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+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #61121 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61121)
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-Project Gutenberg's The Lay of the Sheriff, by Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: The Lay of the Sheriff
-
-Author: Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
-
-Release Date: March 16, 2020 [EBook #61121]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Al Haines
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF
-
-BY
-
-PHILIP LYBBE POWYS LYBBE.
-
-
-
-LONDON
-
-PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.
-
-1869.
-
-
-
-
- CHISWICK PRESS:--PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND WILKINS,
- TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.
-
-
-
-
- REVERENDO
-
- EDVARDO MOORE
-
- DE COLL. ÆN. NAS. OXON. ALUMNO,
- S. S. MARIÆ DE VITCHURCH, OXON. RECTORI,
- OPUSCULUM HOC, OLIM CONDITUM,
- NUPER CONFECTUM, DICAT, DEDICATQUE
-
- PHILIPPUS LYBBE POWYS LYBBE,
-
- DE DOMO ET MANORIO DE HARDWICK,
- ARMIGER.
-
-
-
-
- PROLOGUE
-
- BY MRS. VANDERSTEGEN, MOTHER OF THE HIGH SHERIFF
- OF OXFORDSHIRE, A. D. 1843.
-
- "Garrit aniles
- Ex re fabellas."
- HOR. _Sat._ Lib. 11. vi. 77.
-
-
- Fiddlers, awake! Rouse up, ye fife and drum!
- Clarion and trumpet, lo! I bid thee come!
- Blow up, tin horn, twang, _harp of unbelievers!_[1]
- Bring me your aid, ye marrow bones and cleavers!
- Strike up at once, to celebrate this day!
- Who'd not be jolly, and who'd not be gay?
- I little thought such happy times to see,
- Such bliss, such joys, a sheriff's _Ma_ to be!
- Is't true? can such felicity be mine?
- It glads me more than all my currant wine![2]
- Or do I dream? or are my senses flown?
- It's very strange, and mighty queer, I own,
- But yet I am, I must be, Mrs. Van![3]
- If I ain't, who is? who, good Heavens! can?
- I see my cupboards full, and running o'er,
- With tamarinds, nuts, and many a luscious store;
- There's my old chair, and here the oaken presses
- All full of mildew and brocaded dresses,
- Fashion'd in times of yore, when in the throng
- Of dazzling courtiers, as they pass'd along
- The palace halls, my grandam stood confess'd
- By all to be most beautifully dress'd;
- There's my old shay, and there the red-nosed Bob
- Who drives me slow, nor tires with the job.
- It must be true, I must be Mrs. Van,
- The Sheriff's Ma, disprove it ye who can!
- And ye, the crowds,[4] who various duties tend
- In this our own snug circle at Cane End,
- Dismiss your labours, and with mirth and glee
- Bellow hurrahs for Henry and for me!
- Know for your feast (for now no English sinner
- Can e'er do anything without a dinner);
- Fox-hunters, statesmen, parsons, 'tis the same,
- And even sheriffs must partake the blame:
- For rumour tells me, shocking to relate,
- That at the "_Star_" 'twill be my Henry's fate
- O'er the Grand Jury Dinner to preside,
- And last, not least, believe me, pay beside.
- Sure I have had the kitchen table spread
- With mutton bones, and sundry pounds of bread;[5]
- Water in plenty, and (though very dear)
- Two gallons of strong treble X small beer!
- Drink if ye can! the beer's so very small
- I think there'll almost be enough for all!
- Drink! sing! rejoice! but let the Sheriff's praise
- Afford a subject for your roundelays!
-
-[_Exit_ MRS. VAN.
-
-
-[1] "While vibrating in unbelieving tooth
- Harps twang in Drury's walls."
- _Rejected Addresses_, 19th ed. p. 24, see note 1.
-
-[2] The Cane End currant wine was noted for its goodness.--AUTHOR.
-
-[3] With regard to this abbreviation of the family name, the following
-anecdote may be relied on. A stranger to Cane End inquired of an
-ancient inhabitant thereof where Mr. Vanderstegen lived? "Lord, Sir!"
-(was the answer), "I cannot tell ye, but I knows where our Mr. Van
-does!"--AUTHOR.
-
-[4] Report says, that the aforesaid red-nosed Bob, Screw Critchfield,
-and Blind Betty are the only attendants of this ancient family. Of
-course the text is more to be depended on than mere report.
-
-[5] This seems to be an allusion to a certain supper after a certain
-ball.
-
-
-
-
- CHORUS OF ATTENDANTS.
-
- _Red-nosed_ BOB _leader_.
-
- _Bottom_. "Where are these lads,
- Where are these hearts?"
- _Midsummer Night's Dream_, act iv. sc. 2.
-
-
- Hail, happy day, our only holiday!
- Hurrah, for old Cane End!
- Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah
- Our master's a sheriff!
- A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!
-
- Hail, happy day, our only holiday!
- Hurrah for Mrs. Van!
- Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah
- Our master's a sheriff,
- A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!
-
- Hail happy day, our glorious holiday!
- Hurrah for the sheriff!
- Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
- Our master's a sheriff,
- A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!
-
-[_Exeunt shouting and singing._
-
-
-
-
- THE LAY OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.
-
-
- "Let's have him in a coach."--Boz.
-
- _Enter_ HIGH SHERIFF _nervous, anxious, and
- apparently much concerned._
-
-
- Who'd be a sheriff, I should like to know,
- With all this fuss and bother, teasing so?
- These three last weeks I've not had any time
- To sleep in quiet, eat, or drink my wine,
- Though 'tis but little wine that I imbibe;
- 'Tis sleep I love, past all the world beside.
- My moments once were calm from nine at night;
- My dreams were pleasant and my slumbers light
- Till next day's noon; but now 'tis alter'd quite.
- O Sleep! thou loveliest of the gifts divine
- From God to man, would thou again were mine,
- To hide the visions which for ever seem
- Haunting my fever'd moments, of the team
- Of _Waddell's_[1] jaded, miserable tits,
- Which, ere the rail had knock'd their trade to bits,
- In the "Tantivy" once so gaily pranced,
- When _Cheeseman's_[2] bugle all our ears entranced,
- And _Sal'sbury_[3] work'd his then _fast-trotting_ bays,
- Now the sad emblems of regretted days!
- Of wigs and judges, barristers and ermine,
- Murders and felons, I can scarce determine
- Whether on head or heels I rightly stand,
- Wholly perplex'd, a very fish on land.
- Swords and cock'd hats, with all my other dress,
- O'erload my fancies and my brain oppress;
- Where can I get a carriage for the judge?
- To pay _Brown_[4] thirty _Guas_,[5] I own, I grudge;
- What's to be done? A coach must needs be had.
- A coach! but stay, the thought is none so bad,
- I'll think me who, of all the people near,
- Sport coaches, if I don't, whip me, that's clear;
- The first coach-sporting neighbour that I know is
- My best of friends, the worthy Squire Powys;
- Yes! his will do, I'll ask for it to-morrow;
- 'Twill save me much vexation, toil, and sorrow.
- But will it do? Ah, stay! I fear me no!
- There's something whispers, "Van," this here's no go;
- 'Tis far too coachy, far too like the drags
- Of which our noted Oxford builder[6] brags.
- Indeed, you'd live to hear the judges say,
- "Good Mr. Sheriff! What's the fare to pay?"
- Had you that coach; besides, there's Master Phil[7]
- To poke his fun, as well you know he will.
- Next the bold captain's cumbersome and old.
- Old as its owner, Rattletrappy, cold;
- 'Twon't do! but now, I think me, Mr. Reade[8]
- Of Ipsden, he's the man to serve my need.
- I recollect when I at Ipsden call'd
- One day last week, with wondering gaze enthrall'd,
- I spied his carriage standing at the door,
- New lined, new varnish'd and new painted o'er,
- Crests, arms, and all the proper blazonry
- Pomps and achievements, known in heraldry,
- Cushions well-stuff'd, well padded, and behind
- A charming footboard, suited to the mind
- Of any London "figure man" who clings
- Behind the well-appointed coach, that wings
- Its course down Bond Street, or the crowded rings
- Of that proud rendezvous of fashion yclept the Park.
- And what though arms and crest unlike my own
- Glare on its surface? who's to make it known,--
- No walking Gwyllim, Clarencieux, or Rouge Dragon
- Infests our streets, to put an envious gag on
- My borrow'd arms and crests. That I'll rely on.
- One care's at rest;--but now my liveries claim
- My next attention, and my thoughts' best aim:
- What shall the coats be? blue turn'd up with green,
- And smalls contrived of darkest velveteen?
- Or green with blue, and (pray don't, Ladies, blush,)
- Continuations built of crimson plush?
- 'Tis passing hard for one, unskill'd as me
- In dress, and such-like senseless vanity,
- Such things to settle--would I had a wife!
