the captain does not stand altogether on the so trusty, brave, affectionate, and alert, and foundation of personal merit. Besides his I owe him such personal obligations, that he half-pay, amounting to two-and-forty pounds merits more than all the indulgence that can a year, this indefatigable economist has possibly be shown him by yours, amassed eight hundred pounds, which he has

MAIT. BRAMBLE. secured in the funds. This sum arises partly October 26. from his pay's running up while he remained among the Indians; partly from what he received as a consideration for the difference To Sir WATKIN Phillips, Bart.At Oxon. between his full appointment and the halfpay, to which he is now restricted; and Dear KNIGHT,—The fatal knots are now partly from the profits of a little traffic he tied. The comedy is near a close, and the drove in peltry, during his sachemship among curtain is ready to drop; but the latter scenes the Miamis.

of this act I shall recapitulate in order. Liddy's fears and perplexities have been About a fortnight ago, my uncle made an much assuaged by the company of one Miss excursion across the country, and brought Willis, who had been her intimate companion bither a particular friend, one Mr Baynard, at the boarding-school. Her parents had who has just lost his wife, and was for some been earnestly licited to allow her making time disconsolate; though, by all accounts, this friendly visit on such an extraordinary he had much more cause for joy than for occasion; and two days ago she arrived with sorrow at this event. His countenance, her mother, who did not choose that she however, clears up apace, and he appears to should come without a proper governante. be a person of rare accomplishments; but The young lady is very handsome, sprightly we have received another still more agreeand agreeable, and the mother a mighty able reinforcement to our company, by the good sort of a woman; so that their coming arrival of Miss Willis from Gloucester. She adds considerably to our enjoyment. But was Liddy's bosom-friend at boarding-school, we shall have a third couple yoked in the and being earnestly solicited to assist at the matrimonial chain. Mr Clinker Lloyd has nuptials, her mother was so obliging as to made humble remonstrance, through the grant my sister's request, and even to come channel of my nephew, setting forth the with her in person. "Liddy, accompanied by sincere love and affection mutually subsisting George Dennison and me, gave them the between him and Mrs Winifred Jenkins, and meeting half way, and next day conducted praying my consent to their coming together them hither in safety. Miss Willis is a for life. I would have wished that Mr Clin- charming girl, and, in point of disposition, ker had kept out of this scrape ; but as the an agreeable contrast to my sister, who is nymph's happiness is at stake, and she has rather too grave and sentimental for my turn had already some fits in the way of despon- of mind. The other is gay, frank, a little dence, I, in order to prevent any tragical giddy, and always good-humoured. She has, catastrophe, have given him leave to play moreover, a genteel fortune, is well born, the fool, in imitation of his betters; and I and remarkably handsome. Ah, Phillips ! suppose we shall in time have a whole litter if these qualities were permanent—if her of his progeny at Brambleton-hall. The fel. humour would never change, nor her beauties low is stout and lusty, very sober and con- decay, what efforts would I not make-but scientious; and the wench seems to be as these are idle reflections—my destiny must great an enthusiast in love as in religion. one day be fulfilled.

I wish you would think of employing him At present we pass the time as agreeably some other way, that the parish may not be as we can. We have got up several farces, overstocked-you know he has been bred a which afforded unspeakable entertainment, farrier, consequently belongs to the faculty ; by the effects they produced among the and, as he is very docile, I make no doubt, country people, who were admitted to all but, with your good instruction, he may be our exhibitions. Two nights ago, Jack Wilin a little time, qualified to act as a Welsh son acquired great applause in Harlequin apothecary. Tabby, who never did a favour Skeleton, and Lismahago surprised us all in with a good grace, has consented, with great the character of Pierot. His long lank sides, reluctance, to this match. Perhaps it hurts and strong marked features, were all pecuher pride, as she now considers Clinker in liarly adapted to his part. He appeared with the light of a relation ; but I believe her ob-a ludicrous stare, from which he had disjections are of a more selfish nature. She charged all meaning: he adopted the imdeclares she cannot think of retaining the pressions of fear and amazement so naturally, wife of Matthew Lloyd in the character of a that many of the audience were infected by servant ; and she foresees, that, on such an his looks : but when the skeleton had him occasion, the woman will expect some grati- in chase, his horror became most divertingly fication for her past services. As for Clin picturesque, and seemed to endow him with ker, exclusive of other considerations, he is such preternatural agility, as confounded all

the spectators. It was a lively representa- ably flattered the pride of our aunt Tabitha, tion of Death in pursuit of Consumption, and which had already found uncommon gratis. had such an effect upon the commonalty, that cation in the captain's generosity : for he some of them shrieked aloud, and others ran had, in the morning, presented my uncle with out of the hall in the utmost consternation. a fine bear's skin and a Spanish fowling

