CARRIES ITS BENEFITS OR CURSES ON RAPID WINGS from one extremity of
the kingdom to the other--as a man more depraved, more gratuitously
and habitually profligate and cruel, than has ever appeared in modern
times.'

Touching his gambling pursuits, he said:--'I have been represented to
you as a man who was given to gambling, and the constant companion
of gamblers. To this accusation in some part my heart, with feeling
penitence, pleads guilty. I have gambled; I have been a gambler, but not
for the last three years. During that time I have not attended or betted
upon a horse-race, or a fight, or any public exhibition of that nature.
If I have erred in these things, half of the nobility of the land have
been my examples; some of the most enlightened statesmen of the country
have been my companions in them. I have, indeed, been a gambler; I have
been an unfortunate one. But whose fortune have I ruined?--whom undone?
My own family have I ruined; I have undone myself!'(22)

(22) See the entire speech in 'Celebrated Trials,' vol. vi. 547.

A MOST WONDERFUL END OF A GAMBLER.

In the Annual Register for the year 1766 occurs the following
'circumstantial and authentic account of the memorable case of Richard
Parsons,' transmitted by the high sheriff of Gloucestershire to his
friend in London.

On the 20th of February, 1766, Richard Parsons and three more met at a
private house in Chalfold, in order to play at cards, about six o'clock
in the evening. They played at Loo till about eleven or twelve that
night, when they changed their game for Whist. After a few deals a
dispute arose about the state of the game. Parsons asserted with oaths
that they were six, which the others denied; upon which he wished 'that
he might never enter the kingdom of heaven, and that his flesh might rot
upon his bones, if there were not six in the game.' These wishes were
several times repeated both then and afterwards. Upon this the candle
was put out by a party present, who said he was shocked with the oaths
and expressions he heard, and that he put out the candle with a design
to put an end to the game. Presently upon this they adjourned to another
house, and there began a fresh game, when Parsons and his partner had
great success. They then played at Loo again till four in the morning.
During the second playing Parsons complained to one Rolles, his partner,
of a bad pain in his leg, which from that time increased. There was an
appearance of a