- I never long'd for one so in my life
- (Not e'en when Jessica's fair hand I pray'd,
- And struggled hard, with anxious hopes delay'd,)
- As now, to bid some gorgeous liveries rise
- To grace my servants and astound the eyes
- Of wondering freshmen, javelineers, and Dons.[9]
- I'll to my mother, she can best advise,
- In coats and smalls she's wonderfully wise
- (Who says she wears the latter _not_, he lies.)
- When we've determined what the men shall wear,
- Then in the shay to Letchworth's we'll repair;
- He from his hoards of cloth blue, red, and green,
- Shall rig out liveries such as ne'er were seen.
- Such are my cares, and oh! I must confess
- I feel much trembling and sad nervousness;
- I've suffer'd much anxiety of late,
- Dread are my prospects, painful is my fate
- When I consider how the judge to meet!
- Make a low bow, or fall down at his feet;--
- _And then_ my sword! 'twill sure be very queer,
- Lest it upset me clean I greatly fear--
- Powers of Impudence! assist, I pray,
- Give me some brass, and teach me how to say,--
- "Good day, your lordships, welcome to our city."[10]
- Of Oxford, now I'm Sheriff--more's the pity.
- 'Tis said, 'tis good, our griefs and joys t'impart
- To kindly souls, and many a sorrowing heart
- Where brooded hopeless, melancholy grief,
- From sympathising friends has drawn relief.
- May it be so with me! full many an hour
- I've funk'd and stew'd[11] to think what earthly power
- Could nerve me up sufficiently to fill
- (The heart being sadly wanting, not the will,)
- My Sheriff's office; even now a gleam
- Of hope, though far, far off, is dimly seen
- By my mind's eye,[12] new light within me burns,
- Some welcome sprite my fear to courage turns,
- Makes glad my heart, and bids my spirits rise!
- What ho! within, some brandy and mince pies!
- Uncork a bottle of that curious wine
- Which once belonged to that grandfather mine
- Who first from Holland, settled at Cane End.
- Bring up, I say, a bottle! pray luck send
- It be a good one! for 'tis true enough
- It's either quite tip-top, or horrid stuff,
- Like Thoyt's horse,[13] of which I knowledge had
- Extremely good, or else extremely bad!
- Here is a bottle! ah! 'tis wondrous kind,
- Brilliant and sparkling, suited to the mind
- Of more than sheriff, aldermanic quite!
- I'll floor the bottle, then I'll say, "Good night"[14]
-
-
-[1] Mr. Waddell, partner in the great coaching firm of Coster and
-Waddell. At his funeral Mr. William Bowers, better known as "Black
-Will," the oldest servant in his employ, drove the hearse.
-
-[2] The celebrated "Tantivy" eighteen stone guard, nevertheless, as
-active as a really good yacht sailor, familiarly known by gownsmen as
-"Double Glos'ter."
-
-[3] The accomplished artist who many years worked the "Tantivy" along
-with Mr. Cracknell. Their style, and the performance of their splendid
-bay team from Woodstock into Oxford, equalled any thing known in
-coaching days, and are still in my mind's eye as they used to pass my
-windows in the Old Grove at luncheon time. _Teste_ W. S. VAUX of the
-British Museum. Mr. Cracknell was on the Brighton coach this season,
-and it _was_ a _treat_ to sit alongside him.
-
-[4] His son still carries on the business in Castle Street, Reading,
-with increased talent. _Teste_ two things just done for the author,
-1868.
-
-Mr. Brown used to supply the Sheriff's coach, in which the under
-Sheriff usually posted up to Oxford.
-
-[5] _Guas_ must be pronounced as spelled; _Guas_ are well known to
-lawyers and clients also.
-
-[6] Shackleford, of George Lane, Oxford, one of the best four-horse
-coach builders. He did the Tantivy work and all the other coaches that
-ran through Oxford.
-
-_Teste_ the late James Castle of 44, Corn Market, son of the well-known
-J. Castle, of the Blenheim.
-
-[7] The annotator confesses to being pretty considerably flummaxed by
-this allusion. That some existing person is meant, appears from the
-context, or else how could fun be poked by him? said Master Phil.
-
-He has bestowed great labour and attention upon the consideration of
-this point. He has gone through all grades and classes of
-Masters--builders, sweeps, carpenters, masons, keys, mariners, &c.;
-Masters in Chancery, ordinary and extraordinary, not forgetting the
-Rolls and Exchequer, Masters Smith, Brown, Thompson, Jones, Green, and
-hosts more, but without finding the least trace of this Master Phil.
-
-He confesses to being regularly beat, and begs in "whipping off" to
-add--
-
- "That as he can't discover Master Phil,
- He only hopes and trusts the reader will."
-
-[8] John Reade of Ipsden, in the county of Oxford, Esquire, a
-well-known magistrate, celebrated for giving the law to the Judges and
-the Bar; his exertions in mending the "ways" of the neighbouring
-parishes, and sporting a blue umbrella on occasions about as suited for
-such a display as the late Eglinton Tournay.
-
-[9] It may appear strange that the MS. should class "dons" among the
-subjects into which amazement is to be struck by the sheriff's gorgeous
-liveries. Were all people aware of the secluded life led by the Don
-class, wonder would cease, and a conviction might arise, that were
-Virgil now alive he might apply his line,--
-
- "Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos,"
-
-to Oxford Dons rather than the British community at large.
-
-[10] Oxford city has a sheriff of its own; our hero was the High
-Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and so welcomed the Judges to the County town.
-
-[11] Etonice for being frightened, or alarmed at, as may be illustrated
-by the following imaginary talk between two lower boys:--"I say, old
-fellow, who funks a flogging?" "Not I, my boy! but I am in a precious
-stew about that licking Box Major promised me!"
-
-[12] "In my mind's eye, Horatio."--_Hamlet_.
-
-[13] A somewhat abstruse and curious simile, at the first blush
-apparently paradoxical, somewhat akin to "Aut Cæsar, aut nullus." The
-author can vouch for the truth of it, as he heard it delivered.
-
-[14] The break that occurs here in the MS. seems to prove that the
-Sheriff's promises were but partially fulfilled. There is ground for
-the hypothesis that a sort of mutual flooring took place between the
-sheriff and the bottle; in other words, that as the sheriff floored the
-bottle, so the bottle returned the compliment, and effectually floored
-the sheriff!
-
-
-
-
- PART II.
-
- "Gentlemen from London; distinguished foreigners,
- anything."--PICKWICK.
-
-
- 'Twas noon, in fact old Tom[1] had just rung out
- The mid-day hour. The crowd that hung about
- The doors of that once famous hostelrie,
- When 'neath the fostering sway of the Dupree,[2]
- Had almost gaped and gazed their utmost fill,
- Yet linger'd there, and gaped and wonder'd still;
- As when in passing some secluded square,
- I've seen a crowd of ragged urchins stare
- With all attention and uplifted gaze
- At a small theatre, covered with green baize,
- Where Punch performs, with most discordant squeak,
- His merry antics; now on gibbet's peak
- Hanging (the rogue) the constable on high;
- Now whopping Judy, whose most piteous cry
- Rings through the square and stops the passers by--
- So did the crowd expectingly surround,
- Jostling with push and thrust and oaths profound,
- Gathering from every part, both near and far,
- The gate of Oxford's fast declining "Star."
-
- But what's the row? There's something to be done;
- It looks as if this shindy meant some fun,
- Having the _entrée_ of this famed hotel,
- We'll enter! "I say, Bob, just touch the bell."
- "Coming, sir, d'rectly." Well, Smith[3] what's the cause
- Of this tumultuous gathering and noise;
- What's in the wind? we're just from London come,
- Let's have the news! I'll bet it something rum."
- "Oh, Sirs, the Sheriff causes all the fuss!
- Excuse me, gents, I can't stay chattering thus;--
- What shall I get ye? mutton chops for two?
- Or a grill'd fowl, or will some cutlets do?
- The cook's half-roasted--house is very full,
- The Judge is coming--you'll not find it dull."
-
- "Here are the cutlets and a pot of ale,
- And while you're eating, you shall hear the tale
- Of this High Sheriff!" "Who on earth is he?
- (This tap's not bad, just hand it o'er to me.")
- "Why, bless you, Sirs, 'tis Mr. Vanderstegen,
- But here we call him 'Van;' I just now seed him
- Dressing to go and bring the Judges in."
- "How does he look?" "Why, really, quite the thing--
- Barring his flurry--which is not surprising;
- But bless my life! why here he's coming down
- Ready for starting! here! Jack, Dick, and Brown,
- Way for the Sheriff! Let the Sheriff pass!"
-
- _Blow up, ye trumpeters!_ and crack your brass![4]
- Hark to the trumpets' mirth-creating strain![5]
- View the bold javelineers, a motley train,
- Perch'd upon what, in long-departed days,
- Might have been horses, grey, white, black, or bays;
- Height is no object--some stand fifteen three,
- Others not twelve; this one appears to be
- Fresh from a barge! that other tottering steed
- Is booked next week 'Lord Parker's'[6] hounds to feed!
