t delivering
it with so much volubility, that it is impossible to propose a second
enquiry, suiting at the same time his answer to the apparent quality
of the querist, though frequently leaving it unfinished in search of a
customer, and moving on with so much rapidity, that you may almost find
him at the same moment at Tower Hill, Billingsgate, and Spa Fields; at
Smithfield, Temple Bar, and Piccadilly; indeed he may be said to be in
all quarters of the town in a space of time incredibly short for a man
who obtains a livelihood by seeking customers as he moves along."

"Zounds," cried Bob, "this walking genius, this credible incredible,
and visible invisible pedestrian dealer in portable eatables, has almost
blinded me.

"For, by this flying pieman,
I've nearly lost an eye, man."

"Come," said Tom, "I've no fear of your eye while you can muster a
couplet; so let us proceed."

Crossing Black friars Bridge, and approaching the road, Bob, who had
assuaged the pain of which he had previously ~42~~ been complaining,
could not help admiring the extensive range of nouses on each side of
the way, terminated by a handsome building in the distance.

"That Building," said Dashall, "will be the extent of our journey, for
very near to it is the habitation of Merrywell, where I entertain no
doubt you will find enough for observation of a useful as well as
a humorous nature: for an epitome of men and manners is there to be
obtained."

"Here are abundance of subjects worthy of inspection in this quarter,"
replied Tom, "and we therefore ought not to exhaust too much time on
one, so let us proceed: do you see that high wall to the right? That is
the Magdalen Hospital,{1} established for the relief and

1 The Magdalen Hospital in Blackfriars Road, enclosed from
public view, occupies an extensive space of ground, and is
from the nature of its inhabitants very properly so
enclosed. It was opened in the year 1758, and it must be a
delightful reflection to its governors, that during the
period it has subsisted, more than two-thirds of the women
who have been admitted have been reconciled to their
friends, or placed in honest employments or reputable
services: besides which, a very considerable portion have
since been married, and are at this moment respectable
members of society: circumstances which prove the great and
important utility of this admirable