combined as large a proportion of worthless characters, of pick-pockets, and of felons, as could enter into the composition of any like given number which this vicious Metropolis could spew forth from its contagious sinks. It was wonderful, where so many wicked passions were congregated, that no shocking excess, no revolting ebullition ensued--are we right in supposing, that had the occasion been any other than a boxing match or a bull-bait such must have been the consequence? But the rabble were amused; their language was disgusting, from its oaths, and their manners were coarse: yet it is but justice to them to say that this was the head and front of their offending, for good humour pervaded their practical jokes or larking, and mischief never seemed to enter into their heads. They jested at each other's muddy misfortunes, threw out their slang salutations merrily; and we will bear witness, conducted themselves better than a similar body of the lowest ranks (not of bad repute or known infamy) of any other country in the world would have done if so assembled together. This was most manifest when the beaks or police officers interfered with them; for though their expected sports were frustrated, for aught they could tell, entirely, they submitted with laughter, not resentment, and retired, up to their middles in dirt and fatigued with a long march, without an angry murmur, får less the resistance they were strong enough effectually to offer. It is with uncommon pleasure we can say so much for our companions: it confirms us in a gracious opinion we have ever wished to cherish regarding poor human nature, videlicet, that there is no one so absolutely depraved as to be destitute of every virtue. But it is time we were in the field;—the field near Roehampton. As we approached this spot, our eyes were attracted by large placards, signifying that if any person or persons as-sembled there in a tumultuous or riotous manner, to box, or do any thing tending to a breach of the public peace, they should be dealt with according to law. This was rather appalling to such young sinners as our party consist ed of, and we held a council, which ended as most councils do, in our resolving to prosecute our iniquitous course, because the paper had no signature of a magistrate, and might be therefore (one never wants excuses for following his own inclinations) the unauthorized act of some meddling, impertinent, envious individual, who had no business to baulk us in our purposed recreation. We accordingly proceeded to the field where the crowd was, passing ten or dozen Bow-street officers in a cluster on the road, with a firm step, and only casting a side glance over our shoulders to see whether or not they were doing us the pleasure to form a part of our cortege. We were not grievously disappointed when we noticed they did not do us this favour. The field presented a striking appearance. The trees round had living branches, and were laden with fruit (a simile of dissimilitude) like those in the garden of the Hesperides. true that many of these human apples were fit for the drop; but why should we libel our comrades of the 29th of January. A sort of theatre was formed, of carts and waggons, hurdles, &c. and all who entered by the gate on horseback or in carriages of every sort, (the pedestrians leaping over hedges and ditches) were obliged to pay for admission. Among the number thus taxed, were sundry magistrates of the county and the clerk of the peace, who, having severally paid their shillings, joined our assembly. But, alas! these dragons had not come to guard the fruit or to partake of the revels: they came to forbid the spree! The ring was just being sweetly beat out, when, not particularly anxious, as we guessed, that this operation should be completed, probably not conceiving that a perfect ring was necessary for their performances, these magistrates rode into the centre of the ungeometrical figure, (such as it was) and politely intimated to us that we must disperse, as they could suffer no fight, nor no bull-hank neither, to take place there. They moreover made some genteel inquiries about our especial friend Mr. Eales; but as he was not ambitious of better company than that in which he barouched it from London, he kept his They enjoyed our mele, and tasted our refreshments; did not contradict the information touching the ultra-judicial bounds of their province, and, no doubt, in order to see that no impropriety was committed, promised to ride over the bridge and take a look at the fight! In fact they were not afraid of the Beaks, though one of them had been kindly warned by a stranger to beware of these spoil-sports, who (he told him) were just coming up! station among us on a waggon, without tlemen were what we had to expect pushing himself obtrusively or impu- from them,-nor were we disappointdently forward. We were, of course, ed. extremely pleased with this modesty, and having ourselves little inclination to become