the bank-note with great reluctance, and restored the idea to the right owner.

A suit of armour being brought from the garret or armoury of his ancestors, he gave orders for having the pieces scoured and furbished up; and his heart dilated with joy when he reflected upon the superb figure he should make when cased in complete steel, and armed at all points for the combat.

in silence, and began to reflect, not without mortification, that he was treated as a lunatic by some person who wanted to amuse himself with the infirmities of his fellowcreatures. Mr Thomas Clarke, who saw the ceremony with which the letter was delivered, and the emotions with which it was read, hied him to the kitchen for intelligence, and there learned that the stranger was Squire Sycamore. He forthwith comprehended the nature of the billet, and, in the apprehension that bloodshed would ensue, resolved to

When he was fitted with the other parts, Dawdle insisted on buckling on his helmet, which weighed fifteen pounds; and the headpiece being adjusted, made such a clat-alarm his uncle, that he might assist in ter about his ears with a cudgel, that his eyes had almost started from their sockets. His voice was lost within the vizor, and his friend affected not to understand his meaning when he made signs with his gauntlets, and endeavoured to close with him, that he might wrest the cudgel out of his hand. At length he desisted, saying, "I'll warrant the helmet sound by its rising;" and taking it off, found the squire in a cold sweat. He would have achieved his first exploit on the spot, had his strength permitted him to assault Dawdle; but, what with want of air, and the discipline he had undergone, he had well nigh swooned away; and before he retrieved the use of his members, he was appeased by the apologies of his companion, who protested he meant nothing more than to try if the helmet was free of cracks, and whether or not it would prove a good protection to the head it covered.

keeping the peace. He accordingly entered the apartment of the captain, who had been waked by the trumpet, and now peevishly asked the meaning of that damned piping, as if all hands were called upon deck. Clarke having imparted what he knew of the transaction, together with his own conjectures, the captain said, he did not suppose as how they would engage by candle light; and that, for his own part, he should turn out in the larboard watch, long enough before any signals could be hove out for forming the line. With this assurance the lawyer retired to his rest, where he did not fail to dream of Mrs Dolly Cowslip, while Sir Launcelot passed the night awake, in ruminating on the strange challenge he had received. He had got notice that the sender was Mr Sycamore, and hesitated with himself whether he should not punish him for his impertinence; but when he reflected on the nature of the dispute, and the serious consequences it might produce, he resolved to decline the combat, as a trial of right and merit founded upon absurdity. Even in his maddest hours, he never adopted those maxims of knight-errantry which related to challenges. He always perceived the folly and wickedness of defying a man to mortal fight, because he did not like the colour of his beard, or the complexion of his mistress; or of deciding by homicide whether he or his rival deserved the preference, when it was the lady's prerogative to determine which should be the happy lover. It was his opinion that chivalry was an useful institution while confined to its original purposes of protecting the innocent, assisting the friendless, and bringing the guilty to condign pun"To the Knight of the Crescent, greet-ishment: but he could not conceive how ing. Whereas I am informed you have the these laws should be answered by violating presumption to lay claim to the heart of the every suggestion of reason, and every prepeerless Aurelia Darnel, I give you notice cept of humanity. that I can admit no rivalship in the affection of that paragon of beauty; and I expect that you will either resign your pretensions, or make it appear, in single combat, according to the law of arms, and the institutions of chivalry, that you are worthy to dispute her favour with him of the Griffin.

His excuses were accepted; the armour was packed up, and next morning Mr Sycamore set out from his own house, accompanied by Dawdle, who undertook to perform the part of his squire at the approaching combat. He was also attended by a servant on horseback, who had charge of the armour, and another who blowed the trumpet. They no sooner understood that our hero was housed at the George, than the trumpeter sounded a charge, which alarmed Sir Launcelot and his company, and disturbed honest Captain Crowe in the middle of his first sleep. Their next step was to pen a challenge, which, when the stranger departed, was by the trumpeter delivered with great ceremony into the hands of Sir Launcelot, who read it in these words :

"POLYDORE."