- Could Mancha's knight his Rozinante bring
- To show against this miserable string,
- I'd bet a hat (a Randall[7] or a Paris one)
- He'd prove a downright "Clipper" by comparison.
- 'Twere better far keep javelineers on foot,[8]
- They're better there than where I've seen them put;--
- Scarce one his saddle gains alone, and in it
- When there, what's next? he's out in half a minute
- Hilloa! what's this? that leader's rather queer,
- Don't like the bars! a little light, I fear,
- Behind--hold hard! look how that wheeler jibs!
- Stupid! hit t'other, punch him in the ribs,
- Tom Ostler, can't ye? hark ye, Master Will,
- When you'd start jibbers, jib they ne'er so ill,
- Let them alone, _but make them go_ as will.
- Try it again--at last they're off, full tilt,
- Pray Heaven grant our Sheriff mayn't be spilt!
- Forward's the word, when lo! a sudden stop
- Causes the Sheriff from the coach to pop
- His head, to learn the cause of this delay.
- "Sir," says the footman, "cause of this delay,
- Look you, the Judge's carriage stops the way."
- It's useless now to dare contend with fate,
- Make the best of it, as you are too late;
- It can't be help'd, so come, O Sheriff Van,
- Pluck up your heart to meet him, if you can!
- 'Tis done! with solemn pace the Ipsden coach
- With Judge, and Sheriff, (pale as any roach)
- Reaches the goal, and sore from many a jar
- Sets down its precious burthen at the "Star."
-
-
-[1] Old Tom, not the Old Tom of London Gin notoriety, but the veritable
-Tom of Christ Church, Oxford.
-
-[2] The famous landlady of the "Star" in the olden time. The Queen of
-landladies.
-
-[3] The then excellent head-waiter at the Star.
-
-[4] "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks."--SHAKESPEARE _and_ DRYDEN.
-
-[5] Mirth-creating, inasmuch as people laugh'd at their _dis_cord.
-
-[6] Now Lord Macclesfield, the best man ever known to get foxes _away_
-in our beech-wood country.
-
-[7] An Oxford-bought hat was usually called a "Randall," after the
-eminent _nunc_ alderman of that name, then in business in High Street.
-
-[8] They are on foot now (September 16, 1868).
-
-
-
-
- THE DINNER.
-
- "Hold hard there, your eyes on me, gen'lemen."--MR. WELLER,
- SENIOR. Pickwick.
-
-
- Hark to the clatter of the knives and forks,
- In go the corkscrews and out come the corks,
- Head waiter Smith bends 'neath a ponderous dish,
- One hopes a salmon, or some weightier fish,
- May be a turbot or a royal sturgeon--
- The very thing one's appetite to urge on;
- Covers of every size bedeck the feast,
- The host has lots of "plate" to say the least;
- It may be _plated_, though, 'tis hard to know
- The real from sham, one does get puzzled so
- By new inventions--here's albata plate,
- Electro silver, numerous plans of late
- Beguile the senses of the wondering guest,
- And palm off drugs as equal to the best.
- But to the dinner; one would think, forsooth,
- 'Twould be a banquet worthy of the tooth
- Of any a city gourmand; wait a minute,
- Look at that dish, and mark ye what's there in it;
- It seem'd to promise turbot or a sturgeon,
- And lo! what's there? a pike set round with gudgeon!
- Its vis-à-vis contains a bit of beef
- Cut from a cow, that died last week of grief,
- At hearing of Sir Robert's new tariff.
- A brace of sickly chickens, tough and dried,
- Usurp the centre, flank'd on either side
- By bad potatoes, baked, boil'd, roast and fried.
- I'd most forgot a piece of veal and ham--
- Try it--I'll bet a crown there's no one can.
- Such, with a few disgusting tarts and pies,
- Some cheese of which, at every mouthful, dies
- A host of ugly vermin; such your bill
- Of foul I call it--call it what you will.
- Off with the cloth! don't let a trace remain
- Of this vile medley. Off! I say again.
- Oh, Mr. Griffith,[1] take a friend's advice,
- Give the best dinner where you charge best price;
- 'Twould be far better for your credit's sake,
- As for your conscience; that, old Nick may take,
- If he will have it, which I greatly doubt,
- You are far too clever, he has found you out.
- Who's on his legs; hurrah, 'tis honest John,[2]
- That Fane of Fanes! What topic is he on;
- Hark, let us listen! What on earth's he at?
- He means some fun, rest well assured of that;
- Gazing around, with mirth-creating grin,
- Says he, "My friends, I scarce know where begin,
- I am so modest, spare my youthful blushes,
- I'm yet a colt and have not cut my tushes.
- I beg permission to propose a toast.
- Such as I guess, just now will please you most;
- Health and long life to that illustrious man,
- Our now high Sheriff, worthy neighbour Van.
- Sheriff! your health! and now with three times three,
- And as you love me! let it bumpers be;
- We'll drink his health, now Gents, your eyes on me."
- Finish'd the toast; High Sheriff! is the call;
- Oh, dear! he looks just now uncommon small,
- White as his choker, tho' blush-red by turns
- With hectic flush, his quivering forehead burns.
- At last for words he finds a labouring vent:
- "I thank you, Gentlemen, with best intent
- "To pay your kindness, with a due requite
- "Of mingled thanks, enhanced with delight.
- "As I am certainly not used to public speaking,
- "And vainly now, for words of thanks am seeking,
- "I'll cut it short, and with your kind permission,
- "Seek in my chair an easier position."
- Round goes the wine, full many a toast goes down,
- To Queen and Country, Albert, Church and Crown.
- Some worthy Dons, wine-warm'd, propose the Bar;
- The Bar, the Dons, and swear the gems they are
- Of Oxford's glory. They, good easy men,
- Can't twig the joke, nor legal satire stem;
- And is it so? for half their mouldering lives
- They sweat their Fellowships, then marry wives;
- Or when in College, they have topp'd the tree,[3]
- They drone and doze in dull solemnity.
- After this long digression we must try
- Back to our Sheriff! What's this? Oh, my eye!
- He's fast asleep, bad luck; in vain, in vain,
- Old Ashurst[4] kicks, and kicks his shins again;
- The Doctor roars[5] and Waterferry's chief,[6]
- Thinks of some mode, to gain the wish'd relief.
- Nought will avail! at last cries Fane, "Here goes,
- Give us a cork, we'll black our sheriff's nose."[7]
-
-
-[1] The "Star" sheriff's dinners, _teste_ the author, were miserable.
-But as _per contra_ to his bad dinners, the author must record Mr.
-Griffith's conduct towards the "Cause" in the election, A.D. 1862.
-Colonel Fane won't forget it, nor the author. He placed his "Star,"
-all his horses, men, and carriages at the Colonel's service, free
-gratis.
-
-[2] John Fane of Wormesly, late M.P. for Oxfordshire, father of the
-Colonel, now M.P. for Oxfordshire--known as honest John Fane, Master of
-Harriers, and "king of the most celebrated and successful Wormesly
-Tournament."
-
-[3] The author begs to say that this expression must be taken
-metaphorically. The worthy heads of the different Colleges would be
-doubtless unable, from the expanse of waistcoat, to "top a tree," nor
-would their sense of dignity allow it, if they could. He must except
-the most Rev. the Prases of St. John's College, both from the tree and
-dozing business; he is without dispute an honour to our College, our
-University, and our County,
-
-[4] Late M.P. for Oxfordshire. _Vide_ his portrait in the County Hall.
-
-[5] His brother, late Fellow of All Souls, Oxford.
-
-[6] The Right Honourable J. W. Henley, M.P., &c. senior member for
-Oxfordshire; and long may he so continue.
-
-[7] The author not having been present at this dinner cannot be
-responsible for the concluding scene. He can only say that from his
-personal knowledge of the parties, he thinks it might most likely have
-occurred.
-
-
-
-
- PART III.
-
- Vitæ me redde priori."--HORACE, _Epist._ Lib. 1. 7, 95.
-
-
- 'Tis pass'd, and all is silence, o'er that scene,
- Which of forensic eloquence has been
- The fit arena; where with subtle brain,
- Counsel have plied in nicely fitting train
- Their logic's art, or press'd their rhetoric's aid
- This to convince, the other to persuade
- A doubting jury, where with anxious care,
- Lest they in vain Justitia's sword should bear,
- The upright guardians of our country's laws,
- With practised eye, in each successive cause,
- Watching the varying points, the tangled clue
- Of facts explaining to the jury's view,
- Have shown their power, unsullied to maintain
- The sway of Justice, in her peaceful reign.
- Can it be fitting, think ye, e'er to bend
- Justice to Pleasure's gay voluptuous end?
- Is such a time for mirth and revelry,
- Is't in a Christian country we should see
- The gay Assize Ball? Reader, pray reflect,
- (If thou'rt a woman) can this be correct?
