With hunting, with cricket, with trap-ball and such,
And never can tire or trouble us much;
Tis a life of variety, frolic, and fun:
Rove which way you will, right or left, up or down.
All night by the gas, and all day by the sun,
Sure no joys can compare with the joys of the town.”
[241] Our two friends, in consequence of some allusions2 made by the company at the Finish, on a preceding day, to a house of great theatrical3 celebrity4 in Drury-lane, resolved on a visit the following evening; and it may here be necessary to introduce such of our readers as are not in the secret, to the same.
The Harp5, opposite Drury-lane Theatre, is well known as the resort of theatrical amateurs and professors; but those who have not had an opportunity of visiting its interior, can scarcely form an idea of the mirth, wit, and humour constantly displayed within its walls. The circumstance here alluded7 to, though not exactly introduced in point of time, is one which generally takes place once in three years; viz. the election of a Mayor to represent the now City of Lushington, an event which is attended with as much of bustle8, interest, and whimsicality, as a popular election for a member of Parliament. The generality of the persons who are frequent visitors to the house are termed Harponians, and by due qualification become citizens of Lushington. Although we cannot give a true and circumstantial history of this ancient city, we doubt not our numerous readers will discover that its title is derived9 from an important article in life, commonly called Lush. The four wards11 are also appropriately titled, as symbolical12 of the effects which are usually produced by its improper13 application. On entering the room, the first corner on the right hand is Suicide Ward10, and derives14 its appellation15 from a society so named, in which each member is bound by an oath, that however he might feel inclined to lay violent hands upon his glass, he would not lay violent hands upon his own existence.
[242] The left hand corner has also a name as appropriate as its neighbour, being called Poverty Ward; so termed from its vicinity to the door, and the ease with which a citizen, whose tanner case{1} and toggery{2} are out of repair, may make his entree16 and exit, without subjecting himself to the embarrassing gaze and scrutiny17 of his more fortunate fellow-citizens. Juniper Ward, which is directly opposite to Poverty Ward, may in a moral point of view be said to mark the natural gradation rom the one to the other. Whether these wards are so placed by the moral considerations of the ingenious citizens or not, we are at present unable to learn; but we have discovered that Juniper Ward is so called in consequence of a club, consisting of seven citizens, who bound themselves to meet every evening exactly on the spot, taking each upon himself to defray the expense of blue ruin for the whole party on each evening alternately. In the corner directly opposite to Suicide Ward is Lunatic Ward, indicative no doubt of the few steps there are between the one and the other: hence the four corner pillars of this ancient and honourable18 city are replete19 with moral instruction to the wise and discriminating20 part of society.
1 Tanner case—a pocket.
2 Toggery—cloathing.
Each of these wards, like the wards of the City of London, has its alderman, and no doubt can be entertained of their being ably represented, as well as their rights and privileges being well secured and sustained. A gentleman who is well known and highly respected for his abilities and attentions as theatrical agent, which character he has sustained for many years, is high bailiff, and at proper periods issues his writ21 in the following form:—
“City of Lushington, (to wit.)
“The high bailiff having received a requisition to convene22 a meeting for the purpose of nominating aldermen to represent the different wards, and from them to elect a mayor for the above city for the year ensuing;
[243] “The high bailiff, in pursuance thereof, fixes Saturday the 22d December inst. to nominate for the purpose aforesaid, and from thence proceed to the election, which election is to continue till the following Monday, being the 24th, when the poll is to be closed.
“Given under my hand, this 18th day of December, 1821. (Signed) “F. SIMS, high bailiff.”
“Lushington Hall.”
“The election to commence at 7 o'clock; the poll to be closed at half-past 10.”
After this official notice, preparations are made in due form for the election, and in the fitting up of the hustings23 the most skilful24 and ingenious artists are selected from the several wards, while the candidates are employed in forming their committees, and canvassing25 their friends and fellow-citizens, each of them professing26 an intention to intersect the city with canals of sky blue, to reduce the price of heavy wet, and to cultivate plantations27 of the weed, to be given away for the benefit and advantage of the community, thereby28 to render taxation29 useless, and the comforts of life comeatable by all ranks and degrees of society. To take the burthensome load of civic30 state upon themselves, in order that their friends and neighbours may be free; that independence may become universal, and that the suffrages31 of the people may be beyond controul nor can it be doubted but these professions are made with as much sincerity32 in many of a similar nature in larger cities, and in situations of much greater importance.