personally intimate, at this time, with the gentlemen in question, we descended from our elevation and began to retrogade. Our motions were watched by the multitude, and in a minute every face was turned towards London. But the game was not up. Much advice was given from various quarters; the most feasible of which was to get out of the district over which our visitors presided, and do as well as we could. This intention was confirmed by a very civil message (it could not be less from Civil Authorities) delivered to us from the magistrates. It said they were sorry to interrupt our diversion, which they hoped would be harm-` less, but an information having been laid, it was their duty, unless they made themselves responsible for all the ill consequences that might happen. Out of their jurisdiction they had no wish to interfere, and the good natured messenger (we believe the Clerk of the Peace, not forbid to do so) pointed out a convenient spot, in this respect, about a couple of miles distant, over Kingsbury bridge. Thus fortified, the bull was put in movement agreeably to the direction received, the raggamuffins followed him, and we adjourned to lunch. Another whimsical scene was acted in the parlour of our hospitable entertainer. Our own squad embraced the odd mixture of independent fortune, of the medical, military, and mercantile professions, of pugilist, foreign diplomate, and Editor; and we were reinforced by gentlemen and tradesmen, bullward, and citizen of the world! Cold meats, a barrel of excellent ale, broached on a side-table, and several bottles of sound brandy to keep out the cold, were rapidly vanishing before our united attacks, when it was announced that the beaks (such was the phrase) were at the gate. Men lawfully employed as we then were, are not so easily frightened as if their provender ran short; and the magistrates were invited in. Away from the ring, the liberality and urbanity of English gen We were all again in motion, and soon reached the rendezvous, a small common about four miles from Town, where the mob had already collected. The ground was bad for pugilism, being wet and covered with small hillocks. The ring was however made, -a singular process. Ten or a dozen of fellows with long whips lash away like furies, yelling, swearing, and belabouring the multitude till they have retreated to a right distance, and formed a circle of thirty or forty yards in diameter. The foremost ranks link their arms together, and become a sort of chain against encroachment; but still the eagerness of the spectators now and then breaks through or discomposes this cordon, and the whole number submit to be mercilessly whipped out as before. We suspect indeed that resistance would be a dangerous resort, for the floggers are often bruisers of note, and would instanter inflict a punishment on the contumacious not so transitory in its effects as the smart of a cut of cord. There is something exceeding diverting too in this keeping the ring. The rage of the operator, his denunciations of vengeance, his oaths and scurrility, in a moment subside; and you have him in a wheedling tone and good theatrical attitude of entreaty, begging gentlemen to stand back a little or his eyes, he'll lay it on them. Then the storm again-then the calm; the plying of the lash and elegant beseeching. Previous to the fight, a hat was carried round to make a purse: it procured a few pounds in contributions of half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences. Some delay ensued, in which we un derstood preliminaries were settled, the mode of battle to be half minute time (i. e. with only half minute intervals between falls and setting to again) the ground tossed for, or heads or tails whose face was to be towards the sun, and other needful preparations. The lads then stripped, and had their smallclothes tied round their waists with silk handkerchiefs. A coat was loosely thrown over their shoulders till every thing was ready, a person stepped into the ring with a stop-watch in his hand to give the time, and all else were cleared out, except a Second and Bottle-holder for each of the combatants. The signal of defiance, hurling his hat in the air, was given by the Sailor-lad, and very promptly answered in a like manner by our new acquaintance. The rounds, as they are called, of prizefights have been so often described, that we shall not enter upon the details. Suffice it to state that the parties engaged spar, interchange blows, wrestle and fall in a variety of ways, as force or accident determines. The instant this happens, the Second, who has been watching in a crouching posture and with the eye of a hawk a few paces off, catches up his principal, throws a covering over him including his head, sets him on his knee, and employs every effort to refresh and solace him. He has his arms thrown round his neck for support; his face and mouth are moistened with a sponge; his hands are gently rubbed and animated; he has a