hands and snapping of fingers, formed a curious accompaniment to the squeaking279 of the fiddle—the broad grin of the Dustman, and the preposterous280 laugh of the
1 White Tape—Also a common term for gin, particularly among
the Ladies.
2 Ould Chap, or Ould Boy—Familiar terms of address among
flash lads, being a sort of contraction281 of old acquaintance,
or old friend.
3 Blue Ruin—Gin.
[120]Irishman at the reelers in the centre, heightened the picture—more gin—more music, and more tobacco, soon ad a visible effect upon the party, and reeling became unavoidable. The young man reading the paper, found it impossible to understand what he was perusing282, and having finished his pipe and his pint283, made his exit, appearing to have no relish58 for the entertainment, and perhaps heartily cursing both the cause and the effect. Still, however, the party was not reduced in number, for as one went out another came in.
This new customer was a young-looking man, bearing a large board on a high pole, announcing the residence of a Bug-destroyer in the Strand284. His appearance was grotesque in the extreme, and could only be equalled by the eccentricities285 of his manners and conversation. He was dressed in a brown coat, close buttoned, over which he had a red camlet or stuff surtout, apparently the off-cast of some theatrical286 performer, but with a determination to appear fashionable; for
“Folks might as well be dead—nay buried too,
As not to dress and act as others do.”
He wore mustachios, a pair of green spectacles, and his whole figure was surmounted287 with a fur-cap. Taking a seat directly opposite our party at the same table—“Bring me a pint,” said he; and then deliberately288 searching his pockets, he produced a short pipe and some tobacco, with which he filled it—“You see,” said he, “I am obliged to smoke according to the Doctor's orders, for an asthma—so I always smokes three pipes a day, that's my allowance; but I can eat more than any man in the room, and can dance, sing, and act—nothing conies amiss to me, all the players takes their characters from me.”
After this introduction—“You are a clever fellow, I'll be bound for it,” said Dashall.
“O yes, I acts Richard the Third sometimes—sometimes Macbeth and Tom Thumb. I have played before Mr. Kean: then I acted Richard the Third—'Give me a horse! '—(starting into the middle of the room)—'no, stop, not so—let me see, let me see, how is it?—ah, this is the way—Give me a horse—Oh! Oh! Oh!—then you know I dies.”—And down he fell on the floor, which created a general roar of laughter; while Billy Waters [121]struck up, “See the conquering Hero conies!” to the inexpressible delight of all around him—their feet and hands all going at the same time.
Mother Mapps dropp'd her pipe, and d——d the weed, it made her sick, she said.
Limping Billy was also evidently in queer-street.
“Come,” said Sparkle, “won't you have a drop more?”
“Thank ye, Sir,” was the reply; and Sparkle, intent upon having his gig out, ordered a fresh supply, which soon revived the fallen hero of Bosworth-field, and Richard was himself again.
“Now,” said he, “I'll sing you a song,” and immediately commenced as follows:—
“My name's Hookey Walker, I'm known very well,
The player-folks all take their patterns from me,
And a nice pattern too!—Don't you see? don't you see?
Oh! [glancing at his fingers] It will do—it will do.
At Chippenham born, I was left quite forlorn,
When my father was dead and my mother was gone;
So I came up to London, a nice little he,
And a nice pattern too!—Don't you see? don't you see?
Oh! it will do—it will do.
A courting I went to a girl in our court,
She laugh'd at my figure, and made me her sport;
I was cut to the soul,—so said I on my knee,
I'm a victim of love!—Don't you see? don't you see?
Oh! it won't do—it won't do.
Now all day I march to and fro in the street,
And a candle sometimes on my journey I eat;
So I'll set you a pattern, if you'll but agree,
And a nice pattern too! you shall see—you shall see.
Oh! it will do—it will do.”
This Song, which he declared was all made out of his own head, was sung with grotesque action and ridiculous grimace290, intended no doubt in imitation of Mr. Wilkinson in his inimitable performance of this strange piece of whimsicality. The dancing party was knock'd up and were lobbing their lollys,{1} half asleep and half awake, on the table, bowing as it were to the magnanimous influence
1 Lobbing their lollys—Laying their heads.
[122]of Old Tom.{1} The Dustman and the Irishman laugh'd heartily; and Das hall, Tallyho, and Sparkle, could not resist the impulse to risibility291 when they contemplated292 the group before them. The Bug-destroyer munched{2} a candle and sluiced{3} his greasy chops{4} with Jacky{5} almost as fast as they could supply him with it, when Sparkle perceiving the boy was still at the door with the runaway ass,
“Come,” said he, “we'll start 'em off home in high style—here, you Mr. Bugman, can you ride?”
