so very particular-but we must have a little fun, quiz, and all that sort of thing, though we are Pilgrims in disguise. You used not to be so tenacious, sir; you would not make Puritans of us, I am sure." un "Never fret, but keep your temper, my dear uncle," said his nephew; therefore, let us be alive-get ready-pack up-be off-sail down the Thames-look out-be merry and wiseTime is on the wing-a few hours will change the scene! No chest of drawers wanting, Frank-no toilette-Nature adorned-carpet-bag will do-clean face-a cigar or two in the box-put on a sailor's jacket, if you like—no nonsense-be at the scratch to a second-remember, to-morrow! Breakfast at eight-afloat by ten-a whiff or two before we part to-night— grog stiff to bed soon-be stirring with the lark, my good fellow! then all will be right-and that is what I call the time of day-doing the trick, when travellers are on the move. But never fret." The above sentences were all given with the rapidity of a Goldfinch, describing the races at Newmarket. "I shall be in time," replied Flourish, "but I should like to hear the outline of our first day's trip, before we start." 66 Why, my dear Frank," replied Makemoney, "the first shrine that we shall pay our devoirs to will be Greenwich Hospital; the very sound of which fills my heart with love of country. Well may foreigners observe, that our Hospitals are palaces the compliment is a just one, but not a jot more than it deserves. You will see nothing like Greenwich Hospital I believe upon the Rhine, or any where else, except close to Old Father Thames: but, much as I may admire it as a splendid piece of architecture, its manly contents I love one hundred times better; and if you will allow me to repeat some original lines from a manuscript in my possession, I think you will have a correct description of it : See that beautiful edifice NATIONAL to the very echo!-Where The exterior of a Peerage. Here may Be seen Jack Junk, of the Thunder Man-of-War, A glass of grog-and the latter exclaiming, Aye, my ould tar, come the three quarters of the Give us your flipper, shipmate, and while there is A plank left in the vessel, we'll stick to her, And cry,-Old England, for ever! Huzza! huzza! huzza! "Is not that NATIONAL?" exclaimed Makemoney; "but in such matters I must confess myself an enthusiast." "Something very like it," replied Flourish, "and strictly in unison with my feelings-the brave defenders of their country merit every return that can be granted for their services." "Then, for the Park and its amusements; also a peep at the Fair, and all the et cetera that attends upon a day's adventures. Nothing shall come amiss to us; and, as jolly Pilgrims, we will mix with the holyday folks like one of the party. I love to see the girls merry, and the boys happy---who appear like birds out of a cage; and thinking, as it were, every minute an hour from boxing-day to Easter-Monday until the lively period arrives! I was once young myself, and I cannot forget the days of my boyhood." "Glorious feelings, sir," observed Jem, "but never fret !—— Young! you are young! you will always be young, if you can but think so; you are as young as ever! Only get on-push along---sport a toe---quick step--please and be pleased, and leave old age to those who can't help themselves. Let us be off like shots---hit the mark---shoot flying---bring down your birds ---and that's the time of day! "Besides," answered his uncle, "I love to see the old pensioners enjoying themselves: the sight of those veterans, the remnant of their country's greatness, gives my mind a secret pleasure that I cannot communicate. It also puts me in mind of old times. Well, after all, there is nothing like the old times---least wise, the old ones think so, and that is all the same to us. Then to-morrow morning, my boys, we'll start by one of the steamers ---enjoy the breezes from Old Father Thames---land at the Hospital stairs---mix with the gay and lively throng---and then make ourselves as merry and comfortable as the best amongst them! Now, you have my outline on the subject." “An outline, sir,” replied Flourish, in extacy, "it is a finished picture! I am in raptures---I shan't sleep a wink for thinking upon it; the mere anticipation of the pleasure and fun that we shall meet with, delights me beyond measure." 66 My dear, good uncle," said Jem, "may you live a thousand years!---may you never die !---so look out, Flourish---the Tower ---steam-boats---holyday folks---pretty lasses---prime_boys--bands of music---dancing---singing---mirth and good humour, and all that sort of thing, to make our existence a treat! Sleep, did you say, Flourish !---I want no sleep---I am wide awake for a start---delays are dangerous!" "Not quite so fast, young man," observed Makemoney, "all in good time; therefore, we'll take a glass of grog together before we separate." They were all on the qui vive---full of anticipation. Several funny and amusing anecdotes were told over the glass; and Makemoney, who was on his mettle, every now and then burst forth singing, "O! the days when I were young!" Cigar after cigar was disposed of in quick time---the supper o'er---all's well---merry and wise---and "good night!" CHAPTER IV. The pleasures of anticipation-the Pilgrims preparing to start-Who's for Greenwich? Holiday Folks! Smiling faces; Children six feet high; Pleasure the order of the day! The Tower recognized as an old land-mark, and the Custom House praised for its magnificence.-Lots of Characters on board of the Steamer! Off she goes-The eloquent dealer in Literature (quid pro quo)—the luxury of a Newspaper-Introduction of TIM BRONZE, without being introduced; a living Vampire and Victim hunter-Description of the necessary CUTS in SocietySecrets worth knowing to a Young Man on his entrance into life! The soi-disant Duchess and her two daughters Generals in petticoats enlisting recruits! Picturesque DOLEFUL, a tally undertaker, one of the woeful disciples of LAVATER; but a useful personage to ensure a decent finish to the last exit ! SCAPEGRACE, a dark and terrific portrait of human nature; or, a man may smile and be a villain. OLD FATHER THAMES in all his glory-MAKEMONEY in extacy- —a bit of the NATIONAL! A sound reply to an Alarmist of the Olden Times! THE pleasures of anticipation had fastened so strongly upon all their feelings, that the Pilgrims, on retiring to rest, had rather dozed, than slept during the night; and who, in consequence, left their beds at a much earlier hour than usual,the time appearing to hang heavily upon their hands, until the signal was given for starting-so eager were they to commence their Pilgrimage. The mind of Makemoney now being as free as air, the cares of business completely at an end---and nothing to claim his attention, but pleasure and happiness---he was almost as much a boy, regarding the object in view, as his junior companions; he was equally as good in health, and young in spirits---indeed, his constitution was so unimpaired by irregularlty of conduct--that if he did come under the denomination of rather a "middle-aged "looking gentleman, he was in possession of more agility and strength than most of the young men of his acquaintance; and he might quote from Adam, in " As You Like It," with the utmost propriety and truth. Tho' I look old, yet I am strong and lusty, Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood: |