To mend small fortunes, and set up the poor;
By mending not the public's, but their own.
As mice, by bits, steal cheese with rind and all;
But why should statesmen for mechanics carve,
What are they fit for but to work and starve.”
It is, however, proper to observe, that in the City of Lushington there are no sinecures40, no placemen and pensioners41, to exhaust the treasury42; honour is the grand inducement for the acceptance of office, and highly honour'd are those who are fortunate enough to obtain the mark s of distinction to which they aspire43.
[244] The oath administered upon such occasions is of a most serious and solemn nature; which, however, notwithstanding the conscientious45 scruples46 of the voters, must be taken with suitable gravity before they can be, permitted to poll; being in substance nearly as follows:—
“I (A. B.) do swear that I have been an inhabitant of the City of Lushington for the space of — years; and that I have taken within its walls — pots of porter, — glasses of jackey, and smoked —pipes; (the blanks are filled in according to circumstances); that is to say, one pot of heavy wet, one glass of juniper, and one loading of weed at least annually47; have been the cause of such acts in others, or have been present when such acts have been performed; and that I have not polled at this election.”
This oath is sworn with all due solemnity, by kissing the foot of a broken glass, and the vote is then recorded.
Tom and Bob, who had so little previous intimation of this important event, were informed as they proceeded to the scene of action, by a friend of one of the candidates, that the election was strongly contested between Sir William Sims, the son of the worthy48 high bailiff, Sir Benjamin Rosebud49, Jessamine Sweetbriar, Sir Peter Paid, and Peregrine Foxall, the silver-toned orator50, strongly supported by the Tag Rag and Bobtail Club. Sir Frederick Atkinson introduced and proposed by the Marquis of Huntley, a well known sporting character from the county of Surrey, and Mr. Alderman Whetman, of Lushington notoriety. The door of the house was well guarded by the posse comitatis, armed with staves, emblematical51 of the renowned52 city to which they belonged, and decorated with the favors of the different candidates by whom they were employed, or whose interest they espoused53. The staves, instead of the crown, were surmounted54 by quartern measures, and produced a most striking and novel effect, as they appeared to be more reverenced55 and respected than that gaudy56 bauble57 which is a representative of Royalty58.
At the moment of our friends entrance, large bodies of voters were brought up by canvassing parties from the surrounding habitations, with colours flying, and were introduced in succession to poll; and as time was fast escaping, every one was active in support of his favourite candidate. All was bustle and anxiety, and Tom and Bob approached the hustings with two chimney-sweepers, a hackney-coachman, and three light bearers, alias60 link-carriers, from Covent Garden Theatre. Having polled for Sir William Sims, who very politely returned thanks for [245] the honour conferred on him, standing44 room was provided for them by the inhabitants of Lunatic Ward, who it should seem, like others under the influence of the moon, have their lucid61 intervals62, and who upon this occasion displayed a more than usual portion of sanity63, mingled64 with good humour and humanity.
In this quarter of the city, where our friends expected to find distracted, or at least abstracted intellect, they were very pleasingly disappointed at discovering they were associated with reasonable and intelligent beings; although some of them, fatigued65 by their exertions66 during the election, were so strongly attacked by Somnus, that notwithstanding the bustle with which they were surrounded, they occasionally dropped into the arms of the drowsy67 god, and accompanied the proceedings68 with a snore, till again roused to light and life by some more wakeful inhabitant.
At the appointed time, the high bailiff announced the election closed, and after an examination of the votes, declared the choice to have fallen on Sir William, a circumstance which drew forth70 a unanimous burst of approbation71, long, loud, and deep, which in a few moments being communicated to those without. This was as cordially and as vociferously72 answered by anxious and admiring crowds.
