ivation. We shall have a view of
some of the residents in this renowned place of fashionable resort; the
interior of which perhaps exhibits a spectacle far more diversified,
and if possible more immoral and vicious, than the exterior. There are
quondam gentlemen of fortune, reduced either so low as not to be able to
pay for the Rules, or so unprincipled and degraded as to have no friend
at command who could with safety become their surety. Shop-keepers,
whose knavery having distanced even their extravagance, dread the
appearance of ease exhibited in the Rules and the detection of fraud,
by producing the reverse of their independence, and who even grudge
the expenditure of money, to obtain limited liberty.
Uncertificated bankrupts, and unconvicted felons; Jews--gamblers by
trade--horse-dealers--money scriveners--bill discounters--annuity
procurers--disinterested profligates--unemployed and branded
attorneys--scandal mongers and libel writers--Gazetted publicans,
and the perhaps less culpable sinners of broken officers--reduced
mechanics--starving authors, and cast-off Cyprians."

"A very comprehensive and animated account truly," said Tallyho.

"And you will find it accurate," continued Dashall, "for the turn-out of
this dwelling of crime and misery, resembles the Piazza de Sant Marco at
Venice, in the Carnival time. There are all descriptions and classes in
society, all casts and sects, all tribes and associations, all colours,
complexions and appearances, not only of human and inhuman beings, but
also all shades, features, and conformations of vice. The Spendthrift,
or degraded man of fortune, lives by shifts, by schemes, by loans, by
sponging on the novice, by subscription, or on commiseration's uncertain
aid. He has however in perspective some visionary scheme of emolument
and dishonour blended, to put into execution as soon as he obtains his
discharge. The uncertificated Bankrupt has many opportunities left yet;
he has other dupes, other tricks of trade, other resources in reserve.
The Swindler mellows, refines, and sublimates his plan of future
operations, and associates in it, perchance, a fallen fair one, or
an incipient Greek, ~38~~ put up in the Bench. Horse-dealers, money
scriveners, bill doers, attorneys, &c. have either the means of setting
up again, or some new system of roguery to be put in practice, in fresh
time and place, which may conduct them to the harbour of Fortune, or
waft them over the herring p