little water slightly impregnated with brandy occasionally administered; and, in short, during these brief pauses from exertion, a great many expedients are used to comfort and invigorate the fighter. "Time" is called, and he must be ready" for the scratch," or is declared beaten. The Bottle-holders assume similar attitudes to the Seconds, and the groupe when in action is always formed of the two combatants standing up to each other, of the four attendants nearly at equi-distant points, "looting low" and watching eagerly as we mentioned, and the giver of the time a little farther off. The Battle Jasted a considerable while, and was not so painful to us as we anticipated; for we were convinced that neither of the lads would suffer a grave injury, and they contended bravely as well as skilfully (considering the unfavourable state of the ground) till our friend Stockton gave his adversary a blow below the ear, which stunned him so much that he was compelled to yield the victory. The change of place had occupied so much of the day that it was now becoming dusk. The Bull however must have a little amusement after walking about so much; it would be quite cruel to disappoint him! (he had only walked from Roehampton, whither he walked a day or two before.) This creature was standing quietly a few hundred yards from the ring during the fight. The moment he was led towards it, the agitation, growling, and vivacity of a hundred bull-dogs round about, exhibited a singular example of animal ferocity and character. Their masters could with difficulty restrain them; their eyes flashed, they strug gled to get loose, they howled with savage eagerness. A stake was meanwhile driven into the ground, and the bull fastened to it with a thick rope (to the eye about an inch and a half in diameter) about twenty yards long. We were prepared for a ferocious and barbarous spectacle, and found ourselves agreeably mistaken. The horns of the bull are covered at the tips with a kind of composition which rounds them off, and prevents their goring the dogs. There is no laceration nor horrid wounds, but altogether a curious animal contest, softened by ingenuity of its revolting circumstances. Whether the dames of Spain may or may not be absolved from the charge of cruelty for the fondness with which they dwell on the examples and sufferings of Cacadores; sure we are that even an English lady might witness such a Hank as we saw on Tuesday, without expe riencing an unpleasant feeling. The bull (Pritchard's) was a "master of fence," and it was absolutely astonishing to see the tact with which he disposed of his bold assailants. A dog was freed, and rushed at the head, or rather nose, of the animal, with fierce activity. The latter was on his guard in a moment. His nose was so far in curved as to put his face on a parallel line with the ground at a distance of an inch or two: thus, in front, nothing appeared but his shaggy foretop and protecting horns. On these the brave dog rushes, and is thrown aloft in air, or along the earth horizontally, by the more powerful defendant. He recovers and returns to the charge, but the same fate awaits him; till, exhausted, he is taken off to make room for a fresh canine hero. Sometimes two at once are permitted, and the bull, more harassed, repulses them with greater force. Away they fly from his horns, right and left, or together ascend the clouds. One descends on the back of his enemy; the other is caught by his master (stirring about as near as he dares for that purpose) ere he regains the soil where such as he are tumbled down amain, And fall so hard, they bound and rise again. The bull does not pursue, but coolly waits, and as coolly ejects his puny opponents. If one got hold of his dewlap, his feet were brought into action, and he trampled down the foe; at other times the horn sufficed, and it was extraordinary to see with how slight an effort he tossed a heavy dog, sprawling, to the distance of many yards. We should have been distress ed had these courageous creatures been much hurt, but though occasionally stunned for a few seconds, the most furiously repelled were well enough to follow their masters home, without parent damage. ap We are afraid that our canvas for this Show has stretched too far. Were it not so, we could paint in a number of other figures: There was a host of evil passions in this day's pastimes; but happily not one of them was called forth. The brutality of the exhibition was nothing to our preconception of it; and at night, as we were driven back to London, the inspiration of "heavy wet" (porter, in libations of which it is the custom after such meetings to indulge to the utmost of their means) had produced no worse effect than the singing along the road of a strange-measured chant, denominated "The Newgate Tune," and of as peculiar a character as any Gondolier's song in Venice. The chorus of "Tudie, tudie, tudie," is unlike aught else of music with which we are acquainted. But this