The influx73 of citizens, upon the event being known, to hear the speeches of the different candidates, choaked up every avenue to the hustings, and beggars all description; the inimitable pencil of a Hogarth could hardly have done justice to the scene, and a Common Hall of the City of London might be considered a common fool to it; every voter had a right, established that right, and enjoyed it. Here stood the well-dressed Corinthian in his bang-up toggery, alongside of a man in armour74, one of the Braziers Company, armed with a pot-lid and a spit, and decorated with a jack-chain round his neck. There stood a controller of the prads, a Jarvey, in close conversation with one of the lighters75 of the world, with his torch in hand. A flue faker in one corner, was endeavouring to explain a distinction between smoke and gas to a lamplighter, who declared it as his opinion, “that the City of Lushington,—at all times a luminous76 and deservedly revered77 City,—had had more light thrown upon it that election, by the introduction of the link carriers, than it ever had before; and likewise that his dissertation78 on smoke and gas was not worth one puff79 from his pipe.”
[246] In the midst of this bustle, noise and confusion, it was some time before the high bailiff could obtain silence; when Sir William made his appearance on the hustings, and in language well suited for the occasion, declared the heartfelt gratitude80 he entertained for the high and distinguished81 honour so handsomely conferred upon him, with his determination never to lose sight of the invaluable82 rights and privileges of his constituents83, assuring them they were welcome to indulge themselves with any thing the house afforded. He next complimented his opponents on the very gentlemanlike way in which the election had been conducted, and alluded most emphatically to the introduction of those voters who endeavour to lighten the darkness of the world, the link-carriers, who by their manners and conduct had become on that occasion as it were links of a chain, which in point of friendship, good humour and independence, he sincerely hoped would never be broken. Rapturous applause followed this speech, which notwithstanding the almost overpowering load of gratitude with which the speaker was burthened, was given with good emphasis and corresponding effect.
The other candidates returned thanks to those of their fellow-citizens who had supported their interest; and no one seeming inclined to call for a scrutiny, Sir William took the official oath, and was invested with the cloathing of magistracy, which being done, Mr. Alderman Whetman arose to address the mayor.
The well known ability usually displayed by this gentleman, his patriotic84 zeal85, and undeviating integrity, commanded immediate86 silence, while he informed the chief magistrate87 of a circumstance which had recently occurred, and which left one of the wards unrepresented, by a worthy alderman who in consequence of accepting an office in the board of controul, had by the laws of Lushington vacated his seat. An explanation being demanded, it appeared that the worthy alderman had become a deputy manager of a country theatre, and consequently must be considered under the board of controul; it was therefore necessary he should at least be re-elected before he could be allowed to continue in the distinguished station of alderman: this point being agreed to, the situation was declared vacant, and a time appointed for the election.
[247] The official business of the election being over, harmony and conviviality88 became the order of the night; foaming89 bowls and flowing glasses decorated the tables; many of the citizens withdrawing to rest after their labours, made room for those who remained, and every one seemed desirous to
“Wreath the bowl
With flowers of soul,
The brightest wit can find us;
We'll take a flight
Towards heav'n to-night,
And leave dull earth behind us.”
The song, the toast, the sentiment, followed each other in rapid succession; mirth and good humour prevailed, and time, while he exhausted90 himself, appeared to be inexhaustible. The beams of wit, the lively sallies of humour, and the interchange of good fellowship, eradiated the glass in its circulation, and doubly enhanced its contents; and in amusements so truly congenial with the disposition91 of the Hon. Tom Dashall and his Cousin, they joined till after four o'clock in the morning, thus rendering92 themselves true and devoted93 citizens of Lushington, when they sallied forth, tolerably well primed for any lark94 or spree which chance might throw in their way. It was a fine morning, and while the shopkeepers and trades-men were taking their rest, the market gardeners and others were directing their waggons95 and carts to Covent Garden.
“Now,” said the Hon. Tom Dashall, “we will just take a turn round the Garden, and a stroll down Drury-lane, for a walk will do us no harm after our night's amusement, and we can hardly fail to find subjects worthy of observation, though; in all probability we are too early to realize all the poet's description of a market:”
“A market's the circle for frolic and glee,
Where tastes of all kinds may be suited;
The dasher, the quiz, and the “up to all”—he,
Pluck sprees from the plants in it rooted.
