iption of the parson's daughter, whom he
suggested might in all probability become his wife.

Sparkle likewise received a letter from home, reminding him of the
expectations entertained of his early arrival. After dinner the evening
was spent in the most agreeable and pleasant way, where our friends
engaged themselves with tripping it on the light fantastic toe at Lady
M.'s, till the beams of the morning darted upon them.

CHAPTER XXX

I'm amaz'd at the signs
As I pass through the town,
To see the odd mixture,
"A Magpie and Crown,"
"The Whale and the Crow."
"The Razor and Hen,"
"The Leg and Seven Stars,"
"The Bible and Swan,"
"The Axe and the Bottle,"
"The Tun and the Lute,"
"The Eagle and Child,"
"The Shovel and Boot."

~~395~~~
The proposed time for departure having pressed hard upon our friends,
(who though determined to quit the gaieties of London, still seemed to
linger, like the moth about the candle, unwilling to separate themselves
from its delights,) preparations were at length decided and acted upon;
the Hon. Tom Dashall having ordered his servants to proceed on the road
with the carriage, horses, and other appendages of his rank, giving
time for arrival at the place of destination by easy stages, in order
to avoid over fatiguing either his attendants or his horses, an example
which was followed by Sparkle and Tallyho, who had mutually agreed to
travel by the Mail; for which purpose places were accordingly taken at
the Bull and Mouth, which being announced to Tallyho, he took occasion
to ask his Cousin for an explanation of so singular a sign for an Inn.

"As far as I am able to learn," replied Tom, "it was originally the
Mouth of Boulogne Harbour, or Boulogne Mouth,--and from thence corrupted
to the Bull and Mouth. There are, however, many curious signs, to trace
the original derivation of which, has afforded me many amusing moments
during my perambulation through the streets of the metropolis; indeed it
has often struck me, that the signs in many instances are so opposite to
the several professions they are intended to designate, that some remedy
should certainly be applied."

~~396~~~ "And how," said Sparkle, "would you propose to have the
exhibition of signs regulated?"

"That," said Dashall, "as a subject of deep importance, ought to be
subjected to the legislative bo