Our adventurer was not a little surprised at this address, which however he pocketed

Captain Crowe did not examine the matter so philosophically. He took it for granted that in the morning the two knights would come to action, and slept sound on that supposition. But he rose before it was day, resolved to be somehow concerned in the fray; and understanding that the stranger had a companion, set him down immediately for his own antagonist. So impatient was he to establish this secondary contest, that

bloody bones?" When his friend, slipping on his clothes, gave him to understand that this was a friend of Sir Launcelot Greaves, and explained the purport of his errand, he treated him with more civility. He assured

by day-break he entered the chamber of Dawdle, to which he was directed by the waiter, and roused him with a hilloa, that might have been heard at the distance of half a league. Dawdle, startled by this terrific sound, sprung out of bed, and stood up-him that he should have the pleasure to right on the floor, before he opened his eyes break a spear with Mr Dawdle; and signiupon the object by which he had been so fied his surprise that Sir Launcelot had not dreadfully alarmed. But when he beheld made an answer to his letter. It being by the head of Crowe, so swelled and swathed, this time clear day-light, and Crowe exso livid, hideous, and grisly, with a broad tremely interested in this affair, he broke sword by his side, and a case of pistols in without ceremony into the knight's chamber, his girdle, he believed it was the apparition and told him abruptly that the enemy had of some murdered man; his hair bristled up, brought to, and waited for his coming up. his teeth chattered, and his knees knocked: in order to begin the action.-“I've hailed he would have prayed, but his tongue denied his consort," said he, "a shambling chatterits office. Crowe seeing his perturbation,-ing fellow he took me first for a hobgoblin, "Mayhap, friend," said he, "you take me for a buccaneer; but I am no such person. My name is Captain Crowe. I come not for your silver nor your gold, your rigging nor your stowage; but hearing as how your friend intends to bring my friend Sir Launcelot Greaves to action, d'ye see, I desire, in the way of friendship, that, while they are engaged, you and I, as their seconds, may lie board and board for a few glasses to divert one another, d'ye see." Dawdle hearing this request, began to retrieve his faculties, and throwing himself into the attitude of Hamlet when the ghost appears, exclaimed in a theatrical accent,

"Angels and ministers of grace defend us!
Art thou a spirit of grace, or goblin damn'd?”
As he seemed to bend his eye on vacancy,
the captain began to think that he really
saw something preternatural, and stared
wildly round. Then addressing himself to the
terrified Dawdle-"Damn'd," said he, "for
what should I be damn'd? If you are afeard
of goblins, brother, put your trust in the
Lord, and he'll prove a sheet anchor to you."
The other having by this time recollected
himself perfectly, continued notwithstanding
to spout tragedy, and in the words of Mac-
beth, pronounced,

"What man dare, I dare:

Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
The armed rhinoceros, or Hyrcanian tiger:
Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
Shall never tremble."-

"'Ware names, Jack," cried the impatient
mariner, "if so be as how you'll bear a hand
and rig yourself, and take a short trip with
me into the offing, we'll overhaul this here
affair in the turning of a capstan."

At this juncture they were joined by Mr Sycamore in his night-gown and slippers. Disturbed by Crowe's first salute, he had sprung up, and now expressed no small astonishment at first sight of the novice's countenance. After having gazed alternately at him and Dawdle,-"Who have you got here," said he, "raw head and

then called me names, a tiger, a wrynoseo'ross, and a Persian bear; but egad, if I come athwart him, I'll make him look like the bear and ragged staff before we part-I wool-"

This intimation was not received with that alacrity which the captain expected to find in our adventurer, who told him in a peremptory tone, that he had no design to come to action, and desired to be left to his repose. Crowe forthwith retired crest-fallen, and muttered something, which was never distinctly heard.

About eight in the morning Mr Dawdle brought him a formal message from the knight of the Griffin, desiring he would appoint the lists, and give security of the field. To which request he made answer in a very composed and solemn accent," If the person who sent you thinks I have injured him, let him, without disguise or any such ridieulous ceremony, explain the nature of the wrong; and then I shall give such satisfaction as may suit my conscience and my character. If he hath bestowed his affection upon any particular object, and looks upon me as a favourite rival, I shall not wrong the lady so much as to take any step that may prejudice her choice, especially a step that contradicts my own reason as much as it would outrage the laws of my country. If he who calls himself knight of the Griffin is really desirous of treading in the paths of true chivalry, he will not want opportunities of signalizing his valour in the cause of virShould he, notwithstanding this declaration, offer violence to me in the course of my occasions, he will always find me in a posture of defence; or, should he persist in repeating his importunities, I shall without ceremony chastise the messenger." His declining the combat was interpreted into fear by Mr Sycamore, who now became more insolent and ferocious, on the supposition of our knight's timidity. Sir Launcelot meanwhile went to breakfast with his friends, and having put on his armour, ordered the horses to be brought forth. Then he paid the bill, and walking deliberately to the gate, in presence

tue.

of Squire Sycamore and his attendants, vaulted at one spring into the saddle of Bronzomarte, whose neighing and curveting proclaimed the joy he felt in being mounted by his accomplished master.