- I know the warmth and kindness of your nature,
- Mercy and pity gleam from every feature;
- Your sex's innate modesty will aid
- My words far more than countless offerings paid
- To Fashion's shrine! Oh, think me not too vile
- For your attention; stay the withering smile
- That seems to say, "This is some scribbler's cant;
- Some low born Reptile's Methodistic rant;
- Or else, some Fallen Star, condemn'd to dwell
- With swaggering ostlers, or to bear the bell
- In drunken riots; banish'd from the sphere
- Where one of us, he once had his career,
- Now dares, in hate, his slanderous venom raise,
- In envious longing for his bygone days."
- Pardon me if I break discretion's chain
- In daring thus your pretty selves t' arraign,
- To curb your pleasures, and to draw the rein
- Of better feelings, o'er your giddy race.
- Look on this picture first, then try to face
- The other! Here, with art's consummate care,
- Deck'd and adorn'd with gold, her jewell'd hair
- Glistening as sunbeams o'er the rippling tide
- Reflected from some towering mountain's side,
- Proud beauty seeks, with brightly flashing een,
- The miscall'd glories of that heartless scene;
- Where Weippert[1] proudly wakes his dulcet strains,
- And pleasure's cold, unfeeling sceptre reigns.
- Turn to the other; mark that darkening gate,
- That fearful structure, brooding o'er the fate
- Of fellow creatures! There in loathsome cell
- A wretched felon counts each passing bell
- That marks the hours, as in their noiseless speed
- They near the fatal morn, and bid him heed
- His soul's salvation, ere that sun shall rise,
- Which last on earth shall meet his dying eyes.
- Say, can ye still unfeelingly forbear
- To shed for pity's sake one sorrowing tear.
- I know that youthful blood beats high to thread
- Those mystic mazes, fairies love to tread;
- This is but Nature's province, she bestows
- Your limbs and beauty, these she bids you use
- At proper seasons; will ye dare abuse
- Her precious favours? that can never be
- The time for dances and frivolity,
- When open-handed Justice wields the scale
- That rights the just, and bids offenders quail.
- But to our Sheriff; we have strangely bent
- A wandering course in search of sentiment.
- Back to the "Star;" we want no Advertiser,
- My lords being gone, he'll prove no early riser.
- Hah! here we have him, slumbering sweetly still,
- We must not wake him, lest he take it ill;
- And when his dander's up, let them stand by--
- Who'd singe a lion! I've no wish to try.
- Steady a moment, just pull up the blind,
- The sun breaks out, right on him, very kind;
- May be 'twill wake him; ah, one other ray
- Will do the trick; but, I say, look this way,
- This jug, with water fill'd, so cold, so big,
- I wish we dared to give him a cold pig.[2]
- But sheriffs stand not gammon, in a crack
- I'd have his rapier walking[3] through my back;
- Good! he awakes, without our intervention,
- (This, though no consequence, I wish to mention,)
- And having rubb'd his eyes, and clear'd his throat,
- Apostrophizes thus his Sheriff's coat:--
- "O thou bless'd emblem of my shrievalty,
- Perpetual witness of my dignity;
- In which I've braved the concentrated gaze
- Of wondering myriads, for the last few days;
- How can I thanks sufficiently express
- For thy assistance, for I here confess
- How much I owe[4] thee, when I lay thee by;
- Thou at Cane End in lavender shalt lie,
- Snug in a chest, secure from curious eye,
- Save mine; and I whene'er the lid I raise,
- Will laud thy virtues, and renew thy praise.
- Now, on my pony, straightway I'll depart,
- Lighter in pocket, lighter far in heart,
- Back to Cane End; I fear my anxious mother
- In rapturous joy her boy will almost smother;
- But this I'll risk, and should the Fates prove kind,
- Should they restore my long lost peace of mind,
- In slumbers light I'll close my wearied eyes,
- And doze in quiet till the next Assize."
-
-
-[1] The name of Weippert recalls the memory of many happy balls in
-Upper Harley Street, where Weippert always conducted in person. The
-memory of the host lives in the author's mind. The hostess still
-lives, and long may she live. (September 16, 1868.)
-
-The author is happy to say that Assize Balls are now "gone out;" when
-he wrote this opusculum they did exist. (September 16, 1868.)
-
-[2] Should any fair reader be at a loss for the meaning of this
-expression, ask any school-boy brother, if you have one, for a
-practical illustration thereof, and mark the result.
-
-[3] The author remembers that "being pretty considerably walked into at
-Collections," was a favourite phrase with undergraduates. Hence he
-thus ventures to describe the undesirable transit of the sheriff's
-toasting fork through his body.
-
-[4] From this sentiment of the Sheriff he seems to differ from William
-of Wykeham, who, if the plates at New College high table are to be
-relied upon, held that "manners makyth man." The Sheriff, on the
-contrary, would seem to hold that "the coat makes the sheriff."
-
-
-
- PRINTED BY WHITINGHAM AND WILKINS,
- TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of Project Gutenberg's The Lay of the Sheriff, by Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
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-by Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
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-Project Gutenberg's The Lay of the Sheriff, by Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
-
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-
-Title: The Lay of the Sheriff
-
-Author: Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe
-
-Release Date: March 16, 2020 [EBook #61121]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
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-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Al Haines
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-
-<h1>
-<br /><br />
-THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF
-</h1>
-
-<p class="t3">
-BY
-</p>
-
-<p class="t2">
-PHILIP LYBBE POWYS LYBBE.
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p class="t3">
-LONDON
-<br /><br />
-PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.
-<br /><br />
-1869.
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p class="t4">
- CHISWICK PRESS:&mdash;PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND WILKINS,<br />
- TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p class="t3">
- REVERENDO<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="t3b">
- EDVARDO MOORE<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="t3">
- DE COLL. ÆN. NAS. OXON. ALUMNO,<br />
- S. S. MARIÆ DE VITCHURCH, OXON. RECTORI,<br />
- OPUSCULUM HOC, OLIM CONDITUM,<br />
- NUPER CONFECTUM, DICAT, DEDICATQUE<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="t3b">
- PHILIPPUS LYBBE POWYS LYBBE,<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="t3">
- DE DOMO ET MANORIO DE HARDWICK,<br />
- ARMIGER.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap00b"></a></p>
-
-<h3>
- PROLOGUE
-</h3>
-
-<p class="t3">
- BY MRS. VANDERSTEGEN, MOTHER OF THE HIGH SHERIFF<br />
- OF OXFORDSHIRE, A. D. 1843.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Garrit aniles<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ex re fabellas."<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HOR. <i>Sat.</i> Lib. 11. vi. 77.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Fiddlers, awake! Rouse up, ye fife and drum!<br />
- Clarion and trumpet, lo! I bid thee come!<br />
- Blow up, tin horn, twang, <i>harp of unbelievers!</i>[<a id="chap00bfn1text"></a><a href="#chap00bfn1">1</a>]<br />
- Bring me your aid, ye marrow bones and cleavers!<br />
- Strike up at once, to celebrate this day!<br />
- Who'd not be jolly, and who'd not be gay?<br />
- I little thought such happy times to see,<br />
- Such bliss, such joys, a sheriff's <i>Ma</i> to be!<br />
- Is't true? can such felicity be mine?<br />
- It glads me more than all my currant wine![<a id="chap00bfn2text"></a><a href="#chap00bfn2">2</a>]<br />
- Or do I dream? or are my senses flown?<br />
- It's very strange, and mighty queer, I own,<br />
- But yet I am, I must be, Mrs. Van![<a id="chap00bfn3text"></a><a href="#chap00bfn3">3</a>]<br />
- If I ain't, who is? who, good Heavens! can?<br />
- I see my cupboards full, and running o'er,<br />
- With tamarinds, nuts, and many a luscious store;<br />
- There's my old chair, and here the oaken presses<br />
- All full of mildew and brocaded dresses,<br />
- Fashion'd in times of yore, when in the throng<br />
- Of dazzling courtiers, as they pass'd along<br />
- The palace halls, my grandam stood confess'd<br />
- By all to be most beautifully dress'd;<br />
- There's my old shay, and there the red-nosed Bob<br />
- Who drives me slow, nor tires with the job.<br />
- It must be true, I must be Mrs. Van,<br />
- The Sheriff's Ma, disprove it ye who can!<br />
- And ye, the crowds,[<a id="chap00bfn4text"></a><a href="#chap00bfn4">4</a>] who various duties tend<br />
- In this our own snug circle at Cane End,<br />
- Dismiss your labours, and with mirth and glee<br />
- Bellow hurrahs for Henry and for me!<br />
- Know for your feast (for now no English sinner<br />
- Can e'er do anything without a dinner);<br />
- Fox-hunters, statesmen, parsons, 'tis the same,<br />
- And even sheriffs must partake the blame:<br />
- For rumour tells me, shocking to relate,<br />
- That at the "<i>Star</i>" 'twill be my Henry's fate<br />
- O'er the Grand Jury Dinner to preside,<br />
- And last, not least, believe me, pay beside.<br />
- Sure I have had the kitchen table spread<br />
- With mutton bones, and sundry pounds of bread;[<a id="chap00bfn5text"></a><a href="#chap00bfn5">5</a>]<br />
- Water in plenty, and (though very dear)<br />
- Two gallons of strong treble X small beer!<br />
- Drink if ye can! the beer's so very small<br />
- I think there'll almost be enough for all!<br />
- Drink! sing! rejoice! but let the Sheriff's praise<br />
- Afford a subject for your roundelays!<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="noindent">
-[<i>Exit</i> MRS. VAN.