“Ride, aye to be sure I can, any of Mr. Astley's horses as well as the Champion of England,"{6} was the reply.
1 Old Tom—It is customary in public-houses and gin-shops
large letters—OLD TOM, intended to indicate the best gin in
the house.
2 Munched—Eat.
3 Sluiced—Washed. See Sluicery.
4 Chops—The mouth.
5 Jacky—A vulgar term for gin.
6 Any person would almost suspect that Hookey had been
reading the newspapers by this allusion; but that certainly
character of characters from Shakespeare, could neither read
nor write, but made all he acted, as he said, from his own
head: however, it may fairly be presumed, that in the course
of his travels during the day he had heard something of the
Champion intended to appear at the approaching Coronation,
of whom the following account has recently been circulated
through the daily press, and, with his usual consistency296,
might be acquired by Mr. Dymocke, though his claims were not
equally honourable or advantageous298.
Mr. Dymocke, the nephew of the gentleman (who is a
Clergyman) entitled by hereditary299 right to do the service of
the Champion to his Majesty, is still in hopes he may be
permitted to act under his Uncle's nomination300, although he
wants a few months of being of age. A petition is before the
King on the subject; and Mr. Dymocke, by constant practice
at Astley's Hiding-school, is endeavouring to qualify
himself for the due fulfilment of the office. On Thursday
great celerity. The horse which will be rode by the Champion
has been selected from Mr. Astley's troop. It is a fine
animal, pieballed black and white, and is regularly
exercised in the part he will have to perform.
“Walk in—walk in, Ladies and Gentlemen, just going to begin—come, Mr. Merryman, all ready—Ladies and Gentlemen, please to observe, this here horse is not that there horse.”
“So we laugh at John Bull a little.”
[123]"Come, then,” continued Sparkle, “another glass—half-a-crown to ride to the bottom of the lane and up Holboru-hill on that donkey at the door, and you shall be our Champion.”
“A bargain—a bargain,” said the assumed Hookey Walker, rubbing the tallow from his gills.{1}
“Here goes then,” said Sparkle; then slipping half-a-crown into the boy's hand, desiring him to run as far as the Traveller-office, in Fleet-street, and get him a newspaper, promising302 to take care of his ass till his return. The lad nibbled303 the bait, and was off in a pig's whisper{2} Sparkle called to Tom and Bob, and putting them up to his scheme, Hookey was quickly mounted, while Dashall and his Cousin, assisted by the Hibernian and Dust-ho, succeeded in getting Mother Mapps out, who was placed in the front of the Champion, astride, with her face towards him and Limping Billy, who though beat to a stand still,{3} was after some difficulty lifted up behind. Hookey was then supplied with his board, the pole of which he placed on his foot, in the manner of a spear or lance. Then giving the Irishman and the Dustman some silver, to act as Supporters or Esquires, one on each side, they proceeded along Shoe-lane, preceded by Billy Waters flourishing his wooden-leg and feathers, and fiddling as he went—the Irishman roaring out with Stentorian304 lungs,
“Sure won't you hear
What roaring cheer
Was spread at Paddy's wedding O,
And how so gay
They spent the day,
From the churching to the bedding O.
First book in hand came Father Quipes,
With the Bride's dadda, the Bailey O,
While all the way to church the pipes
“Kim ap—be after sitting fast in the front there, old Mapps, or you'll make a mud-lark of yourself.” The Dustman rang his bell; and thus accompanied with an immense assemblage of boys, girls, men, women, and
1 Gills—The mouth.
2 Pig's Whisper—A very common term for speed.
3 Beat to a dead stand still—Means completely unable to
assist himself.
[124]children, collected from all the courts and alleys306 in the neighbourhood, joining in a chorus of shouts that rent the air, poor Balaam continued to bear his load; while our party, after watching them till nearly out of sight, passed down Harp-alley into Fleet-market,” and turning to the right, very soon regained307 Fleet-Street, laughing heartily at the bull's cookery of mackarel buttered with brick-dust, and very well satisfied with their spree.