If the joker, or queer one, would fain learn a place,
Where they'd wish for a morning to “lark it,”
They need go no further than just shew their face,
In that region of mirth, a large market.”
[248] The streets that surround the theatres, and which of an evening are thronged96 with the elegant equipage of the visitors, were now filled with carts, waggons, and other vehicles of various denominations97, for conveyance98 of the marketable commodities to and from the place of sale: here and there were groupes of Irishmen and basket-women, endeavouring to obtain a load, and squabbling with assiduous vociferations for the first call.
“This,” said Tom, “is the largest market for vegetables we have in the metropolis99, and supplies numerous retail100 dealers101 with their stock in trade; who assemble here early in the morning to make their bargains, and get them home before the more important business of the day, that of selling, commences.” While Tom was explaining thus briefly103 to his Cousin, aloud laugh attracted their attention, and drew them to a part of the market where a crowd was collected, to witness a squabble between a Jew orange merchant and a pork butcher.{1}
1 Although the Hon. Tom Dashall hurried his Cousin from the
scene of altercation104, at the time of its occurrence, they
which appeared in one of the morning papers shortly
afterwards:—
“This was a proceeding69 in limine, by which the plain till'
sought reparation for violence done to his religious
the plaintiff being a Jew, on Wednesday, the 12th day of
this month, in the forenoon, in the parish of St. Paul
peace of our Sovereign Lord the King,” &c.
Both plaintiff and defendant pleaded each for himself, no
counsel being employed on either side.
merchant, carrying on his business in Covent Garden market.
Stewart, on the day and time then stated, did thrust a pig's
face against his cheek with such violence, as to throw him
great damage both in body, mind, and merchandize. Plaintiff
occasions forewarned the said Richard Stewart, it was
contrary to the tenets of his religion to come in contact
with pork, and yet nevertheless he the said Richard did
attention, by holding it up aloft in the market, and
exclaiming aloud, “Ephraim, will you have a mouthful?” All
the magistrate to interpose the protection of the law in bis
behalf.
The magistrate observed, that he was astonished a person of
Mr. Stewart's appearance and respectability should be guilty
of such conduct, and having explained to him that the law
afforded equal protection to the professors of every
religion, called upon him for his defence.
“May it please your Worship,” said Mr. Richard Stewart, who
is a well fed man, of a jolly and pleasing countenance119,
“May it please your Worship, I keeps a shop in Covent Garden
Market, and have done so any time these ten years, and Mr.
Ephraim's stand is next to mine. Now, your Worship, on
o'Hertfordshire, and so I opened the hamper, and at the top
of it lay a nice head, and I takes it and holds it up and
says I, Heres a bootiful head, says I, did ever any body see
such a handsome un, and sure enough your Worship it was the
most bootiftd as ever was, and would a done any body's heart
good to see it. It was cut so clean of the quarter (drawing
his finger closely across his own neck), and was so short
i'the snout, and as white as a sheet,—it was, your Worship,
remarkably121 handsome. And so, I said, says I, look here, did
ever tiny body see such a picture, holding it up just in
this manner. With that, 'Ah, says Mr. Ephraim, says he, now
my dream's out; I dream't last night that I saw two pig's
heads together, and there they are;' meaning my head, and
the pig's head, your Worship. Well, I took no notice o'that,
but I goes me gently behind him, and slides the pig's head
by the side of his head, claps my own o' the other side all
on a row, with the pig's in the middle, your Worship; and
says I to the folks, says I, now who'll say which is the
honestest face of the three. With that, your Worship, all
the folks fell a laughing, and I goes myself quietly back
again to a stall. But poor Ephraim, he fell in such a
verily believe the pig's head never touched him; and he
jumped and he fidgeted about, all as one as if he was mad,
till at last he tumbled into the orange chest, your Worship,
of his own accord, as it were, and that's the long and the
short of it, your Worship, as my neighbours here can
His Worship, having listened attentively125 to those
indecently in insulting the religious feelings of the
plaintiff, though at the same time the affair was hardly
worth carrying to the Sessions, and therefore he would
recommend the plaintiff to be satisfied with an apology.
