NED BARTLAM, 35 



character of a man whom for unsophisticated good- 

 ness I have never yet seen equalled. 



Having now given a sketch of Ned in the melt- 

 ing mood, I will endeavour to give an idea of him 

 in his lighter moments, by relating an anecdote, 

 which at the time amused me exceedingly. He 

 was watching his float one day in a neighbouring 

 stream, when a well-dressed man came up to him 

 and enquired the way to some place or other, I for- 

 get where. Now Ned is well read in Shakspeare, 

 and at the moment he happened to be pondering 

 over some favourite passages in the Merchant of 

 Venice. Instead, therefore, of making a direct 

 reply to the question that was asked him, he an- 

 swered in the words of Lancelot Gobbo, ' Turn 

 ' up on your right hand, at the next turning ; but, 

 ' at the next turning of all, on your left ; marry, at 

 * the very next turning, turn of no hand,' &c. It 

 so happened, that the stranger was equally well 

 read in Shakspeare ; and therefore, instead of being 

 affronted at Ned's wit, he only answered, ' By-"s 

 ' sonties, 'twill be a hard way to hit." Ned was so 

 much pleased with the rejoinder, that he ' tried 

 'conclusions with him' some time; and was so 

 well satisfied with his companion's knowledge of 

 Shakspeare, and ready repartees, that they em- 

 braced, became instantly sworn friends, and having 

 adjourned to Ned's lodge, the stranger was regaled 

 with the best that it afforded. Ned afterwards dis- 