Engaged in conversation upon this adventure, they found nothing of interest' or amusement to attract their notice till they arrived at the warehouse308 of the London Genuine Tea Company, except merely remarking the grand appearance of St. Paul's, from that situation.
“Genuine tea” said Bob; “what can that mean—Is tea any thing but tea?”
“To be sure it is,” said Sparkle, “or has been—anything but tea,"{l} strongly marking the latter part of the
1 Tea and Coffee—The adulteration of articles of human food
be too strongly deprecated, although it has been carried to
an alarming extent. There is scarcely an article of ordinary
consumption but has been unlawfully adulterated, and in many
practice of interested persons. Bread, which is considered
to be the staff of life, and beer and ale the universal
frequently mixed with drugs of the most pernicious quality.
Gin, that favourite and heart-inspiring cordial of the lower
orders of society, that it may have the grip, or the
appearance of being particularly strong, is frequently
adulterated with the decoction of long pepper, or a small
quantity of aqua-fortis, a deadly poison. Sugar has been
known to be mixed with sand; and tobacco, for the public-
houses, undergoes a process for making it strong and
intoxicating312; but the recent discovery of the nefarious
practice of adulterating tea and coffee, articles of the
most universal and extensive consumption, deserves
particular reprehension313.
Tea has been adulterated by the introduction of dried sloe
leaves; the practice is not very new, but its extensive
physicians, have been, at length, successfully exposed by
the conviction of many of the venders, so, it is hoped, as
to prevent a repetition of the crime. The sloe leaf, though
a spurious commodity when sold as tea, might afford a
The establishment of the Genuine Tea Company on Ludgate-hill
originated in the recent discoveries, promising to sell
nothing but the Unadulterated Tea, and it is sincerely to be
hoped has done some good.
[125]sentence as he spoke it: “horse-beans have been converted to coffee, and sloe-leaves have been transformed into tea; hog's lard has been manufactured for butter; an ingenious gentleman wishes to persuade us Periwinkles{1} are young Lobsters317; and another has proposed to extract sugar, and some say brandy, out of pea-shells! London is the mart for inventions and discoveries of all kinds, and every one of its inhabitants appears to have studied something of the art of Legerdemain, to catch the eye and deceive the senses.”
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Bob.
“Not more wonderful than true,” continued Sparkle; “invention is always on the stretch in London. Here we have cast-iron Bridges{2}—a cast-iron Sugar-house—
1 Sparkle appears to have been rather sceptical on the
subject of Periwinkles being young Lobsters, though the
opinion is not very new. A gentleman, whose indefatigable318
research appears to be deserving of encouragement and
support, has recently issued the following advertisement,
inviting the curious and the learned to inspect the result
of his discoveries, which seems, at least, to warrant
something more than conjecture319.
“J. Cleghorne having in his possession some specimens which
prove, in his opinion, a circumstance before suggested, but
treated by the scientific as a vulgar error, any known
naturalist320 willing to view them, by noticing by letter,
within a week, may have J. C. attend with his specimens. The
subject is a curious change in the formation of Lobsters
from various species of the Winkle, the Winkle being
considered the larva;.
The only advantage J. C. desires from the communication is,
the credit of advancing his proofs, and the stimulating321
further enquiry.—A line addressed to J. Cleghorne,
It is sincerely to be hoped that proper notice will be taken
the present, such a discovery might be turned to great
for the cultivation325 of lobsters, as we have preserves for
game, &c.
2 Cast-iron has become an object of general utility. The
Southwark or New London Bridge consists of three arches, the
centre of which is a span of 240 feet, and the other two 210
feet each; the Vauxhall Bridge consists of nine arches, over
a width of 809 feet; and it is a fact, that a Sugar-house is
building with cast-iron floors, window-frames, and rafters,
to prevent fire. Cast-iron holds fire and resists fire; but
it is probable that all its properties and powers are not
yet discovered, and that we may some day or other witness
the ascension of a cast-iron balloon inflated with steam!
[126]coaches running, and barges326, packets, and sailing-boats navigated327, by Steam{1}—St. Paul's, as you perceive, without its ball—smoke burning itself, and money burning men's consciences.”
“Well done, Sparkle!” cried Tom; “your ideas seem to flow like gas, touch but the valve and off you go; and you are equally diffusive328, for you throw a light upon all subjects.”