This is not the only instance in which the piece, and me with a case of pistols curiouslieutenant had lately excited our wonder. ly mounted with silver. At the same time, His temper, which had been soured and he gave Mrs Jenkins an Indian purse, made shrivelled by disappointment and chagrin, is of silk-grass, containing twenty crown pie. now swelled out and smoothed like a raisin ces. You must know, this young lady, with in a plum-porridge. From being reserved the assistance of Mr Lloyd, formed the and punctilious, he is become easy and third couple who yesterday sacrificed to Hyobliging. He cracks jokes, laughs, and ban. men. I wrote you in my last that he had ters, with the most facetious familiarity; recourse to my mediation, which I employed and, in a word, enters into all our schemes successfully with my uncle ; but Mrs Tabitha of merriment and pastime. The other day held out till the love-sick Jenkins had two his baggage arrived in the wagon from Lon- fits of the mother; then she relented, and don, contained in two large trunks and a those two cooing turtles were caged for life. long deal box, not unlike a coffin. The Our aunt made an effort of generosity in trunks were filled with his wardrobe, which furnishing the bride with her superfluities of he displayed for the entertainment of the clothes and linen, and her example was folcompany ;, and he freely owned, that it con- lowed by my sister; nor did Mr Bramble sisted chiefly of the opima spolia taken in and I neglect her on this occasion. It was battle. What he selected for his wedding indeed a day of peace-offering. Mr Dennisuit, was a tarnished white cloth, faced with son insisted upon Liddy's accepting two blue velvet, embroidered with silver ; but he bank-notes of one hundred pounds each, as valued himself most upon a tie-periwig, in pocket-money; and his lady gave her a diawhich he had made his first appearance as a mond necklace of double that value. There lawyer, about thirty years ago. This machine was, besides, a mutual exchange of tokens had been in buckle ever since, and now all among the individuals of the two families the servants in the family were employed to thus happily united. frizz it out for the ceremony, which was As George Dennison and his partner were yesterday celebrated at the parish church. judged improper objects of mirth, Jack Wil. George Dennison and his bride were distin- son had resolved to execute some jokes on guished by nothing extraordinary in their Lismahago, and, after supper, began to ply apparel. His eyes lightened with eagerness him with bumpers, when the ladies had reand joy, and she trembled with coyness and tired; but the captain perceiving his drift, confusion. My uncle gave her away, and begged for quarter, alleging that the advenher friend Willis supported her during the ture in which he had engaged was a very ceremony.

