The Merry Past 



after the first stage he rode post, and actually brought 

 back young Daly, having fractured his collar-bone on 

 the way to seek him. George IV kept his word, and 

 gave the young man a commission in his own regi- 

 ment, the loth, where he served with credit to him- 

 self, but unfortunately fell a victim to the fatal 

 retreat from Corunna. 



In the distant days of the eighteenth century, poor 

 old Sir John, then '' as wild as the wind," had been the 

 finest whip of his time, and was celebrated for the 

 manner in which he would drive the off wheels of his 

 phaeton over a sixpence. 



The following very appropriate lines were written 

 at the time of his death : 



The father of Jehus, Sir John Lade, is gone ! 

 As a Whip in his day, he was beaten by none. 

 Though with tits, four-in-hand, he so long shew'd his 



graces, 

 He has bolted at last, and kicked over the traces. 



His coach was a fast one in life's early stage, 

 Yet its run had been long — the best part of an age ; 

 But its speed has decreas'd, the machine got more weighty, 

 Though it never broke down till its years number'd eighty ! 



Thy leaders and wheelers no longer could save, 

 Whatever their speed, thy frail form from the grave ; 

 Death has taken the ribbons, that coachman of gloom, 

 And has taken thy drag, four-in-hand, to the tomb ! 



157 