Bob was now suddenly attracted by a full view of himself and his friends at the further end of Everington's{2}
1 Steam—Here is a subject that evaporates as we approach;
it soars beyond finite comprehension, and appears to be
kind is set in motion by it—a newspaper of the most
extensive circulation in the kingdom is printed by it, and
the paper supplied sheet by sheet to receive the impression.
Tobacco is manufactured, and sausage-meat cut, by steam—
that his machinery was in such a state of progressive
improvement, that he had little doubt before long of making
it supply the demands of his customers, and thereby save the
expense of a Shopman; but, it is much to be regretted, his
of his project.
Considering the increasing, and by some Philosophers almost
overwhelming population of the country at the present
moment, it is certainly an alarming circumstance, that when
employment is so much required, mechanical science should so
independent of the many who have lost their lives by the
must be left to our political economists334, who will
doubtless at the same time determine which would prove the
most effectual remedy—the recommendation of Mr. Malthus to
good war—or the Ministers to emigration.
2 If an estimate of the wealth or poverty of the nation
were to lie formed from the appearance of the houses in the
Metropolis, no one could be induced to believe that the
latter had any existence among us. The splendour and taste
of our streets is indescribable, and the vast improvements
in the West are equally indicative of the former.
The enormous increase of rents for Shops, particularly in
the leading thoroughfares of London, may in a great measure
be attributed to the Linen-drapers. The usual method
new one, regardless of expense, a good outside being
often effected, either upon credit with a builder, or, if
in external decorations. Goods are obtained upon credit, and
astonishment at the splendid appearance of the front. Thus
the concern is generally carried on till the credit obtained
has expired, and the wonder and novelty of the concern has
evaporated; when the stock is sold off at 30 per cent,
so common an occurrence, that it is scarcely possible to
walk through London any day in the year, without being
attracted by numerous Linen-drapers' shops, whose windows
are decorated with bills, indicating that they are actually
cleared in a few days.
The most elegant Shop of this description in the Metropolis
is supposed to be one not a hundred miles from Ludgate-hill,
the front and fitting up of which alone is said to have cost
several thousand pounds. The interior is nearly all of
looking-glass, from which is appended splendid cut-glass
chandeliers, which when lighted give to the whole the
form an idea of what is sold, for, with the exception of a
shawl or two carelessly thrown into the window, there is
drawers, cupboards, &c. ) except the decorations and the
at the reflection of their own pretty persons from every
part of the premises!
This concealment348 of the stock has occasioned some laughable
occurrences. It is said that a gentleman from the country
accidentally passing, took it for a looking-glass
manufactory, and went in to inquire the price of a glass.
The Shopmen gathered round him with evident surprise,
assured him of his mistake, and directed him to go to
Blades,{1} lower down the Hill. The Countryman was not
disconcerted, but, after surveying them somewhat minutely,
informed them it was glass he wanted, not cutlery; but as
for blades, he thought there were enow there for one street,
at least.
Another is said to have been so pleased with a row of
entrance, and which he mistook for pots de chambre, that
order per post for one of the most elegant pattern to be
forwarded to him!
There is a similar Shop to this, though on a smaller scale,
to be seen in a great leading thoroughfare at the West end
of the Town; the owner of which, from his swarthy complexion
and extravagant349 mode of dress, has been denominated The
Black Prince, a name by which he is well known in his own
neighbourhood, and among the gentlemen of the cloth. This
dandy gentleman, who affects the dress and air of a military
families of rank and fashion who frequent his shop, are
principally attracted to view his elegant person, and seems
to consider that upon this principally depends the success
of his trade.
1 A large Glass-manufacturer.
128—shop, and without observing the other persons about him, saw himself surrounded with spectators, unconscious of being in their company. He look'd up—he look'd down—he gazed around him, and all was inconceivable light. Tom's allusion to the gas flashed upon him in a moment—“What—what is this?” said he—“where, in the name of wonder, am I?” A flash of lightning could not have operated more suddenly upon him. “Why,” said Sparkle, “don't you see?
“You are not here, for you are there,”
pointing to his reflection, in the looking-glass.
“Egad,” said Bob, under evident surprise, and perhaps not without some apprehension351 they were playing tricks with him—“I wish you would explain—is this a Drawing-room, or is it the Phantasmagoria we have heard so much of in the country?”
