72 



them, took place between Shakespeare and Jonson, and hither, in 

 probable allusion to them, Beaumont let his thoughts wander in 

 his letter to Jonson from the country : 'What things have we seen 

 done at the Mermaid ! heard words that have been so nimble and 

 so full of subtle flame, as if that everyone from whom they came 

 had meant to put his whole wit in the jest.'" 



The "Devil" tavern, as stated in "Old and New London," stood 

 at No. 2 Fleet-street. Shakespeare himself must day after day 

 have looked up at the old sign of St. Dunstan tweaking the devil 

 by the nose, that flaunted in the wind near the bar. Perhaps the 

 sign was originally a compliment and mark of respect to the saint, 

 whose church stood near. At the "Devil" the Apollo Club, 

 almost the first institution of the kind in London, held its merry 

 meetings, presided over by that grim yet jovial despot, Ben Jonson. 

 The bust of Apollo kept watch over the door, and heard in its time 

 miUions of witty things, and scores of fond recollections of Shake- 

 speare by those who personally knew and loved him. In the time 

 of Charles II., the "Devil" became frequented by lawyers and 

 physicians. The talk now was about drugs and latitits, jalap and 

 the law of escheats. Yet still good company frequented it, for 

 Steele describes Bickerstaff's sister Jenny's wedding entertainment 

 therein 1809; and in 1710 Swift writes one of those charming 

 letters to Stella, to tell her that he had dined on October the 12th 

 at the "Devil" with Addison and Dr. Garth, when the good- 

 natured doctor, whom everyone loved, stood treat, and there must 

 have been talk worth hearing. An epigram runs : — ■ 



When laureates make odes, do you ask of what sort ? 

 Do you ask if they're good or are evil ? 

 You may judge, from the "Devil" they come to the Court, 

 And go from the Court to the "Devil." 



In 1745 the Royal Society held its annual dinner in the old conse- 

 crated room. The Apollo-court, on the opposite side of the street, 

 still preserves the memory of the great club-room at the "Devil." 

 The "Devil" was pulled down and annexed by the neighbouring 

 bankers. 



"Mitre" tavern, where some of the most interesting uf the 