The defendant expressed the greatest willingness to
apologize. “For,” says he, “I have ax'd another Jew what
could make Mr. Ephraim in such a passion; and he told me,
your Worship, that if you get a rale Jew, and rub him with a
bit o'pork, it's the greatest crime as ever was.”
matter was compromised.
[250] The Israelite appeared to be in a great rage, swore he would have revenge of his insulting neighbour, and pull him up. The exasperation128 of the Jew afforded much merriment to the spectators, who seemed to enjoy his aggravation129: our friends, however, had arrived too late to discover the cause, and although not very particular about discovering themselves amid the mob, conceived it most prudent130 to move onward131 without inquiry132; “for,” as Tom observed, “if we ask any questions we are sure to be told lies: “they then passed through the Market, made their way up James-street to Long Acre, and thence to Drury-lane.
Page250.jpg Drury Lane
The watchmen were just leaving their stations, with an intention to partake of what they had all night been endeavouring to deprive others, and the humbler ranks of society were preparing for the business of the day; while the batter'd beau, the clean'd out buck133, and the dissipated voluptuary, were occasionally to be seen gliding134 from holes and corners, and scampering135 home with less wisdom in their heads, and less money in their purses, than when they left. Here was to be seen the City shopman, hastening away from his dulcenea, to get down his master's shutters136 before the gouty old gentleman should be able to crawl down stairs; there, the dandy, half dressed, and more than half seas over, buttoning his toggery close round him to keep out the damp air of the morning, affecting to sing
“Be gone dull care;”
slipped along, as he supposed, unobserved, between dustmen, scavengers, flue-fakers, gardeners, fish-fags, and brick-layer's labourers—to refit and put himself in a situation to recount the adventures of the night. At one door, stood a shivering group of half-starved chimney-sweepers, rending137 the air with their piercing cries of “sweep,” occasionally relieved by a few hearty d—-ns bestowed138 upon the servant, that she did not come down, in order to let a diminutive139 urchin140 yet up the flue; leaning against a post at the corner of the street was an overdone141 Irishman, making a bargain with pug-nosed Peg142, a sort of half-bred pinafore cyprian, whose disappointments during the night induced her to try at obtaining a morning customer. The Hibernian was relating the ill usage he had been subjected to, and the necessity he had of making a hasty retreat from the quarters he had taken up; while Bet Brill, on her road to Billingsgate, was blowing him up for wearing odd boots, and being a hod man—blowing a cloud sufficient to enliven and revive the whole party.
[251] “Poor fellow,” said Tom, “it would be a charity to pop him into a rattler, and drive him home; and do you see, he is standing close to a mud cart, the delicate drippings of which are gently replenishing his otherwise empty pockets.”
“Be aisy,” said Pat Murphy the hodman, “arn't he an Irish jontleman, arn't I a jontleman from Ireland; and arn't it lit and proper, and right and just, as well as jontlemanly, that two jontlemen should go together, so come along Peg, we'll just take a taste of the cratur, drink success to the lads of Shellaly, and put the matter in its right shape.” With this pug-nosed Peg seized him by one arm, and the last orator by the other, and in a short time they entered a sluicery in the neighbourhood, which enclosed the party from view.
Turning from the group which they had been paying attention to, they were suddenly attracted by a female purveyor143 for the stomach, who was serving out her tea, coffee, and saloop, from a boiling cauldron, and handing with due complaisance144 to her customers bread and butter, which was as eagerly swallowed and devoured145 by two dustmen, who appeared to relish146 their delicate meal with as much of appetite and gout, as the pampered147 palate of a City alderman would a plate of turtle. The figure of the lady, whose commodities were thus desirable and refreshing148 to the hungry dust-collectors, struck Bob at the first view as having something matronly and kind about it.