“No, no, it is not the Phantasmagoria, but it forms a part of metropolitan352 magic, which you shall be better acquainted with before we part. That is no other than a Linen-draper's shop, 'papered,' as an Irishman one day remarked, 'vvid nothing at all at all but looking-glass, my dear '—one of the most superb things of the kind that perhaps ever was seen—But come, I perceive it is getting late, let us proceed directly to Dolly's, take our chop, then a rattler,{1} and hey for the Spell."{2}
Bob appeared almost to be spell-bound at the moment, and, as they moved onward, could not help casting
1 Rattler—A coach.
2 Spell—The Play-house; so denominated from its variety of
attractions, both before and behind the curtain.
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收听单词发音 |
1
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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2
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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3
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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4
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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5
frolicsome
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| adj.嬉戏的，闹着玩的 | |
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6
metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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7
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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asses
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| n. 驴，愚蠢的人，臀部 adv. (常用作后置)用于贬损或骂人 | |
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9
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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10
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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12
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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13
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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14
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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15
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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16
espying
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| v.看到( espy的现在分词 ) | |
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17
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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18
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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19
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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20
lugging
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| 超载运转能力 | |
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21
eccentricity
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| n.古怪，反常，怪癖 | |
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22
quack
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| n.庸医；江湖医生；冒充内行的人；骗子 | |
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23
satiric
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| adj.讽刺的，挖苦的 | |
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24
prolific
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| adj.丰富的，大量的；多产的，富有创造力的 | |
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25
quackery
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| n.庸医的医术，骗子的行为 | |
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26
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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27
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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28
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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29
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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30
celebrity
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| n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望 | |
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31
quacks
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| abbr.quacksalvers 庸医，骗子(16世纪习惯用水银或汞治疗梅毒的人)n.江湖医生( quack的名词复数 )；江湖郎中；（鸭子的）呱呱声v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的第三人称单数 ) | |
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32
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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33
deteriorate
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| v.变坏；恶化；退化 | |
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34
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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35
curries
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| n.咖喱食品( curry的名词复数 ) | |
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36
authenticate
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| vt.证明…为真，鉴定 | |
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37
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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38
inveterate
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| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
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39
vet
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| n.兽医，退役军人；vt.检查 | |
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40
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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41
practitioner
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| n.实践者，从事者；(医生或律师等)开业者 | |
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42
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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43
rib
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| n.肋骨，肋状物 | |
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44
gratis
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| adj.免费的 | |
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45
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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46
advertising
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| n.广告业；广告活动 a.广告的；广告业务的 | |
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47
divulge
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| v.泄漏(秘密等)；宣布，公布 | |
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48
puff
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| n.一口(气)；一阵(风)；v.喷气，喘气 | |
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49
puffs
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| n.吸( puff的名词复数 )；（烟斗或香烟的）一吸；一缕（烟、蒸汽等）；（呼吸或风的）呼v.使喷出( puff的第三人称单数 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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50
plebeian
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| adj.粗俗的；平民的；n.平民；庶民 | |
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51
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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52
condescended
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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53
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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54
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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55
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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56
mastication
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| n.咀嚼 | |
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57
relished
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| v.欣赏( relish的过去式和过去分词 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望 | |
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58
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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59
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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60
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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61
stockbroker
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| n.股票（或证券），经纪人（或机构） | |
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62
fluctuation
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| n.(物价的)波动，涨落；周期性变动；脉动 | |
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63
depreciation
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| n.价值低落，贬值，蔑视，贬低 | |
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64
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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65
defendant
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| n.被告；adj.处于被告地位的 | |
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66
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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67
conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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68
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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69
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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70
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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71
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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72
bankruptcy
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| n.破产；无偿付能力 | |
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73
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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74
dabble
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| v.涉足，浅赏 | |
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75
nag
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| v.(对…)不停地唠叨；n.爱唠叨的人 | |
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76
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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77
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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78
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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79
concussion
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| n.脑震荡；震动 | |
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80
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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81
recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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82
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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83
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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84
worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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85
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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86
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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87
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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88
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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89
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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90
glazed
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| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
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91
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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92
profusely
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| ad.abundantly | |
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93
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
disciple
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| n.信徒，门徒，追随者 | |
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95
dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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96
delusions
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| n.欺骗( delusion的名词复数 )；谬见；错觉；妄想 | |
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97
legerdemain
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| n.戏法，诈术 | |
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98
preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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99
vat
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| n.(=value added tax)增值税，大桶 | |
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100
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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101
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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102
incurables
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| 无法治愈，不可救药( incurable的名词复数 ) | |
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103
memoir
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| n.[pl.]回忆录，自传；记事录 | |
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104
memoirs
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| n.回忆录；回忆录传( mem,自oir的名词复数) | |
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105
embellished
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| v.美化( embellish的过去式和过去分词 )；装饰；修饰；润色 | |
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106
embellish
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| v.装饰，布置；给…添加细节，润饰 | |
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107
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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108
eradicated
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| 画着根的 | |
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109
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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110
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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111
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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112
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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113
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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114
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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115
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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116
humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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117
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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118
pointedly
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| adv.尖地，明显地 | |
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119
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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120
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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121
versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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122
oblique
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| adj.斜的，倾斜的，无诚意的，不坦率的 | |
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123
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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124
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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125
annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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126
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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127
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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128
propensities
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| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
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129
quacked
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| v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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130
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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131
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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132
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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133
saucy
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| adj.无礼的；俊俏的；活泼的 | |
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134
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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135
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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136
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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137
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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138
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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139
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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140
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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141
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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142
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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143
effrontery
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| n.厚颜无耻 | |
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144
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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145
dubbed
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| v.给…起绰号( dub的过去式和过去分词 )；把…称为；配音；复制 | |
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146
puffing
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| v.使喷出( puff的现在分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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147
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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148
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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149
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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150
smuggled
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| 水货 | |
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151
locusts
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| n.蝗虫( locust的名词复数 )；贪吃的人；破坏者；槐树 | |
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152
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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153
tars
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| 焦油，沥青，柏油( tar的名词复数 ) | |
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154
buffer
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| n.起缓冲作用的人(或物)，缓冲器；vt.缓冲 | |
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155
buffers
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| 起缓冲作用的人（或物）( buffer的名词复数 )； 缓冲器； 减震器； 愚蠢老头 | |
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156
rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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157
evade
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| vt.逃避，回避；避开，躲避 | |
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158
subversive
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| adj.颠覆性的，破坏性的；n.破坏份子，危险份子 | |
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159
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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160
novice
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| adj.新手的，生手的 | |
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161
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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162
broach
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| v.开瓶，提出(题目) | |
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163
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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164
implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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165
enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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166
accomplice
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| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
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167
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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168
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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169
highlander
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| n.高地的人，苏格兰高地地区的人 | |
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170
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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171
bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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172
lark
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| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
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173
pawnbroker
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| n.典当商，当铺老板 | |
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174
vender
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| n.小贩 | |
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175
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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176
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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177
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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178
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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179
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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180
adventitious
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| adj.偶然的 | |
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181
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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182
brat
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| n.孩子；顽童 | |
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183
comedian
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| n.喜剧演员；滑稽演员 | |
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184
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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185
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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186
perusal
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| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
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187
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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188
solicitor
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| n.初级律师，事务律师 | |
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189
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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190
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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191
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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192
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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193
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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194
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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195
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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196
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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197
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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198
compensate
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| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
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199
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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200
niche
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| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
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201
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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202
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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203
condescending
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| adj.谦逊的,故意屈尊的 | |
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204
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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205
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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206
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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207
avocations
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| n.业余爱好，嗜好( avocation的名词复数 )；职业 | |
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208
transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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209
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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210
plodding
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| a.proceeding in a slow or dull way | |
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211
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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212
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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213
violation
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| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
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214
stiffens
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| （使）变硬，（使）强硬( stiffen的第三人称单数 ) | |
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215
cravat
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| n.领巾，领结；v.使穿有领结的服装，使结领结 | |
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216
sonata
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| n.奏鸣曲 | |
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217
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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218
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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219
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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220
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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221
incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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222
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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223
veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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224
bluster
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| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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225
versatility
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| n.多才多艺，多样性，多功能 | |
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226
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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227
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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228
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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229
hooting
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| （使）作汽笛声响，作汽车喇叭声( hoot的现在分词 )； 倒好儿； 倒彩 | |
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230
scampering
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| v.蹦蹦跳跳地跑，惊惶奔跑( scamper的现在分词 ) | |
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231
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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232
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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233
scrambling
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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234
gallows
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| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
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235
navigate
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| v.航行，飞行；导航，领航 | |
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236
victuals
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| n.食物；食品 | |
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237
