should be no difference in the canes, and
so much in the price, comes to Charles. 'Damn it, Charles,' says
he, 'you have sold me a cane here for ten pieces, and the very same
to Tom Empty for five.' 'Lord, Sir Timothy,' says Charles, 'I am
concerned that you, whom I took to understand canes better than any
baronet in town, should be so overseen;[143] why, Sir Timothy,
yours is a true jambee, and Squire Empty's only a plain
dragon.'[144]
"This virtuoso has a parcel of jambees now growing in the East
Indies, where he keeps a man on purpose to look after them, which
will be the finest that ever landed in Great Britain, and will be
fit to cut about two years hence. Any gentleman may subscribe for
as many as he pleases. Subscriptions will be taken in at his shop
at ten guineas each joint. They that subscribe for six, shall have
a dragon gratis. This is all I have to say at present concerning
Charles' curiosities; and hope it may be sufficient to prevail
with you to take him into your consideration, which if you comply
with, you will oblige,
"Your humble Servant.
"N.B. Whereas there came out last term several gold snuff-boxes and
others: this is to give notice, that Charles[145] will put out a
new edition on Saturday next, which will be the only one in fashion
till after Easter. The gentleman that gave fifty pounds for the box
set with diamonds, may show it till Sunday night, provided he goes
to church; but not after that time, there being one to be published
on Monday which will cost fourscore guineas."
[Footnote 137: See No. 137. In No. 140 there was the following
advertisement: "At the request of all the ladies of quality, who are at
present engaged in politics, the benefit night for Cavalier Nicolini is
put off to Tuesday the 7th instant."]
[Footnote 138: Cf. "Wentworth Papers," p. 113. "Sacheverell will make
all the Ladys good huswis, they goe att seven every mornin'," says Lady
Wentworth.]
[Footnote 139: The spectators brought their lunch with them.]
[Footnote 140: A coffee-house in Fleet Street, at the east corner of
Inner Temple Lane.]
[Footnote 141: Charles Mather, the toyman (see Nos. 27, 113).]
[Footnote 142: Goldsmiths' receipts for coin lodged with them as bankers
were sometimes transferred from hand to hand, but this was alway
|