as is to be done about the works and
place--indeed, we calls 'em the _Port Admiral's skippers_." I now fully
understood the import of the term _Portsmouth Greys_, which had before
been an enigma to ~183~~me; and comprehended that the unhappy beings
before me were of

The ill-fated children of suff'ring and sin,
With conscience reproaching and sorrow within;
Bosoms that mis'ry and guilt could not sever,
Hearts that were blighted and broken for ever:
Where each, to some vice or vile passion a slave,
Shared the wreck of the mind, and the spirit's young grave.
Whose brief hist'ry of life, ere attain'd to its prime,
Unfolded a volume of madness and crime,
Such as leaves on the forehead of manhood a stain
Which tears over shed seek to blot out in vain;
A stain which as long as existence will last,
Embitt'ring the future with thoughts of the past.

I might have indulged much longer in these reflections, but my musing
mood was interrupted by the Medina reaching her destination, and we
disembarked safely at Portsmouth Point.

[Illustration: page184]

On landing, the worthy veteran, who had, by his confabulation during the
voyage, claimed, in his own opinion, a right of becoming my companion
for a time, a privilege which, in such a scene, and at such a place, it
will easily be believed I was not averse from granting him, proceeded
along with me _carpere iter comites parati_, up Point Street, and at one
of the turnings my friend made a sudden stop. "My eyes!" he exclaimed,
"may I perish, but that is my old messmate, Tom Tackle. Many's the can
of flip we've scuttled while on board the _Leander_ frigate together;
and when we were obliged to part convoy and go on board different ships,
there was above a little matter of brine about both our eyes." At this
moment Tom Tackle came up with us: the warmth of affection with which
his old shipmate had spoken of him had interested me not a little in his
favour, and his mutilated frame spoke volumes in behalf of the gallantry
he had displayed in the service of his country. One eye was entirely
~184~~lost; one coat-sleeve hung armless by his side; and one vanished
leg had its place superseded by a wooden substitute. I gazed upon the
"unfortunate brave" with mingled pity and veneration; yet, so true is
the observation of the ancient,

"_Res sunt humanae flobi