“These persons,” said Tom, “are really useful in their vocation149; and while they provide a wholesome150 beverage151 for the industrious152, are rather deserving of approbation than censure153 or molestation154: the latter, however, they are frequently subjected to; for the kids of lark, in their moments of revelry, think lightly of such poor people's stock in trade, and consider it a prime spree to upset the whole concern, without caring who may be scalded by the downfall, or how many of their fellow-creatures may go without a breakfast and dinner in consequence; but do you mark the other woman behind her?”
“I do,” said Bob, “and it is impossible to view them both without noticing the striking contrast they form to each other.”
[252] “Your observations are just,” continued Tom; “that is an old beldame of the neighbourhood, in search of the poor unhappy girl who has just taken the Irishman in tow, an encourager of all that is vicious and baneful155 in society.”
“I could almost judge that from her features,” replied Bob, “though I do not pretend to much skill in physiognomy.”
“A debauched body and a vitiated mind are perceptible in her face, and having remained on the town till these were too visible for her to hope for a continuance, she is now a tutoress of others, to make the most of those with whom they promiscuously156 associate. She furnishes the finery, and shares the plunder157. It is, however, a melancholy158 and disgusting picture of Real Life in London, and merely deserves to be known in order to be avoided, for there is no species of villainy to which persons of her stamp”—
“Of whom it is to be hoped there are but few,” cried Tallyho, interrupting him.
“For the sake of human nature,” replied Dashalt., “it is to be hoped so; but there is no species of villainy to which they will not stoop.” {1}
1 The Hon. Tom Dashall's observations on this subject are
but too strikingly exemplified by a case heard at Worship-
street Police Office a short time back, in which Jemima
Matthews was charged with conduct which excited astonishment159
at the depravity of human nature.—One of the parish
constables160 of Spitalfields stated, he proceeded to the
residence of the prisoner in Upper Cato-street, and found
supper, consisting of a variety of meats and vegetables, was
making ready on the fire. Three children, Frederick Clark,
John Clark, and John Bailey, were owned by their parents.
The children seemed so much under the controul of this
until she was removed from the bar. Little Bailey then said,
they were daily sent out to steal what they could, and bring
it home in the evening. When they could get nothing else,
they stole meat from the butchers, and vegetables from the
green-grocers. The woman kept a pack of cards, by which she
told their fortunes, whether they would succeed, or be
caught by the officers. Mr. Swaby observed, that since he
had attended the Office, he never witnessed a case of so
examination, and the magistrate intimated he should desire
these children to commit felonies.
[253] At this moment their attention was suddenly called to another subject, by a loud huzza from a combination of voices at no great distance from where they then were, and in a few minutes a considerable concourse of dustmen and others appeared in view.
“There is something in the wind,” said Dashall, “we must have a look at these gentry165, for there is frequently some humour among them.
“I hope,” replied Bob, “they have not overturned the dustcart in the wind, for I am apprehensive166 in such a case we should scarcely have eyes to view their frolics.”
Tom laughed at the ready turn of his Cousin, and remarking that all flesh was dust, proceeded towards the increasing party: here they soon found out; that, as a venerable son of the fan-tailed-hat fraternity described it, “a screw was loose.”
“Perhaps,” inquired Bob, “it is the linch-pin.” “Why aye, mayhap as how that there may be the case for aught I knows about it. Howsomdever, I'll tell you all about it:—first and foremost you must know that Dick Nobbs lives down here in Charles-street, and Dick Nobbs has got a wife. Now she is the devil's own darling, and Dick is a match for her or the devil himself, come from wherever he may, but as good a fellow as ever lapp'd up a pail full of water-gruel; and so you must know as how Dick has this here very morning been found out, in bed with another man's wife. The other man is a nightman, and rubbish-carter, vhat lives in the same house with Dick; so this here man being out all night at a job, Dick gets lushy, and so help me———, he finds his way steady enough into that there man's bed, and vhen that there man comes home, my eyes vhat a blow up! There lays Dick Nobbs fast asleep in the man's wife's arms, so he kicks up a row—Dick shews fight—and the man comes and tells us all about it; so we are going to try him for a misdemeanor, and he can't help himself no how whatsomedever.”