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap00bfn1"></a>
-[<a href="#chap00bfn1text">1</a>] "While vibrating in unbelieving tooth
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Harps twang in Drury's walls."<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Rejected Addresses</i>, 19th ed. p. 24, see note 1.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap00bfn2"></a>
-[<a href="#chap00bfn2text">2</a>] The Cane End currant wine was noted for its goodness.&mdash;AUTHOR.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap00bfn3"></a>
-[<a href="#chap00bfn3text">3</a>] With regard to this abbreviation of the family name, the
-following anecdote may be relied on. A stranger to Cane End
-inquired of an ancient inhabitant thereof where Mr. Vanderstegen
-lived? "Lord, Sir!" (was the answer), "I cannot tell ye, but I
-knows where our Mr. Van does!"&mdash;AUTHOR.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap00bfn4"></a>
-[<a href="#chap00bfn4text">4</a>] Report says, that the aforesaid red-nosed Bob, Screw
-Critchfield, and Blind Betty are the only attendants
-of this ancient family.
-Of course the text is more to be depended on than mere report.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap00bfn5"></a>
-[<a href="#chap00bfn5text">5</a>] This seems to be an allusion to a certain supper after a
-certain ball.
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap00c"></a></p>
-
-<h3>
- CHORUS OF ATTENDANTS.
-</h3>
-
-<p class="t3">
- <i>Red-nosed</i> BOB <i>leader</i>.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- <i>Bottom</i>. "Where are these lads,<br />
- Where are these hearts?"<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Midsummer Night's Dream</i>, act iv. sc. 2.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Hail, happy day, our only holiday!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurrah, for old Cane End!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah<br />
- Our master's a sheriff!<br />
- A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Hail, happy day, our only holiday!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurrah for Mrs. Van!<br />
- Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our master's a sheriff,<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Hail happy day, our glorious holiday!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hurrah for the sheriff!<br />
- Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our master's a sheriff,<br />
- A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="noindent">
-[<i>Exeunt shouting and singing.</i>
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap01"></a></p>
-
-<h2>
- THE LAY OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.
-</h2>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="t3">
- "Let's have him in a coach."&mdash;Boz.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="t3">
- <i>Enter</i> HIGH SHERIFF <i>nervous, anxious, and<br />
- apparently much concerned.</i><br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Who'd be a sheriff, I should like to know,<br />
- With all this fuss and bother, teasing so?<br />
- These three last weeks I've not had any time<br />
- To sleep in quiet, eat, or drink my wine,<br />
- Though 'tis but little wine that I imbibe;<br />
- 'Tis sleep I love, past all the world beside.<br />
- My moments once were calm from nine at night;<br />
- My dreams were pleasant and my slumbers light<br />
- Till next day's noon; but now 'tis alter'd quite.<br />
- O Sleep! thou loveliest of the gifts divine<br />
- From God to man, would thou again were mine,<br />
- To hide the visions which for ever seem<br />
- Haunting my fever'd moments, of the team<br />
- Of <i>Waddell's</i>[<a id="chap01fn1text"></a><a href="#chap01fn1">1</a>] jaded, miserable tits,<br />
- Which, ere the rail had knock'd their trade to bits,<br />
- In the "Tantivy" once so gaily pranced,<br />
- When <i>Cheeseman's</i>[<a id="chap01fn2text"></a><a href="#chap01fn2">2</a>] bugle all our ears entranced,<br />
- And <i>Sal'sbury</i>[<a id="chap01fn3text"></a><a href="#chap01fn3">3</a>] work'd his then <i>fast-trotting</i> bays,<br />
- Now the sad emblems of regretted days!<br />
- Of wigs and judges, barristers and ermine,<br />
- Murders and felons, I can scarce determine<br />
- Whether on head or heels I rightly stand,<br />
- Wholly perplex'd, a very fish on land.<br />
- Swords and cock'd hats, with all my other dress,<br />
- O'erload my fancies and my brain oppress;<br />
- Where can I get a carriage for the judge?<br />
- To pay <i>Brown</i>[<a id="chap01fn4text"></a><a href="#chap01fn4">4</a>] thirty <i>Guas</i>,[<a id="chap01fn5text"></a><a href="#chap01fn5">5</a>] I own, I grudge;<br />
- What's to be done? A coach must needs be had.<br />
- A coach! but stay, the thought is none so bad,<br />
- I'll think me who, of all the people near,<br />
- Sport coaches, if I don't, whip me, that's clear;<br />
- The first coach-sporting neighbour that I know is<br />
- My best of friends, the worthy Squire Powys;<br />
- Yes! his will do, I'll ask for it to-morrow;<br />
- 'Twill save me much vexation, toil, and sorrow.<br />
- But will it do? Ah, stay! I fear me no!<br />
- There's something whispers, "Van," this here's no go;<br />
- 'Tis far too coachy, far too like the drags<br />
- Of which our noted Oxford builder[<a id="chap01fn6text"></a><a href="#chap01fn6">6</a>] brags.<br />
- Indeed, you'd live to hear the judges say,<br />
- "Good Mr. Sheriff! What's the fare to pay?"<br />
- Had you that coach; besides, there's Master Phil[<a id="chap01fn7text"></a><a href="#chap01fn7">7</a>]<br />
- To poke his fun, as well you know he will.<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next the bold captain's cumbersome and old.<br />
- Old as its owner, Rattletrappy, cold;<br />
- 'Twon't do! but now, I think me, Mr. Reade[<a id="chap01fn8text"></a><a href="#chap01fn8">8</a>]<br />
- Of Ipsden, he's the man to serve my need.<br />
- I recollect when I at Ipsden call'd<br />
- One day last week, with wondering gaze enthrall'd,<br />
- I spied his carriage standing at the door,<br />
- New lined, new varnish'd and new painted o'er,<br />
- Crests, arms, and all the proper blazonry<br />
- Pomps and achievements, known in heraldry,<br />
- Cushions well-stuff'd, well padded, and behind<br />
- A charming footboard, suited to the mind<br />
- Of any London "figure man" who clings<br />
- Behind the well-appointed coach, that wings<br />
- Its course down Bond Street, or the crowded rings<br />
- Of that proud rendezvous of fashion yclept the Park.<br />
- And what though arms and crest unlike my own<br />
- Glare on its surface? who's to make it known,&mdash;<br />
- No walking Gwyllim, Clarencieux, or Rouge Dragon<br />
- Infests our streets, to put an envious gag on<br />
- My borrow'd arms and crests. That I'll rely on.<br />
- One care's at rest;&mdash;but now my liveries claim<br />
- My next attention, and my thoughts' best aim:<br />
- What shall the coats be? blue turn'd up with green,<br />
- And smalls contrived of darkest velveteen?<br />
- Or green with blue, and (pray don't, Ladies, blush,)<br />
- Continuations built of crimson plush?<br />
- 'Tis passing hard for one, unskill'd as me<br />
- In dress, and such-like senseless vanity,<br />
- Such things to settle&mdash;would I had a wife!<br />
- I never long'd for one so in my life<br />
- (Not e'en when Jessica's fair hand I pray'd,<br />
- And struggled hard, with anxious hopes delay'd,)<br />
- As now, to bid some gorgeous liveries rise<br />
- To grace my servants and astound the eyes<br />
- Of wondering freshmen, javelineers, and Dons.[<a id="chap01fn9text"></a><a href="#chap01fn9">9</a>]<br />
- I'll to my mother, she can best advise,<br />
- In coats and smalls she's wonderfully wise<br />
- (Who says she wears the latter <i>not</i>, he lies.)<br />
- When we've determined what the men shall wear,<br />
- Then in the shay to Letchworth's we'll repair;<br />
- He from his hoards of cloth blue, red, and green,<br />
- Shall rig out liveries such as ne'er were seen.<br />
- Such are my cares, and oh! I must confess<br />
- I feel much trembling and sad nervousness;<br />
- I've suffer'd much anxiety of late,<br />
- Dread are my prospects, painful is my fate<br />
- When I consider how the judge to meet!<br />
- Make a low bow, or fall down at his feet;&mdash;<br />
- <i>And then</i> my sword! 'twill sure be very queer,<br />
- Lest it upset me clean I greatly fear&mdash;<br />
- Powers of Impudence! assist, I pray,<br />
- Give me some brass, and teach me how to say,&mdash;<br />
- "Good day, your lordships, welcome to our city."[<a id="chap01fn10text"></a><a href="#chap01fn10">10</a>]<br />
- Of Oxford, now I'm Sheriff&mdash;more's the pity.<br />
- 'Tis said, 'tis good, our griefs and joys t'impart<br />
- To kindly souls, and many a sorrowing heart<br />
- Where brooded hopeless, melancholy grief,<br />
- From sympathising friends has drawn relief.<br />
- May it be so with me! full many an hour<br />
- I've funk'd and stew'd[<a id="chap01fn11text"></a><a href="#chap01fn11">11</a>] to think what earthly power<br />
- Could nerve me up sufficiently to fill<br />
- (The heart being sadly wanting, not the will,)<br />
- My Sheriff's office; even now a gleam<br />
- Of hope, though far, far off, is dimly seen<br />
- By my mind's eye,[<a id="chap01fn12text"></a><a href="#chap01fn12">12</a>] new light within me burns,<br />
- Some welcome sprite my fear to courage turns,<br />
- Makes glad my heart, and bids my spirits rise!<br />
- What ho! within, some brandy and mince pies!<br />
- Uncork a bottle of that curious wine<br />
- Which once belonged to that grandfather mine<br />
- Who first from Holland, settled at Cane End.<br />
- Bring up, I say, a bottle! pray luck send<br />
- It be a good one! for 'tis true enough<br />
- It's either quite tip-top, or horrid stuff,<br />
- Like Thoyt's horse,[<a id="chap01fn13text"></a><a href="#chap01fn13">13</a>] of which I knowledge had<br />
- Extremely good, or else extremely bad!<br />
- Here is a bottle! ah! 'tis wondrous kind,<br />
- Brilliant and sparkling, suited to the mind<br />
- Of more than sheriff, aldermanic quite!<br />
- I'll floor the bottle, then I'll say, "Good night"[<a id="chap01fn14text"></a><a href="#chap01fn14">14</a>]<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn1"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn1text">1</a>] Mr. Waddell, partner in the great coaching firm of Coster
-and Waddell. At his funeral Mr. William Bowers, better known
-as "Black Will," the oldest servant in his employ, drove the hearse.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn2"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn2text">2</a>] The celebrated "Tantivy" eighteen stone guard, nevertheless,
-as active as a really good yacht sailor, familiarly known by
-gownsmen as "Double Glos'ter."