serious matter, and that it would be more But my aunt and her paramour took the the part of a good Christian to pray that he pas, and formed indeed such a pair of ori- might be strengthened, than to impede his ginals, as, I believe, all England could not endeavours to finish the adventure. He was parallel. She was dressed in the style of spared accordingly, and permitted to ascend 1739; and, the day being cold, put on a man- the nuptial couch with all his senses about tle of green velvet laced with gold : but this him. There he and his consort sat in state was taken off by the bridegroom, who threw like Saturn and Cybele, while the benedic. over her shoulders a fur cloak of American tion posset was drank; and a cake being sables, valued at fourscore guineas, a present broken over the head of Mrs Tabitha Lisequally agreeable and unexpected. Thus mahago, the fragments were distributed accoutred, she was led up to the altar by Mr among the by-standers, according to the Dennison, who did the office of her father. custom of the ancient Britons, on the supLismahago advanced in the military step, position that every person who ate of this with his French coat reaching no farther hallowed cake should that night have a than the middle of his thigh, his campaign vision of the man or woman whom Heaven wig that surpassed all description, and a lan- designed should be his or her wedded mate. guishing leer upon his countenance, in The weight of Wilson's waggery fell upwhich there seemed to be something arch on honest Humphry and his spouse, who and ironical. The ring which he put upon were bedded in an upper room, with the her finger, he had concealed till the moment usual ceremony of throwing the stocking. it was used. He now produced it with an This being performed, and the company air of self-complacency. It was a curious withdrawn, a sort of caterwauling ensued, antique, set with rose-diamonds : he told us when Jack found means to introduce a real afterwards it had been in his family two hun- cat, shod with walnut shells, which, gallopdred years, and was a present from his ing along the boards, made such a dreadful grandmother. These circumstances agree- noise as effectually discomposed our lovers. Winifred screamed aloud, and shrunk under I have nothing farther to do, but to comfort the bed-clothes. Mr Lloyd, believing that my friend Baynard, and provide for my son Satan was come to buffet him in propria Lloyd, who is also fairly joined to Mrs persona, laid aside all carnal thoughts, and Winifred Jenkins. You are an excellent began to pray aloud with great fervency. Al genius at hints. Dr Arbuthnot was but a length, the poor animal being more afraid type of Dr Lewis in that respect. What than either, leaped upon the bed, and mewled you observe of the vestry-clerk deserves conwith the most piteous exclamation. Lloyd, sideration. I make no doubt but Matthew thus informed of the nature of the annoy. Lloyd is well enough qualified for the office; ance, rose and set the door wide open, so but, at present, you must find room for bim that this troublesome visitant retreated with in the house. His incorruptible honesty and great expedition ; then securing himself, by indefatigable care will be serviceable in super. means of a double bolt, from a second in- intending the economy of my farm, though trusion, he was left to enjoy his good fortune I don't mean that he shall interfere with without disturbance.

Barnes, of whom I have no cause to comIf one may judge from the looks of the plain. I am just returned with Baynard from parties, they are all very well

satisfied with a second trip to his house, where every thing what has passed. George Dennison and is regulated to his satisfaction. He could his wife are too delicate to exhibit any not, however, review the apartments without strony marked signs of their mutual satis- tears and lamentation, so that he is not yet faction, but their cyes are sufficiently ex. in a condition to be left alone; therefore, I pressive. Mrs Tabitha Lismahago is rather will not part with him till the spring, when fulsome in signifying her approbation of the he intends to plunge into the avocations of captain's love; while his deportment is the husbandry, which will at once employ and very pink of gallantry. He sighs, and ogles, amuse his attention. Charles Dennison has and languishes at this amiable object. He promised to stay with him a fortnight, to set kisses ber hand, mutters ejaculations of rap him fairly afloat in his improvements; and ture, and sings tender airs; and, no doubt, Jack Wilson will see him from time to time; laughs internally at her folly in believing besides, he has a few friends in the country, him sincere. In order to show how little his whom his new plan of life will not exclude vigour was impaired by the fatigues of the from his society. In less than a year, I make preceding day, he this morning danced a no doubt but he will find himself perfectly at Highland saraband over a naked back-sword, ease, both in his mind and body, for the one and leaped so high, that I believe he would had dangerously affected the other; and I make no contemptible figure as a vaulter at shall enjoy the exquisite pleasure of seeing my Sadler's Wells. 'Mr Matthew Lloyd, when friend rescued from misery and contempt. asked how he relishes his bargain, throws Mrs Willis being determined to return up his eyes, crying—" For what we have with her daughter, in a few days, to Glou. received, Lord make us thankful : amen.”cester, our plan has undergone some altera. His help-mate giggles, and holds her hand tion. Jerry has persuaded his brother-in-law before her eyes, affecting to be ashamed of to carry his wife to Bath; and I believe his having been in bed with a man. Thus all parents will accompany him thither. For these widyeons enjoy the novelty of their iny part, I have no intention to take that situation ; but perhaps their note will be route. It must be something very extraordichanged, when they are better acquainted nary that will indice me either to revisit with the nature of the decoy.