Though the knight of the Griffin did not think proper to insult his rival personally, his friend Dawdle did not fail to crack some jokes on the figure and horsemanship of Crowe, who again declared he should be glad to fall in with him upon the voyage; nor did Mr Clarke's black patch and rueful countenance pass unnoticed and unridiculed. As for Timothy Crabshaw, he beheld his brother squire with the contempt of a veteran; and Gilbert paid him his compliments with his heels at parting: but when our adventurer and his retinue were clear of the inn, Mr Sycamore ordered his trumpeter to sound a retreat, by way of triumph over his antagonist.

CHAPTER XIX.

Containing the achievements of the knights of the Griffin and Crescent.

MR SYCAMORE, alias the knight of the Griffin, so denominated from a griffin painted on his shield, being armed at all points, and his friend Dawdle provided with a certain implement, which he flattered himself would insure a victory over the novice Crowe, they set out from the George, with their attendants, in all the elevation of hope, and pranced along the highway that led towards London, that being the road which our adventurer pursued. As they were extremely well mounted, and proceeded at a round pace, they in less than two hours came up with Sir Launcelot and his company and Sycamore sent another formal defiance to the knight by his trumpeter, Dawdle having, for good reasons, declined that office.

Our adventurer hearing himself thus addressed, and seeing his rival, who had passed him, posted to obstruct his progress, armed cap-a-pee, with his lance in the rest, determined to give the satisfaction that was required, and desired that the regulations of the combat might be established. The knight of the Griffin proposed that the vanquished party should resign all pretensions to Miss Aurelia Darnel, in favour of the victor; that while the principals were engaged, his friend Dawdle should run a tilt with Captain Crowe: that Squire Crabshaw. and Mr Sycamore's servant should keep themselves in readiness to assist their respective masters occasionally, according to the law of arms; and that Mr Clarke should observe the motions of the trumpeter, whose province was to sound the charge to battle.

Perhaps he would have contented himself with this kind of victory, had not Dawdle further inflamed his envy and ambition, by launching out in praise of Sir Launcelot. He observed, that his countenance was open and manly; his joints strong knit, and his form unexceptionable; that he trod like Hercules, and vaulted into the saddle like a winged Mercury: nay, he even hinted it was lucky for Sycamore that the knight of the Crescent happened to be so pacifically disposed. His patron sickened at these praises, and took fire at the last observation. He affected to undervalue personal beauty, though the opinion of the world had been favourable to himself in that particular: he said he was at least two inches taller than Greaves; and as to shape and air, he would make no comparisons; but with respect to riding, he was sure he had a better seat than Sir Launcelot, and would wager five hundred to fifty guineas, that he would unhorse him at the first Our knight agreed to these regulations, encounter. "There is no occasion for lay- notwithstanding the earnest and pathetic reing wagers," replied Mr Dawdle, "the doubt monstrances of the young lawyer, who, with may be determined in half an hour-Sir tears in his eyes, conjured all the combatants Launcelot is not a man to avoid you at full in their turn to refrain from an action that gallop." Sycamore, after some hesitation, might be attended with bloodshed and murdeclared he would follow and provoke him der, and was contrary to the laws both of to battle, on condition that Dawdle would God and man. In vain he endeavoured to engage Crowe; and this condition was ac- move them by tears and entreaties, by threatcepted: for, though Davy had no stomach ening them with prosecutions in this world, to the trial, he could not readily find an ex- and pains and penalties in the next; they cuse for declining it; besides, he had dis- persisted in their resolution, and his uncle covered the captain to be a very bad horse- would have begun hostilities on his carcass, man, and resolved to eke out his own scanty had he not been prevented by Sir Launcelot, valour with a border of ingenuity. The ser- who exhorted Clarke to retire from the field, vants were immediately ordered to unpack that he might not be involved in the consethe armour, and, in a little time, Mr Syca- quences of the combat. He relished this more made a very formidable appearance. advice so well, that he had actually moved But the scene that followed is too impor-off to some distance; but his apprehensions tant to be huddled in at the end of a chapter: and therefore we shall reserve it for a more conspicuous place in these memoirs.

and concern for his friends co-operating with an insatiable curiosity, detained him in sight of the engagement.