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn3"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn3text">3</a>] The accomplished artist who many years worked the "Tantivy"
-along with Mr. Cracknell. Their style, and the performance
-of their splendid bay team from Woodstock into Oxford, equalled
-any thing known in coaching days, and are still in my mind's eye
-as they used to pass my windows in the Old Grove at luncheon
-time. <i>Teste</i> W. S. VAUX of the British Museum. Mr. Cracknell
-was on the Brighton coach this season, and it <i>was</i> a <i>treat</i> to sit
-alongside him.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn4"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn4text">4</a>] His son still carries on the business in Castle Street, Reading,
-with increased talent. <i>Teste</i> two things just done for the author,
-1868.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-Mr. Brown used to supply the Sheriff's coach, in which the
-under Sheriff usually posted up to Oxford.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn5"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn5text">5</a>] <i>Guas</i> must be pronounced as spelled; <i>Guas</i> are well known to
-lawyers and clients also.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn6"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn6text">6</a>] Shackleford, of George Lane, Oxford, one of the best
-four-horse coach builders. He did the Tantivy work and all the
-other coaches that ran through Oxford.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<i>Teste</i> the late James Castle of 44, Corn Market, son of the
-well-known J. Castle, of the Blenheim.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn7"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn7text">7</a>] The annotator confesses to being pretty considerably
-flummaxed by this allusion. That some existing person is meant,
-appears from the context, or else how could fun be poked by
-him? said Master Phil.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-He has bestowed great labour and attention upon the
-consideration of this point. He has gone through all grades and
-classes of Masters&mdash;builders, sweeps, carpenters, masons, keys,
-mariners, &amp;c.; Masters in Chancery, ordinary and extraordinary,
-not forgetting the Rolls and Exchequer, Masters Smith, Brown,
-Thompson, Jones, Green, and hosts more, but without finding the
-least trace of this Master Phil.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-He confesses to being regularly beat, and begs in "whipping
-off" to add&mdash;
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That as he can't discover Master Phil,<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He only hopes and trusts the reader will."<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn8"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn8text">8</a>] John Reade of Ipsden, in the county of Oxford, Esquire, a
-well-known magistrate, celebrated for giving the law to the Judges
-and the Bar; his exertions in mending the "ways" of the neighbouring
-parishes, and sporting a blue umbrella on occasions about
-as suited for such a display as the late Eglinton Tournay.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn9"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn9text">9</a>] It may appear strange that the MS. should class "dons"
-among the subjects into which amazement is to be struck by the
-sheriff's gorgeous liveries. Were all people aware of the secluded
-life led by the Don class, wonder would cease, and a conviction
-might arise, that were Virgil now alive he might apply his line,&mdash;
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos,"<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-to Oxford Dons rather than the British community at large.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn10"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn10text">10</a>] Oxford city has a sheriff of its own; our hero was the High
-Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and so welcomed the Judges to the County
-town.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn11"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn11text">11</a>] Etonice for being frightened, or alarmed at, as may be
-illustrated by the following imaginary talk between two lower
-boys:&mdash;"I say, old fellow, who funks a flogging?" "Not
-I, my boy! but
-I am in a precious stew about that licking Box Major promised me!"
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn12"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn12text">12</a>] "In my mind's eye, Horatio."&mdash;<i>Hamlet</i>.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn13"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn13text">13</a>] A somewhat abstruse and curious simile, at the first blush
-apparently paradoxical, somewhat akin to "Aut Cæsar, aut nullus."
-The author can vouch for the truth of it, as he heard it delivered.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap01fn14"></a>
-[<a href="#chap01fn14text">14</a>] The break that occurs here in the MS. seems to prove that
-the Sheriff's promises were but partially fulfilled. There is ground
-for the hypothesis that a sort of mutual flooring took place between
-the sheriff and the bottle; in other words, that as the sheriff floored
-the bottle, so the bottle returned the compliment, and effectually
-floored the sheriff!
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap02"></a></p>
-
-<h3>
- PART II.
-</h3>
-
-<p class="t3">
- "Gentlemen from London; distinguished foreigners,<br />
- anything."&mdash;PICKWICK.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- 'Twas noon, in fact old Tom[<a id="chap02fn1text"></a><a href="#chap02fn1">1</a>] had just rung out<br />
- The mid-day hour. The crowd that hung about<br />
- The doors of that once famous hostelrie,<br />
- When 'neath the fostering sway of the Dupree,[<a id="chap02fn2text"></a><a href="#chap02fn2">2</a>]<br />
- Had almost gaped and gazed their utmost fill,<br />
- Yet linger'd there, and gaped and wonder'd still;<br />
- As when in passing some secluded square,<br />
- I've seen a crowd of ragged urchins stare<br />
- With all attention and uplifted gaze<br />
- At a small theatre, covered with green baize,<br />
- Where Punch performs, with most discordant squeak,<br />
- His merry antics; now on gibbet's peak<br />
- Hanging (the rogue) the constable on high;<br />
- Now whopping Judy, whose most piteous cry<br />
- Rings through the square and stops the passers by&mdash;<br />
- So did the crowd expectingly surround,<br />
- Jostling with push and thrust and oaths profound,<br />
- Gathering from every part, both near and far,<br />
- The gate of Oxford's fast declining "Star."<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- But what's the row? There's something to be done;<br />
- It looks as if this shindy meant some fun,<br />
- Having the <i>entrée</i> of this famed hotel,<br />
- We'll enter! "I say, Bob, just touch the bell."<br />
- "Coming, sir, d'rectly." Well, Smith[<a id="chap02fn3text"></a><a href="#chap02fn3">3</a>] what's the cause<br />
- Of this tumultuous gathering and noise;<br />
- What's in the wind? we're just from London come,<br />
- Let's have the news! I'll bet it something rum."<br />
- "Oh, Sirs, the Sheriff causes all the fuss!<br />
- Excuse me, gents, I can't stay chattering thus;&mdash;<br />
- What shall I get ye? mutton chops for two?<br />
- Or a grill'd fowl, or will some cutlets do?<br />
- The cook's half-roasted&mdash;house is very full,<br />
- The Judge is coming&mdash;you'll not find it dull."<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- "Here are the cutlets and a pot of ale,<br />
- And while you're eating, you shall hear the tale<br />
- Of this High Sheriff!" "Who on earth is he?<br />
- (This tap's not bad, just hand it o'er to me.")<br />
- "Why, bless you, Sirs, 'tis Mr. Vanderstegen,<br />
- But here we call him 'Van;' I just now seed him<br />
- Dressing to go and bring the Judges in."<br />
- "How does he look?" "Why, really, quite the thing&mdash;<br />
- Barring his flurry&mdash;which is not surprising;<br />
- But bless my life! why here he's coming down<br />
- Ready for starting! here! Jack, Dick, and Brown,<br />
- Way for the Sheriff! Let the Sheriff pass!"<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Blow up, ye trumpeters!</i> and crack your brass![<a id="chap02fn4text"></a><a href="#chap02fn4">4</a>]<br />
- Hark to the trumpets' mirth-creating strain![<a id="chap02fn5text"></a><a href="#chap02fn5">5</a>]<br />
- View the bold javelineers, a motley train,<br />
- Perch'd upon what, in long-departed days,<br />
- Might have been horses, grey, white, black, or bays;<br />
- Height is no object&mdash;some stand fifteen three,<br />
- Others not twelve; this one appears to be<br />
- Fresh from a barge! that other tottering steed<br />
- Is booked next week 'Lord Parker's'[<a id="chap02fn6text"></a><a href="#chap02fn6">6</a>] hounds to feed!<br />
