The Merry Past 



written in the eighteenth century, convey an ad- 

 mirable idea of his chief characteristics : 



A man of ton — eh, dam'me ! who's afraid ? 



In public places, fit to shine and sport, 



With beauty's charms to flirt and pay my court ; 



Through the box-lobby, mellow, blythe and reeling, 



I'll show my wit and sentimental feeling ; 



Out-roar the play'rs in dialogue and singing, 



And hear my voice through all the boxes ringing. 



An't this delightful, frolicksome and smart, 



Enough to conquer any woman's heart? 



With cash and spirit for the world's career, 



I'll have my name in all the clubs appear ; 



At whist, and faro, I'll my shiners stake, 



And seven's the main shall through the dice-box shake. 



Then how I'll sport my curricle and ponies. 



Drive out ma chere amle^ or friendly cronies ; 



I'll shake my noddle, and I'll crack my lash, 



Gee-ho my nags, through thick and thin to dash. 



In coat with seven-fold cape, and coachman's art, 



'Gainst ev'ry driver in the town I'll start, 



Whirl'd here and there, nor posts nor people heeding. 



For that's your sort — and shows your sense and breeding. 



As a rule he commenced the arduous labours of 

 the day at about ten in the morning, when he rose, 

 and having taken a slight breakfast, put on his riding- 

 coat and repaired to his stables. Having inspected 

 his horses, asked a thousand questions of his coachman 

 and grooms, and given as many orders, he either rode 

 on horseback or in his curricle, attended by two 

 grooms, dashing through all the fashionable streets 

 into Hyde Park. If, however, the weather was un- 

 favourable, he would take his chariot and visit the 



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