DICK TURPIN. 671 



never bid him " stand and deliver;" alleging as his reason foi 

 such inconsistent conduct, that he knew Mohun's resolution to be 

 such " that he must take his life to take his purse, or lose his own, 

 either of which results would be disagreeable." 



Upon the whole, we don't know a prettier fellow, nor one who had 

 " a more engaging presence of mind upon the road," than Richard 

 Turpin, whether of Epping or Rookwood. We shall finish with a 

 sketch of him in repose : 



" Having- made the circuit of the place after the manner of the amphi- 

 theatrical Ducrow, he halted near the mouth of the subterranean chapel, 

 to he within hearing of Peter's whistle, and throwing his right leg lazily 

 over his saddle, proceeded coolly to light a short pipe (the luxury of the 

 cigar being then unknown), humming the while snatches of a ballad, the 

 theme of which was his own exploits: 



' As I was riding o'er Hounslow Moor, 

 I saw a lawyer trot on before : 

 So I rode up and asked if he was not afraid 

 To meet Dick Turpin, that mischievous blade. 

 To meet Dick Turpin, that mischievous blade.' 



Thus, between long-drawn whiffs did he chaunt lapped in the smoker's 

 dreamy elysium, with short pipe ruminant his solitary song ; and though 

 apparently lost in forgetfulness, and listening to his own melody, he re- 

 mained with one ear thrown back like that of the hare, on the alert for 

 every sound. It was this power of abstraction which gave to our Highway- 

 man that philosophic character which we have heretofore remarked, as 

 distinguishing him beyond his fellow herd. When meditating his greatest 

 exploits he appeared the most indifferent when surrounded by danger he 

 seemed the most insensible ; yet it was not so. He was never, as he him- 

 self expressed it, ( caught napping.' He was ever ready to start to arms, 

 yet lolled upon the cannon's breech. Whatever his existence might be, 

 he made the most of it: he understood the scavir vivre to perfection. 

 Behold him now ! How negligently his hat is set on one side of his head 

 yon Bond-street lounger could not have more of the look fatuite yet Tur- 

 pin, take our worfls for it, was neither a fat nor a Bond-street lounger. His 

 eyes are half closed ; but a quick glance beams beneath the eyelids. His 

 leg, equipped in that peculiarly-fashioned boot, which, in his day, obtained 

 for it the name of the ' Turpin top,' and which was quite the rage amongst 

 the sporting characters of the period, is thrown indolently and caressingly 

 over the neck of his favourite mare ; yet an instant will bring his foot to 

 the stirrup he looks the picture of repose. Reader, are you disposed to 

 capture a Highwayman ? Now is your moment his eyes absolutely close 

 he nods I feel assured he is asleep approach him softly there, now rush 

 upon him you have received a cursed kick from that black mare, and a 

 voice thunders in your ear, 



' DICK TURPIN NEVER SLEEPS !' 



Never ! for at this moment he resumes his song 



" Says I, ( All my money I've managed to pop 

 Where no man will find it, beneath my boot-top.' 

 Says the lawyer, ' Dick Turpin my cash ne'er will find, 

 For it's sewed in the folds of my coat-cape behind ; 

 So I care riot for Turpin, that mischievous blade." 