- Could Mancha's knight his Rozinante bring<br />
- To show against this miserable string,<br />
- I'd bet a hat (a Randall[<a id="chap02fn7text"></a><a href="#chap02fn7">7</a>] or a Paris one)<br />
- He'd prove a downright "Clipper" by comparison.<br />
- 'Twere better far keep javelineers on foot,[<a id="chap02fn8text"></a><a href="#chap02fn8">8</a>]<br />
- They're better there than where I've seen them put;&mdash;<br />
- Scarce one his saddle gains alone, and in it<br />
- When there, what's next? he's out in half a minute<br />
- Hilloa! what's this? that leader's rather queer,<br />
- Don't like the bars! a little light, I fear,<br />
- Behind&mdash;hold hard! look how that wheeler jibs!<br />
- Stupid! hit t'other, punch him in the ribs,<br />
- Tom Ostler, can't ye? hark ye, Master Will,<br />
- When you'd start jibbers, jib they ne'er so ill,<br />
- Let them alone, <i>but make them go</i> as will.<br />
- Try it again&mdash;at last they're off, full tilt,<br />
- Pray Heaven grant our Sheriff mayn't be spilt!<br />
- Forward's the word, when lo! a sudden stop<br />
- Causes the Sheriff from the coach to pop<br />
- His head, to learn the cause of this delay.<br />
- "Sir," says the footman, "cause of this delay,<br />
- Look you, the Judge's carriage stops the way."<br />
- It's useless now to dare contend with fate,<br />
- Make the best of it, as you are too late;<br />
- It can't be help'd, so come, O Sheriff Van,<br />
- Pluck up your heart to meet him, if you can!<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tis done! with solemn pace the Ipsden coach<br />
- With Judge, and Sheriff, (pale as any roach)<br />
- Reaches the goal, and sore from many a jar<br />
- Sets down its precious burthen at the "Star."<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn1"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn1text">1</a>] Old Tom, not the Old Tom of London Gin notoriety, but
-the veritable Tom of Christ Church, Oxford.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn2"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn2text">2</a>] The famous landlady of the "Star" in the olden time. The
-Queen of landladies.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn3"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn3text">3</a>] The then excellent head-waiter at the Star.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn4"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn4text">4</a>] "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks."&mdash;SHAKESPEARE
-<i>and</i> DRYDEN.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn5"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn5text">5</a>] Mirth-creating, inasmuch as people laugh'd at their <i>dis</i>cord.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn6"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn6text">6</a>] Now Lord Macclesfield, the best man ever known to get
-foxes <i>away</i> in our beech-wood country.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn7"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn7text">7</a>] An Oxford-bought hat was usually called a "Randall," after
-the eminent <i>nunc</i> alderman of that name, then in business in High
-Street.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02fn8"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02fn8text">8</a>] They are on foot now (September 16, 1868).
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap02b"></a></p>
-
-<h3>
- THE DINNER.
-</h3>
-
-<p class="t3">
- "Hold hard there, your eyes on me, gen'lemen."&mdash;MR. WELLER,<br />
- SENIOR. Pickwick.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- Hark to the clatter of the knives and forks,<br />
- In go the corkscrews and out come the corks,<br />
- Head waiter Smith bends 'neath a ponderous dish,<br />
- One hopes a salmon, or some weightier fish,<br />
- May be a turbot or a royal sturgeon&mdash;<br />
- The very thing one's appetite to urge on;<br />
- Covers of every size bedeck the feast,<br />
- The host has lots of "plate" to say the least;<br />
- It may be <i>plated</i>, though, 'tis hard to know<br />
- The real from sham, one does get puzzled so<br />
- By new inventions&mdash;here's albata plate,<br />
- Electro silver, numerous plans of late<br />
- Beguile the senses of the wondering guest,<br />
- And palm off drugs as equal to the best.<br />
- But to the dinner; one would think, forsooth,<br />
- 'Twould be a banquet worthy of the tooth<br />
- Of any a city gourmand; wait a minute,<br />
- Look at that dish, and mark ye what's there in it;<br />
- It seem'd to promise turbot or a sturgeon,<br />
- And lo! what's there? a pike set round with gudgeon!<br />
- Its vis-à-vis contains a bit of beef<br />
- Cut from a cow, that died last week of grief,<br />
- At hearing of Sir Robert's new tariff.<br />
- A brace of sickly chickens, tough and dried,<br />
- Usurp the centre, flank'd on either side<br />
- By bad potatoes, baked, boil'd, roast and fried.<br />
- I'd most forgot a piece of veal and ham&mdash;<br />
- Try it&mdash;I'll bet a crown there's no one can.<br />
- Such, with a few disgusting tarts and pies,<br />
- Some cheese of which, at every mouthful, dies<br />
- A host of ugly vermin; such your bill<br />
- Of foul I call it&mdash;call it what you will.<br />
- Off with the cloth! don't let a trace remain<br />
- Of this vile medley. Off! I say again.<br />
- Oh, Mr. Griffith,[<a id="chap02bfn1text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn1">1</a>] take a friend's advice,<br />
- Give the best dinner where you charge best price;<br />
- 'Twould be far better for your credit's sake,<br />
- As for your conscience; that, old Nick may take,<br />
- If he will have it, which I greatly doubt,<br />
- You are far too clever, he has found you out.<br />
- Who's on his legs; hurrah, 'tis honest John,[<a id="chap02bfn2text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn2">2</a>]<br />
- That Fane of Fanes! What topic is he on;<br />
- Hark, let us listen! What on earth's he at?<br />
- He means some fun, rest well assured of that;<br />
- Gazing around, with mirth-creating grin,<br />
- Says he, "My friends, I scarce know where begin,<br />
- I am so modest, spare my youthful blushes,<br />
- I'm yet a colt and have not cut my tushes.<br />
- I beg permission to propose a toast.<br />
- Such as I guess, just now will please you most;<br />
- Health and long life to that illustrious man,<br />
- Our now high Sheriff, worthy neighbour Van.<br />
- Sheriff! your health! and now with three times three,<br />
- And as you love me! let it bumpers be;<br />
- We'll drink his health, now Gents, your eyes on me."<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finish'd the toast; High Sheriff! is the call;<br />
- Oh, dear! he looks just now uncommon small,<br />
- White as his choker, tho' blush-red by turns<br />
- With hectic flush, his quivering forehead burns.<br />
- At last for words he finds a labouring vent:<br />
- "I thank you, Gentlemen, with best intent<br />
- "To pay your kindness, with a due requite<br />
- "Of mingled thanks, enhanced with delight.<br />
- "As I am certainly not used to public speaking,<br />
- "And vainly now, for words of thanks am seeking,<br />
- "I'll cut it short, and with your kind permission,<br />
- "Seek in my chair an easier position."<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Round goes the wine, full many a toast goes down,<br />
- To Queen and Country, Albert, Church and Crown.<br />
- Some worthy Dons, wine-warm'd, propose the Bar;<br />
- The Bar, the Dons, and swear the gems they are<br />
- Of Oxford's glory. They, good easy men,<br />
- Can't twig the joke, nor legal satire stem;<br />
- And is it so? for half their mouldering lives<br />
- They sweat their Fellowships, then marry wives;<br />
- Or when in College, they have topp'd the tree,[<a id="chap02bfn3text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn3">3</a>]<br />
- They drone and doze in dull solemnity.<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After this long digression we must try<br />
- Back to our Sheriff! What's this? Oh, my eye!<br />
- He's fast asleep, bad luck; in vain, in vain,<br />
- Old Ashurst[<a id="chap02bfn4text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn4">4</a>] kicks, and kicks his shins again;<br />
- The Doctor roars[<a id="chap02bfn5text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn5">5</a>] and Waterferry's chief,[<a id="chap02bfn6text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn6">6</a>]<br />
- Thinks of some mode, to gain the wish'd relief.<br />
- Nought will avail! at last cries Fane, "Here goes,<br />
- Give us a cork, we'll black our sheriff's nose."[<a id="chap02bfn7text"></a><a href="#chap02bfn7">7</a>]<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn1"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn1text">1</a>] The "Star" sheriff's dinners, <i>teste</i> the author, were miserable.