Bath or London. My sister and her husband, As Mrs Willis cannot be persuaded to stay, Baynard and I, will take leave of them at and Liddy is engaged by promise to accom- Gloucester, and make the best of our way to pany her daughter back to Gloucester, I fancy Brambleton-hall, where I desire you will there will be a general migration from hence, prepare a good chine and turkey' for our and that most of us will spend the Christmas Christmas dinner. You must also employ holidays at Bath; in which case I shall cer- your medical skill in defending me from the tainly find an opportunity to beat up your attacks of the gout, that I may be in good quarters. By this time, I suppose, you are case to receive the rest of our company, who sick of alma mater, and even ready to exc. promise to visit us in their return from the cute that scheme of peregrination which was Bath. As I have laid in a considerable stock last year concerted between you and your of health, it is to be hoped you will not have affectionate

J. MELFORD. much trouble with me in the way of physic, November 8

but I intend to work you on the side of exercise. I have got an excellent fowling

piece from Mr Lismahago, who is a keen To Doctor LEWIS.

sportsman, and we shall take the heath in all

weathers. That this scheme of life may be DEAR DOCTOR,-My niece Liddy is now prosecuted the more effectually, I intend to happily settled for life; and Captain Lisma- renounce all sedentary amusements, particuhago has taken Tabby off my hands; so that Ilarly that of writing long letters; a resolu

a

tion, which, had I taken it sooner, might bands of mattermoney; and I now subscribe have saved you the trouble which you have myself Loyd at your sarvice. All the parish lately taken in reading the tedious epistles of allowed that young squire Dallison and his

MATT. BRAMBLE. bride was a comely pear for to see. As for November 14.

Madam Lashmiheygo, you nose her picklearities-her head, to be sure, was fantasti.

cal; and her spouse had wrapt her with a To Mrs GwylLIM, AT BRAMBLETON-HALL. long marokin furze clock from the land of

the selvedges, thof they say it is of immense Good Mrs GWYLLIM,-Heaven, for wise vally. The captain himself had a hudge purposes, hath ordained that I should change hassock of air, with three tails, and a tummy name and citation in life, so that I am tawdry coat, boddered with sulfur. Wan not to be considered any inore as manager said he was a monkey-bank; and the ould of my brother's family: but as I cannot sur- botler swore he was the born imich of Titirender up my stewardship till I have settled dall. For my part, I says nothing, being as with you and Williams, I desire you will get how the captain has done the handsome thing your accunts ready for inspection, as we are by me. Mr Loyd was dressed in a little frog coming home without further delay. My and checket with gould binding; and thof he spouse, the captain, being subject to run- don't enter in caparison with great folks of matticks, I beg you will take great care to quality, yet he has got as good blood in his have the bloo chamber, up two pair of stairs, veins as arrow private squire in the county; well warmed for his reception. Let the and then his pursing is far from contentible. sashes be secured, the crevices stopt, the Your humble sarvant had on a plain peacarpets laid, and the beds well tousled. Mrs green tabby sack, with my Runnela cap, ruff Lloyd, late Jenkins, being married to a rela- toupee, and side curls. They said I was tion of the family, cannot remain in the the very moral of Lady Rickmanstone, but capacity of a sarvant: therefore, I wish you not so pale—that may well be, for her lady: would cast about for some creditable body to ship is my elder by seven good years and be with me in her room. If she can spin, more. Now, Mrs Mary, our satiety is to and is mistress of plain work, so much the suppurate. Mr Milfart goes to Bath along better-but she must not expect extravagant with the Dallisons, and the rest of us push wages—having a family of my own, I must home to Wales, to pass our Christmash at be more occumenical than ever. No more Brampleton-hall. As our appartments is to at present, but rests your loving friend, be the yallow pepper, in the thurd story, pray

TAB. LISMAHAGO. carry my things thither. Present my comNovember 20.

pliments to Mrs Gwillim, and I hope she and I will live upon dissent terms of civility.

Being, by God's blessing, removed to a higher To Mrs Mary Jones, AT BRAMBLETON- spear, you'll excuse my being familiar with Hall.

the lower sarvants of the family; but, as I

trust you'll behave respectful, and keep a Mrs Jones,-Providence hath bin pleased proper distance, you may always depend to make great halteration in the pasture of upon the good-will and purtection of yours, our affairs. We were yesterday three kiple

W. LOYD. chined by the grease of God, in the holy November 20.

END OF IIUMPHRY CLINKER.