Tom was alive to the story, and in a few minutes the culprit was conducted to a neighbouring public-house, tried before a whole bench of the society, cast, and condemned167 to undergo the usual sentence in such cases made and provided, entitled, “Burning Shame,” and active preparations were making by those of the fraternity without, to carry into immediate execution the sentence pronounced by those within.
[254] The offender168 was decorated with a bunch of Christmas in his hat, and two large carrots in the front, to represent horns. In this manner he was mounted on the brawny169 shoulders of four of his companions, preceded by the crier of the court, another dustman, with a bell, which he rung lustily, and at intervals proclaimed the crime of which the culprit had been found guilty. After the crier, followed eight more of the brotherhood170, two and two, their hats ornamented171 with bunches of holly172, and a burning candle in the front of each hat. Then came the culprit, carried as already described, with a pot of heavy wet in one hand, and a pipe of tobacco in the other, which he occasionally smoaked, stooping forward to light it at one of the candles in the fantail hats of his two front supporters. The rear of this ludicrous procession was brought up by several other dustmen and coalheavers, and their ladies. The procession set out from Charles-street, down Drury-lane, Great Queen-street, Wild-street, and round Clare Market, followed by an immense crowd, which kept increasing as they went, and nearly rendered the streets impassable. Two collectors were appointed, one on each side of the street, and were very active in levying173 contributions among the spectators to defray the expenses. They stopped at several public-houses, where they quaffed174 off oceans of heavy wet, and numerous streamlets of old Jamaica, and then returned to headquarters in Charles-street, where the offence was drowned in drink, and they and their ladies passed the remainder of the evening, as happy as beer and gin, rum and tobacco, could make them.
Having witnessed a considerable part of this ceremonious proceeding, and been informed of the intended finale, our friends, who began to feel somewhat uncomfortable for want of refreshment175 and rest, proposed returning home; and having thrown themselves into a hack59, they in a short time arrived at Piccadilly.
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收听单词发音
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1
rambles
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| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的第三人称单数 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
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2
allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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3
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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4
celebrity
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| n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望 | |
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5
harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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6
profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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7
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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8
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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9
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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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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wards
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| 区( ward的名词复数 )； 病房； 受监护的未成年者； 被人照顾或控制的状态 | |
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12
symbolical
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| a.象征性的 | |
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13
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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derives
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| v.得到( derive的第三人称单数 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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15
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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16
entree
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| n.入场权，进入权 | |
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17
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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18
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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19
replete
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| adj.饱满的，塞满的；n.贮蜜蚁 | |
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20
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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21
writ
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| n.命令状，书面命令 | |
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22
convene
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| v.集合，召集，召唤，聚集，集合 | |
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23
hustings
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| n.竞选活动 | |
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24
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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25
canvassing
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| v.（在政治方面）游说( canvass的现在分词 )；调查（如选举前选民的）意见；为讨论而提出（意见等）；详细检查 | |
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26
professing
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| 声称( profess的现在分词 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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27
plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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28
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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29
taxation
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| n.征税，税收，税金 | |
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30
civic
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| adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的 | |
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31
suffrages
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| （政治性选举的）选举权，投票权( suffrage的名词复数 ) | |
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32
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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33
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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34
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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35
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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36
sift
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| v.筛撒，纷落，详察 | |
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37
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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38
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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39
nibbling
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| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的现在分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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40
sinecures
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| n.工作清闲但报酬优厚的职位，挂名的好差事( sinecure的名词复数 ) | |
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41
pensioners
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| n.领取退休、养老金或抚恤金的人( pensioner的名词复数 ) | |
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42
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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43
aspire
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| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
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44
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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45
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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46
scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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47
annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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48
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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49
rosebud
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| n.蔷薇花蕾，妙龄少女 | |
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50
orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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51
emblematical
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| adj.标志的，象征的，典型的 | |
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52
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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53
espoused
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
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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55
reverenced
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| v.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的过去式和过去分词 )；敬礼 | |
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56
gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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57
bauble
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| n.美观而无价值的饰物 | |
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58
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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59
hack
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| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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60
alias
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| n.化名；别名；adv.又名 | |
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61
lucid
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| adj.明白易懂的，清晰的，头脑清楚的 | |
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62
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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63
sanity
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| n.心智健全，神智正常，判断正确 | |
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64
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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65
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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66
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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67
drowsy
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| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
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68
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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69
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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70
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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71
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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72
vociferously
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| adv.喊叫地，吵闹地 | |
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73
influx
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| n.流入，注入 | |
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74
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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75
lighters
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| n.打火机，点火器( lighter的名词复数 ) | |
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76
luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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77
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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78
dissertation