as well as the rest had its apology, if not justification in the general good humour. While on the top of the carriage looking at the fight, a hawker of Max offered a glass of gin to one of our party. "No! thank ye, I am full," was the answer,- "If you are full of good I should like to tap you," the rejoinder. Such were the waggeries of this blackguard saturnalia. One gemman in 6 vited us to a dog-fight, between the "Chalk-farm dog, whose fame needed no comment," and a brendle cur from Manchester, 75 lbs. weight." Another thought we should like to see a rat-trial at the Cockpit, Westminster (not where the Court of Privy Councillors is held :) he assured us that his tyke' had slain the twenty rats in 3 minutes and 10 seconds; and had it not been for one 'old soger' that shammed dead, would have done in 22 seconds less time: but all these inducements we resisted, hoping our readers will be satisfied that we have done enough in these New Pursuits of Literature!! HE LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF SCOTTISH LIFE. ERE is a very thick post-octavo her duty. To give up Allan Bruce was volume of upwards of 430 pages, a thought far worse to her than to give printed in the best manner, by Ramsay. up life. It was to suffer her heartstrings Twenty-four separate tales are discus- to be hourly torn up by the roots. If sed within these limits; and the whole, the two were willing to be married, laying other merits out of view, is cer- why should any one else interfere? If tainly one of the prettiest "story God had stricken Allan with blindness books" that any man can put into his after their marriage, would any one library, or lay upon his drawing-room have counselled her to leave him? Or table, for the benefit of the "youths pitied her because she had to live with and virgins" of his household. It is a her own blind husband? Or would the "story book," however, of a kind quite fear of poverty have benumbed her new, at least in English literature; for feelings? Or rather would it not have we rather suspect that the Germans given new alacrity to her hands, and have several nearly of the same sort; new courage to her heart? So she reand these written by the very greatest solved meekly and calmly, to tell Alof their authors. It is a book full of lan that she would be his wife, and that power, and full, which every book of she believed that such was, in spite of tales ought to be, though few of them this infliction, the will of God. are so, of VARIETY. The narrow limits within which each tale is confined, have prevented the author from entering into any thing like complex or artful denouements. The structure of many of them reminds us of our old simple ballads. We have generally two, or at the most three characters in a piece; these are not elaborately brought out, but generally well defined, and at times most clearly defined, by a few apparently unlaboured epithets. But we must make a few extracts, to give some notion of the author's way of writing; and these shall be from a tale in the middle of the volume, which is one of our chief favourites,-that of BLIND ALLAN. Allan Bruce, a worthy young man betrothed to Fanny Raeburn, a kind good-hearted girl, has the terrible misfortune to become quite blind; and he, for he is above all selfishness, listens to the voice of all the friends on both sides, who represent to him how foolish and imprudent a thing it would be for him, condemned to blindness and helplessness, to marry Fanny Raeburn. She, too, in so far listens to the same not unkind suggestions-but at length her generous heart teaches her what is her duty. "She was willing to obey them in all things in which it was her duty to obey-but here she knew not what was "Allan Bruce did not absent himself in his blindness, from the House of God. One Sabbath, after Divine service, Fanny went up to him in the church-yard, and putting her arm in his, they walked away together, seemingly as cheerful as the rest of the congregation, only with somewhat slower and more cautious steps. They proceeded along the quiet meadow-fields by the banks of the stream, and then across the smooth green braes, till they gently descended into a holm, and sat down together in a little green bower, which a few hazels, mingling with one tall weeping birch, had of themselves framed; a place where they had often met before Allan was blind, and where they had first spoken of a wedded life. Fanny could almost have wept to see the earth, and the sky, and the whole day so beautiful, now that Allan's eyes were dark; but he whispered to her, that the smell of the budding trees, and of the primroses that he knew were near his feet, was pleasant indeed, and that the singing of all the little birds made his heart dance within him -so Fanny sat beside her blind lover in serene happiness, and felt strengthened in her conviction that it was her duty to become his wife. Allan-I love you so entirelythat to see you happy is all that I de*+ See p. 320. |