-But as <i>per contra</i> to his bad dinners, the author must record
-Mr. Griffith's conduct towards the "Cause" in the election,
-A.D. 1862. Colonel Fane won't forget it, nor the author. He
-placed his "Star," all his horses, men, and carriages at the Colonel's
-service, free gratis.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn2"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn2text">2</a>] John Fane of Wormesly, late M.P. for Oxfordshire, father of
-the Colonel, now M.P. for Oxfordshire&mdash;known as honest John
-Fane, Master of Harriers, and "king of the most celebrated and
-successful Wormesly Tournament."
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn3"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn3text">3</a>] The author begs to say that this expression must be taken
-metaphorically. The worthy heads of the different Colleges would
-be doubtless unable, from the expanse of waistcoat, to "top a
-tree," nor would their sense of dignity allow it, if they could.
-He must except the most Rev. the Prases of St. John's
-College, both from the tree and dozing business; he is without
-dispute an honour to our College, our University, and our County,
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn4"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn4text">4</a>] Late M.P. for Oxfordshire. <i>Vide</i> his portrait in the County
-Hall.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn5"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn5text">5</a>] His brother, late Fellow of All Souls, Oxford.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn6"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn6text">6</a>] The Right Honourable J. W. Henley, M.P., &amp;c. senior
-member for Oxfordshire; and long may he so continue.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap02bfn7"></a>
-[<a href="#chap02bfn7text">7</a>] The author not having been present at this dinner cannot be
-responsible for the concluding scene. He can only say that from
-his personal knowledge of the parties, he thinks it might most
-likely have occurred.
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p><a id="chap03"></a></p>
-
-<h3>
- PART III.
-</h3>
-
-<p class="t3">
- Vitæ me redde priori."&mdash;HORACE, <i>Epist.</i> Lib. 1. 7, 95.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="poem">
- 'Tis pass'd, and all is silence, o'er that scene,<br />
- Which of forensic eloquence has been<br />
- The fit arena; where with subtle brain,<br />
- Counsel have plied in nicely fitting train<br />
- Their logic's art, or press'd their rhetoric's aid<br />
- This to convince, the other to persuade<br />
- A doubting jury, where with anxious care,<br />
- Lest they in vain Justitia's sword should bear,<br />
- The upright guardians of our country's laws,<br />
- With practised eye, in each successive cause,<br />
- Watching the varying points, the tangled clue<br />
- Of facts explaining to the jury's view,<br />
- Have shown their power, unsullied to maintain<br />
- The sway of Justice, in her peaceful reign.<br />
- Can it be fitting, think ye, e'er to bend<br />
- Justice to Pleasure's gay voluptuous end?<br />
- Is such a time for mirth and revelry,<br />
- Is't in a Christian country we should see<br />
- The gay Assize Ball? Reader, pray reflect,<br />
- (If thou'rt a woman) can this be correct?<br />
- I know the warmth and kindness of your nature,<br />
- Mercy and pity gleam from every feature;<br />
- Your sex's innate modesty will aid<br />
- My words far more than countless offerings paid<br />
- To Fashion's shrine! Oh, think me not too vile<br />
- For your attention; stay the withering smile<br />
- That seems to say, "This is some scribbler's cant;<br />
- Some low born Reptile's Methodistic rant;<br />
- Or else, some Fallen Star, condemn'd to dwell<br />
- With swaggering ostlers, or to bear the bell<br />
- In drunken riots; banish'd from the sphere<br />
- Where one of us, he once had his career,<br />
- Now dares, in hate, his slanderous venom raise,<br />
- In envious longing for his bygone days."<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pardon me if I break discretion's chain<br />
- In daring thus your pretty selves t' arraign,<br />
- To curb your pleasures, and to draw the rein<br />
- Of better feelings, o'er your giddy race.<br />
- Look on this picture first, then try to face<br />
- The other! Here, with art's consummate care,<br />
- Deck'd and adorn'd with gold, her jewell'd hair<br />
- Glistening as sunbeams o'er the rippling tide<br />
- Reflected from some towering mountain's side,<br />
- Proud beauty seeks, with brightly flashing een,<br />
- The miscall'd glories of that heartless scene;<br />
- Where Weippert[<a id="chap03fn1text"></a><a href="#chap03fn1">1</a>] proudly wakes his dulcet strains,<br />
- And pleasure's cold, unfeeling sceptre reigns.<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turn to the other; mark that darkening gate,<br />
- That fearful structure, brooding o'er the fate<br />
- Of fellow creatures! There in loathsome cell<br />
- A wretched felon counts each passing bell<br />
- That marks the hours, as in their noiseless speed<br />
- They near the fatal morn, and bid him heed<br />
- His soul's salvation, ere that sun shall rise,<br />
- Which last on earth shall meet his dying eyes.<br />
- Say, can ye still unfeelingly forbear<br />
- To shed for pity's sake one sorrowing tear.<br />
- I know that youthful blood beats high to thread<br />
- Those mystic mazes, fairies love to tread;<br />
- This is but Nature's province, she bestows<br />
- Your limbs and beauty, these she bids you use<br />
- At proper seasons; will ye dare abuse<br />
- Her precious favours? that can never be<br />
- The time for dances and frivolity,<br />
- When open-handed Justice wields the scale<br />
- That rights the just, and bids offenders quail.<br />
- &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But to our Sheriff; we have strangely bent<br />
- A wandering course in search of sentiment.<br />
- Back to the "Star;" we want no Advertiser,<br />
- My lords being gone, he'll prove no early riser.<br />
- Hah! here we have him, slumbering sweetly still,<br />
- We must not wake him, lest he take it ill;<br />
- And when his dander's up, let them stand by&mdash;<br />
- Who'd singe a lion! I've no wish to try.<br />
- Steady a moment, just pull up the blind,<br />
- The sun breaks out, right on him, very kind;<br />
- May be 'twill wake him; ah, one other ray<br />
- Will do the trick; but, I say, look this way,<br />
- This jug, with water fill'd, so cold, so big,<br />
- I wish we dared to give him a cold pig.[<a id="chap03fn2text"></a><a href="#chap03fn2">2</a>]<br />
- But sheriffs stand not gammon, in a crack<br />
- I'd have his rapier walking[<a id="chap03fn3text"></a><a href="#chap03fn3">3</a>] through my back;<br />
- Good! he awakes, without our intervention,<br />
- (This, though no consequence, I wish to mention,)<br />
- And having rubb'd his eyes, and clear'd his throat,<br />
- Apostrophizes thus his Sheriff's coat:&mdash;<br />
- "O thou bless'd emblem of my shrievalty,<br />
- Perpetual witness of my dignity;<br />
- In which I've braved the concentrated gaze<br />
- Of wondering myriads, for the last few days;<br />
- How can I thanks sufficiently express<br />
- For thy assistance, for I here confess<br />
- How much I owe[<a id="chap03fn4text"></a><a href="#chap03fn4">4</a>] thee, when I lay thee by;<br />
- Thou at Cane End in lavender shalt lie,<br />
- Snug in a chest, secure from curious eye,<br />
- Save mine; and I whene'er the lid I raise,<br />
- Will laud thy virtues, and renew thy praise.<br />
- Now, on my pony, straightway I'll depart,<br />
- Lighter in pocket, lighter far in heart,<br />
- Back to Cane End; I fear my anxious mother<br />
- In rapturous joy her boy will almost smother;<br />
- But this I'll risk, and should the Fates prove kind,<br />
- Should they restore my long lost peace of mind,<br />
- In slumbers light I'll close my wearied eyes,<br />
- And doze in quiet till the next Assize."<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /></p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap03fn1"></a>
-[<a href="#chap03fn1text">1</a>] The name of Weippert recalls the memory of many happy
-balls in Upper Harley Street, where Weippert always conducted
-in person. The memory of the host lives in the author's mind.
-The hostess still lives, and long may she live. (September 16,
-1868.)
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-The author is happy to say that Assize Balls are now "gone
-out;" when he wrote this opusculum they did exist. (September
-16, 1868.)
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap03fn2"></a>
-[<a href="#chap03fn2text">2</a>] Should any fair reader be at a loss for the meaning of this
-expression, ask any school-boy brother, if you have one, for a
-practical illustration thereof, and mark the result.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap03fn3"></a>
-[<a href="#chap03fn3text">3</a>] The author remembers that "being pretty considerably walked
-into at Collections," was a favourite phrase with undergraduates.
-Hence he thus ventures to describe the undesirable transit of the
-sheriff's toasting fork through his body.
-</p>
-
-<p class="footnote">
-<a id="chap03fn4"></a>
-[<a href="#chap03fn4text">4</a>] From this sentiment of the Sheriff he seems to differ from
-William of Wykeham, who, if the plates at New College high table
-are to be relied upon, held that "manners makyth man." The
-Sheriff, on the contrary, would seem to hold that "the coat makes
-the sheriff."
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /></p>
-
-<p class="t4">
- PRINTED BY WHITINGHAM AND WILKINS,<br />
- TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
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