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| n.（博士学位）论文，学术演讲，专题论文 | |
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79
puff
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| n.一口(气)；一阵(风)；v.喷气，喘气 | |
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80
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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81
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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82
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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83
constituents
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| n.选民( constituent的名词复数 )；成分；构成部分；要素 | |
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84
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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85
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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86
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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87
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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88
conviviality
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| n.欢宴，高兴，欢乐 | |
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89
foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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90
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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91
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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92
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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93
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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94
lark
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| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
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95
waggons
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| 四轮的运货马车( waggon的名词复数 )； 铁路货车； 小手推车 | |
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96
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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97
denominations
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| n.宗派( denomination的名词复数 )；教派；面额；名称 | |
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98
conveyance
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| n.(不动产等的)转让，让与；转让证书；传送；运送；表达；（正）运输工具 | |
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99
metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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100
retail
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| v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格 | |
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101
dealers
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| n.商人( dealer的名词复数 )；贩毒者；毒品贩子；发牌者 | |
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102
dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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103
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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104
altercation
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| n.争吵，争论 | |
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105
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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106
versus
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| prep.以…为对手，对；与…相比之下 | |
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107
defendant
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| n.被告；adj.处于被告地位的 | |
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108
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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109
statute
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| n.成文法，法令，法规；章程，规则，条例 | |
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110
deposed
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| v.罢免( depose的过去式和过去分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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111
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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112
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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113
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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114
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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115
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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116
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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117
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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119
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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120
hamper
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| vt.妨碍，束缚，限制；n.(有盖的)大篮子 | |
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121
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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122
pucker
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| v.撅起，使起皱；n.（衣服上的）皱纹，褶子 | |
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123
capered
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| v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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124
specify
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| vt.指定，详细说明 | |
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125
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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126
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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127
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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128
exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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129
aggravation
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| n.烦恼，恼火 | |
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130
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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131
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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132
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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133
buck
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| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
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134
gliding
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| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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135
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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136
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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137
rending
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| v.撕碎( rend的现在分词 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
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138
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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139
diminutive
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| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
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140
urchin
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| n.顽童；海胆 | |
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141
overdone
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| v.做得过分( overdo的过去分词 )；太夸张；把…煮得太久；（工作等）过度 | |
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142
peg
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| n.木栓，木钉；vt.用木钉钉，用短桩固定 | |
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143
purveyor
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| n.承办商，伙食承办商 | |
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144
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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145
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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146
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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147
pampered
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| adj.饮食过量的，饮食奢侈的v.纵容，宠，娇养( pamper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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149
vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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150
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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151
beverage
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| n.(水，酒等之外的)饮料 | |
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152
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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153
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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154
molestation
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| n.骚扰，干扰，调戏；折磨 | |
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155
baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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156
promiscuously
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| adv.杂乱地，混杂地 | |
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157
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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158
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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159
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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160
constables
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| n.警察( constable的名词复数 ) | |
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161
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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162
infamous
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| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
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163
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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164
prosecute
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| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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165
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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166
apprehensive
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| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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167
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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168
offender
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| n.冒犯者，违反者，犯罪者 | |
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169
brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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170
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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171
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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172
holly
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| n.[植]冬青属灌木 | |
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173
levying
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| 征（兵）( levy的现在分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税 | |
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174
quaffed
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| v.痛饮( quaff的过去式和过去分词 )；畅饮；大口大口将…喝干；一饮而尽 | |
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175
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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