The two knights having fairly divided the

ground, and the same precautions being taken by the seconds, on another part of the field, Sycamore began to be invaded with some scruples, which were probably engendered by the martial appearance and well known character of his antagonist. The confidence which he had derived from the reluctance of Sir Launcelot now vanished, because it plainly appeared that the knight's backwardness was not owing to personal timidity; and he foresaw that the prosecution of this joke might be attended with very serious consequences to his own life and reputation. He therefore desired a parley, in which he observed, his affection for Miss Darnel was of such a delicate nature, that, should the discomfiture of his rival contribute to make her unhappy, his victory must render him the most miserable wretch upon earth. He proposed, therefore, that her sentiments and choice should be ascertained before they proceeded to extremity.

alighted immediately, and began to unbuckle his helmet, in which office he was assisted by the trumpeter. When the headpiece was removed, the hapless knight of the Griffin appeared in the pale livery of death, though he was only in a swoon, from which he soon recovered by the effect of the fresh air, and the aspersion of cold water, brought from a small pool in the neighbourhood. When he recognised his conqueror doing the offices of humanity about his person, he closed his eyes from vexation, told Sir Launcelot that his was the fortune of the day, though he himself owed his mischance to the fault of his own horse; and observed, that this ridiculous affair would not have happened, but for the mischievous instigation of that scoundrel Dawdle, on whose ribs he threatened to revenge this mishap.

Perhaps Captain Crowe might have saved him the trouble, had the wag honourably adhered to the institutions of chivalry in his conflict with our novice; but on this occasion his ingenuity was more commendable than his courage. He had provided at the inn a blown bladder, in which several smooth pebbles were inclosed; and this he slily fixed on the head of his pole, when the captain obeyed the signal of battle. Instead of bearing the brunt of the encounter, he turned out of the straight line, so as to avoid the lance of his antagonist, and rattled his bladder with such effect, that Crowe's horse, pricking up his ears, took to his heels, and fled across some ploughed land with such precipitation, that the rider was obliged to quit his spear, and lay fast hold on the mane, that he might not be thrown out of the saddle. Dawdle, who was much better mounted, seeing his condition, rode up to the unfortunate novice, and belaboured his shoulders without fear of retaliation.

Sir Launcelot declared that he was much more afraid of combating Aurelia's inclination, than of opposing the knight of the Griffin in arms; and that if he had the least reason to think Mr Sycamore, or any other person, was distinguished by her preference, he would instantly give up his suit as desperate. At the same time, he observed, that Sycamore had proceeded too far to retract; that he had insulted a gentleman, and not only challenged, but even pursued him, and blocked up his passage in the public highway; outrages which he (Sir Launcelot) would not suffer to pass unpunished. Accordingly, he insisted on the combat, on pain of treating Mr Sycamore as a craven and a recreant. This declaration was reinforced by Dawdle, who told him, that, should he now decline the engagement, all the world would look upon him as an infamous poltroon. These two observations gave a necessary Mr Clarke, seeing his kinsman so roughly fillip to the courage of the challenger. The handled, forgot his fears, and flew to his asparties took their stations, the trumpet sound-sistance; but, before he came up, the aged to charge, and the combatants began their career with great impetuosity. Whether the gleam of Sir Launcelot's arms affrighted Mr Sycamore's steed, or some other object had an unlucky effect on his eye-sight, certain it is, he started at about midway, and gave his rider such a violent shake, as discomposed his attitude, and disabled him from using his lance to the best advantage. Had our hero continued his career with his lance couched, in all probability Sycamore's armour would have proved but a bad defence to his carcass; but Sir Launcelot, perceiving his rival's spear unrested, had just time to throw up the point of his own, when the two horses closed with such a shock, that Sycamore, already wavering in the saddle, was overthrown, and his armour crashed around him as he fell.

The victor, seeing him lie without motion,

gressor had retired; and now perceiving that fortune had declared against his friend and patron, very honourably abandoned him in his distress, and went off at full speed for London.

Nor was Timothy Crabshaw without his share in the noble achievements of this propitious day. He had by this time imbibed such a tincture of errantry, that he firmly believed himself and his master equally invincible; and this belief operating upon a perverse disposition, rendered him as quarrelsome in his sphere as his master was mild and forbearing. As he sat on horseback, in the place assigned to him and Sycamore's lacquey, he managed Gilbert in such a manner, as to invade with his heels the posteriors of the other's horse; and this insult produced some altercation, which ended in mutual assault. The footman handled the

