ATROCIOUS BARBARITY. 13 



were to come out of their houses, and murder all 

 opposers : but while they were putting this plan in 

 execution, the unusual crowing and fluttering of 

 the cocks, near the place which they attempted to 

 enter, discovered and frustrated their design ; upon 

 which the Danes became so enraged that they re- 

 doubled their cruelty, exercising still greater severity 

 over the English. Soon after, however, the English 

 being freed from the Danish yoke, they instituted 

 the custom of throwing at cocks, on Shrove Tues- 

 day, the day of their disappointment, from a stupid 

 and barbarian passion of revenge against the inno- 

 cent cause of their misfortune, instead of admiring 

 the natural vigilance of the birds, however unfor- 

 tunately applied in a particular case : a reverse of 

 the conduct of the Romans, who honoured the 

 vigilance of geese which saved the Capitol. This 

 infamous sport, although at first only practised in 

 one city, in process of time became a national diver- 

 sion, and remains even to this hour, in some parts 

 of the country, exhibiting a strong taint of original 

 ignorance and barbarism in the national character, 

 which has not been even yet wiped out by legis- 

 lation. 



Every one has heard the horrible story of Ardesoif 

 of Tottenham, who, about forty years since, being 

 disappointed by a famous game cock refusing to 

 fight, was incited by his savage passion to roast the 

 animal alive, whilst entertaining his friends. The 

 company, alarmed by the dreadful shrieks of the 

 victim, interfered, but were resisted by Ardesoif, 

 who threatened death to any who should oppose 



