THE MOUNTEBANK. 
281 
common of all, and ordinarily practiced, in the streets, as a decent mode 
of begging. 
The operator is usually stripped to his trowsers, and his capital in 
trade consists of a pair of stout thighs and muscular calves. The pole 
once balanced on the soles of his feet, he plays all manner of tricks with 
it as easily as if it were in his hands ; but I have never seen them sport, 
as the ancients are said to have done, with men seated on each end of the 
heavy bar. 
AOAVE A.KSRICAKA. 