butt-end of his horsewhip with great dexterity | wielded. Mr Clarke, running up to the asabout the head of Crabshaw, who declared sistance of his uncle, was opposed by the afterwards, that it sung and simmered like a lacquey, who seemed extremely desirous of kettle of cod-fish: but the squire, who un- seeing the enemy revenge his quarrel, by derstood the nature of long-lashes, as having falling foul of one another. Clarke, thus been a carter from his infancy, found means impeded, commenced hostilities against the to twine his thong about the neck of his an- footman, while Crowe grappled with Crabtagonist, and pull him off his horse half shaw; a battle-royal ensued, and was mainstrangled, at the very instant his master was tained with great vigour and some bloodshed thrown by Sir Launcelot Greaves. on all sides, until the authority of Sir Launcelot, reinforced by some weighty remonstrances applied to the squire, put an end to the conflict. Crabshaw immediately desisted, and ran roaring to communicate his grievances to Gilbert, who seemed to sympathize very little with his distress. The lacquey took to his heels; Mr Clarke wiped his bloody nose, declaring he had a good mind to put the aggressor in the crown office; and Captain Crowe continued to ejaculate unconnected oaths, which, however, seemed to imply that he was almost sick of his new profession. "D-n my eyes, if you call this

66

Having thus obtained the victory, he did not much regard the punctilios of chivalry, but, taking it for granted he had a right to make the most of his advantage, resolved to carry off the spolia opima. Alighting with great agility, Brother," cried he, "I think as haw yawrs bean't a butcher's horse, a doan't carry calves well-I'se make yaw knaw your churning days, I wool-what, yaw look as if yaw was crow-trodden, you donow, you shall pay the score you have been running on my pate, you shall, brother."

-odds heart, I'll hold a whole year's-smite my limbs; it don't signify talking."

So saying, he rifled his pockets, stripped him of his hat and coat, and took possession-start my timbers, brother-look ye, d'ye of his master's portmanteau. But he did not see-a lousy, lubberly, cowardly son of along enjoy his plunder; for the lacquey com- among the breakers, d'ye see-lost my steerplaining to Sir Launcelot of his having been age way-split my binnacle; hawle awaydespoiled, the knight commanded his squire O! damn all arrantry-give me a tight vesto refund, not without menaces of subjecting sel, d'ye see, brother,-mayhap you mayn't him to the severest chastisement for his in--snatch my-sea room and a spanking gale justice and rapacity. Timothy represented, with great vehemence, that he had won the spoils in fair battle, at the expense of his head and shoulders, which he immediately uncovered to prove his allegation: but his remonstrance having no effect upon his master," Wounds!" cried he, "an I mun gee thee back the pig, I'se gee thee back the poke also; I'm a drubbing still in thy debt." With these words, he made a most furious attack upon the plaintiff with his horsewhip, and, before the knight could interpose, repaid the lacquey with interest. As an appurtenance to Sycamore and Dawdle, he ran the risk of another assault from the novice Crowe, who was so transported with rage at the disagreeable trick which had been played upon him by his fugitive antagonist, that he could not for some time pronounce an articulate sound, but a few broken interjections, the meaning of which could not be ascertained. Snatching up his pole, he ran towards the place where Mr Sycamore sat on the grass, supported by the trumpeter, and would have finished what our adventurer had left undone, if the knight of the Crescent, with admirable dexterity, had not warded off the blow which he aimed at the knight of the Griffin, and signified his displeasure in a resolute tone: then he collared the lacquey, who was just disengaged from the chastising hand of Crabshaw, and, swinging his lance with his other hand, encountered the squire's ribs by accident.

Timothy was not slow in returning the salutation with the weapon which he still

Our hero consoled our novice for his disaster, by observing, that, if he had got some blows, he had lost no honour. At the same time, he observed, that it was very difficult, if not impossible, for a man to succeed in the paths of chivalry who had passed the better part of his days in other occupations; and hinted, that, as the cause which had engaged him in this way of life no longer existed, he was determined to relinquish a profession which in a peculiar manner exposed him to the most disagreeable incidents. Crowe chewed the cud upon this insinuation, while the other personages of the drama were employed in catching the horses, which had given their riders the slip. As for Mr Sycamore, he was so bruised by his fall, that it was necessary to procure a litter for conveying him to the next town; and the servant was dispatched for this convenience, Sir Launcelot staying with him until it arri ved.

When he was safely deposited in the carriage, our hero took leave of him in these terms. "I shall not insist upon your submitting to the terms you yourself proposed before this rencounter. I give you free leave to use all your advantages, in an honourable way, for promoting your suit with the young lady of whom you profess yourself enamoured. Should you have recourse to sinister practices, you will find Sir Launcelot Greaves ready to demand an account of your conduct, not in the character of a lunatic