Comprising a brief Description of the Company at the Peacock assembled; and a Tale told by a Bagman

It is pleasant to turn from contemplating¹ the strife² and turmoil³ of political existence, to the peaceful repose⁴ of private life. Although in reality no great partisan⁵ of either side, Mr. Pickwick was sufficiently⁶ fired with Mr. Pott’s enthusiasm, to apply his whole time and attention to the proceedings⁸, of which the last chapter affords a description compiled from his own memoranda⁹. Nor while he was thus occupied was Mr. Winkle idle, his whole time being devoted¹¹ to pleasant walks and short country excursions with Mrs. Pott, who never failed, when such an opportunity presented itself, to seek some relief from the tedious monotony she so constantly complained of. The two gentlemen being thus completely domesticated¹² in the editor’s house, Mr. Tupman and Mr. Snodgrass were in a great measure cast upon their own resources. Taking but little interest in public affairs, they beguiled¹⁴ their time chiefly with such amusements as the Peacock afforded, which were limited to a bagatelle-board in the first floor, and a sequestered¹⁵ skittle-ground in the back yard. In the science and nicety of both these recreations, which are far more

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