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The he-woman gave two or three of the sentimental songs of the day,
with her usual ability; and that popular song, "The Sea," was sung in
fine taste by a chorus singer of Drury Lane. _Richard's_ soliloquy was
ranted in stark staring style by a young vagabond who spouted from
tavern to tavern for a living. An Italian air was screamed and
quivered by an elderly female, who once strutted upon the stage, but
who now was half bent with care, want, and blue ruin (gin). It was
considered by all to be excellent, (the poor always feeling a respect
for what the rich admire) although there were none there that had
either hearts or heads to feel or understand it.

Some curious imitations of birds were given by a comical sort of a
character, who had a good deal of wit and foolery about him. A jolly
drinking song with admirable humour by a hawker of flower-pots--a
stout middle-sized young fellow, in a smock frock, and a low crowned
hat, with a round ruddy face, and merry eye--one, too, who was all
lark, frolic and fun--a very English John with a pipe and jug.

A tall athletic youth, and a short thick-set man (brothers) dressed in
flash coats, (velvet shooting jackets), ornamented with large ivory
buttons, and their hats slouched on, sat in a corner smoking their
pipes. They bore the exact appearance of being half poachers, and half
tillers of the earth; fellows who, upon a pinch, would have no
objections to take the road with a bludgeon--the very models of
country blackguards. They were both in liquor--the shorter one so much
so, that he had became quite obstreperous, and had once or twice
interrupted the other vocalists; and now, as if unable to contain
himself any longer, broke out with a strong voice slobbered a little
though from too much malt--

"With a dog and gun, and all such ware,
To Donerby woods we did repair.
We went till we came to Ryburn town,
And there we drank of ale around.

"We ran these dogs till almost one,
Which made the gamekeeper load his gun--"

here the honest fellow hiccuped, which rather interrupted his harmony;
at length, after a stare, as if to collect his ideas, an extra
exertion, and a kind of vaunting look--again stammered forth with--

"If they had took us, and fought us like men,
We should not have valued them two to their ten."

This last burst was too much for his remaining senses; he dropped on
the floor--the proper level for all topers.