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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238
espionage
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| n.间谍行为，谍报活动 | |
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239
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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240
buckles
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| 搭扣，扣环( buckle的名词复数 ) | |
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241
jack
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|
| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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242
barefaced
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| adj.厚颜无耻的，公然的 | |
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243
squander
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| v.浪费，挥霍 | |
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244
nominal
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| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
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245
incarcerator
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| 监禁 | |
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246
sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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247
second-hand
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| adj.用过的，旧的，二手的 | |
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248
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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249
vomit
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| v.呕吐，作呕；n.呕吐物，吐出物 | |
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250
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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251
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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252
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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253
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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254
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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255
boisterously
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| adv.喧闹地，吵闹地 | |
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256
taunt
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| n.辱骂，嘲弄；v.嘲弄 | |
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257
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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258
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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259
kennel
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| n.狗舍，狗窝 | |
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260
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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261
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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262
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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263
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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264
toddle
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| v.（如小孩）蹒跚学步 | |
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265
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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266
pane
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| n.窗格玻璃，长方块 | |
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267
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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268
fiddling
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| 微小的 | |
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269
paraphernalia
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| n.装备；随身用品 | |
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270
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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271
crabs
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| n.蟹( crab的名词复数 )；阴虱寄生病；蟹肉v.捕蟹( crab的第三人称单数 ) | |
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272
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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273
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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274
redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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275
sluicing
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| v.冲洗( sluice的现在分词 )；（指水）喷涌而出；漂净；给…安装水闸 | |
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276
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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277
sluiced
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| v.冲洗( sluice的过去式和过去分词 )；（指水）喷涌而出；漂净；给…安装水闸 | |
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278
grotesque
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| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
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279
squeaking
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| v.短促地尖叫( squeak的现在分词 )；吱吱叫；告密；充当告密者 | |
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280
preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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281
contraction
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| n.缩略词，缩写式，害病 | |
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282
perusing
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的现在分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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283
pint
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| n.品脱 | |
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284
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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285
eccentricities
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| n.古怪行为( eccentricity的名词复数 )；反常；怪癖 | |
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286
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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287
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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288
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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289
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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290
grimace
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| v.做鬼脸，面部歪扭 | |
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291
risibility
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| n.爱笑，幽默感 | |
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292
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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293
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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294
spurning
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的现在分词 ) | |
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295
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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296
consistency
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| n.一贯性，前后一致，稳定性；(液体的)浓度 | |
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297
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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298
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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299
hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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300
nomination
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| n.提名，任命，提名权 | |
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301
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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302
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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303
nibbled
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|
| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的过去式和过去分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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304
stentorian
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| adj.大声的，响亮的 | |
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305
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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306
alleys
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| 胡同，小巷( alley的名词复数 )； 小径 | |
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307
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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308
warehouse
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| n.仓库；vt.存入仓库 | |
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309
nefarious
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| adj.恶毒的，极坏的 | |
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310
infamous
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| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
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311
beverage
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| n.(水，酒等之外的)饮料 | |
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312
intoxicating
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| a. 醉人的,使人兴奋的 | |
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313
reprehension
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| n.非难，指责 | |
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314
adoption
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| n.采用，采纳，通过；收养 | |
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315
infusion
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| n.灌输 | |
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316
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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317
lobsters
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| 龙虾( lobster的名词复数 )； 龙虾肉 | |
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318
indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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319
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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320
naturalist
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| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
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321
stimulating
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| adj.有启发性的，能激发人思考的 | |
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322
engraver
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| n.雕刻师，雕工 | |
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323
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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324
depots
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| 仓库( depot的名词复数 )； 火车站； 车库； 军需库 | |
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325
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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326
barges
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| 驳船( barge的名词复数 ) | |
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327
navigated
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| v.给（船舶、飞机等）引航，导航( navigate的过去式和过去分词 )；（从海上、空中等）横越；横渡；飞跃 | |
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328
diffusive
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| adj.散布性的，扩及的，普及的 | |
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329
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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330
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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331
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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332
supersede
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| v.替代；充任 | |
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333
malady
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| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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334
economists
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| n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 ) | |
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335
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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336
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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337
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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338
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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339
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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340
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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341
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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342
premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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343
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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344
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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345
enchantment
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| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
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346
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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347
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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348
concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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349
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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350
egregious
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| adj.非常的，过分的 | |
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351
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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352
metropolitan
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| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
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353
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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