e, and he himself so perfectly
sincere in his moanings and groanings, that it was almost Barbarity to
jeer at him. The Chaplain, however, was, to all appearance, accustomed
to these little Comedies; for, whispering to me that it was all Mr.
Pinchin's manner, and that the young Gentleman meant no harm, he bade
me bestir myself and hurry up the servants of the House to serve supper.
So not only were the champagne and the Burgundy put on table,--and of
the which there was put behind a screen a demiflask of the same true
vintage for my own private drinking. ("And the Squire will be pleased,
when he comes to Audit the score, to find that you have been content
with Half a bottle. 'Twill seem like something saved out of the Fire,"
whispers the Chaplain to me, as I helped to lay the cloth),--not only
were Strong Waters and sweet Liquors and cordials provided, especially
that renowned stomachic the Maraschyno, of which the Hollanders and
Flemings are so outrageously fond, and which is made to such perfection
in the Batavian settlements in Asia, but a substantial Repast likewise
made its appearance, comprising Fowl, both wild and tame, and hot and
cold, a mighty pasty of veal and eggs, baked in a Standing Crust, some
curious fresh sallets, and one of potatoes and salted herrings flavoured
with garlic--to me most villanously nasty, but much affected in these
amphibious Low Countries. So, the little Squire being brought to with a
copious draught of champagne,--and he was the most weazened little
Bacchus I ever knew, moistening his ever-dry throttle from morn until
night,--he and the chaplain sate down to supper, and remained feasting
until long past midnight. So far as the Parson's part went, it might
have been called a Carouse as well as a Feast, for his Reverence took
his Liquor, and plenty of it, with a joviality of Countenance the which
it would have done your Heart good to see, drinking "Church and King,"
and then "King and Church," so that neither Institution should have
cause to grumble, and then giving the Army, the Navy, the Courts of
Quarter Sessions throughout England, Newmarket and the horses, not
forgetting the Jockeys, the pious memory of Dr. Sacheverell, at which
the Squire winced somewhat, for he was a bitter Whig, with many other
elegant and appropriate sentiments. In fact, it was easy to see that his
reverence had known the very best of company, and when at one of the
clock he called for a Bowl of Punch, which he ha