am at—­’ said I; ’these individuals are battered tars of Old England, and this edifice, once the favourite abode of Glorious Elizabeth, is the refuge which a grateful country has allotted to them.  Here they can rest their weary bodies; at their ease talk over the actions in which they have been injured; and, with the tear of enthusiasm flowing from their eyes, boast how they have trod the deck of fame with Rodney, or Nelson, or others whose names stand emblazoned in the naval annals of their country.’

Turning to the right, I entered a park or wood consisting of enormous trees, occupying the foot, sides, and top of a hill which rose behind the town; there were multitudes of people among the trees, diverting themselves in various ways.  Coming to the top of the hill, I was present’ y stopped by a lofty wall, along which I walked, till, coming to a small gate, I passed through, and found myself on an extensive green plain, on one side bounded in part by the wall of the park, and on the others, in the distance, by extensive ranges of houses; to the south-east was a lofty eminence, partially clothed with wood.  The plain exhibited an animated scene, a kind of continuation of the fair below; there were multitudes of people upon it, many tents, and shows; there was also horse-racing, and much noise and shouting, the sun shining brightly overhead.  After gazing at the horse-racing for a little time, feeling myself somewhat tired, I went up to one of the tents, and laid myself down on the grass.  There was much noise in the tent.  ‘Who will stand me?’ said a voice with a slight tendency to lisp.  ‘Will you, my lord?’ ‘Yes,’ said another voice.  Then there was a sound as of a piece of money banging on a table.  ‘Lost! lost! lost!’ cried several voices; and then the banging down of the money, and the ‘lost! lost! lost!’ were frequently repeated; at last the second voice exclaimed, ’I will try no more; you have cheated me.’  ’Never cheated any one in my life, my lord—­all fair—­all chance.  Them that finds, wins—­them that can’t finds, loses.  Anyone else try?  Who’ll try?  Will you, my lord?’ and then it appeared that some other lord tried, for I heard more money flung down.  Then again the cry of ’lost! lost!’—­then again the sound of money, and so on.  Once or twice, but not more, I heard ‘Won! won!’ but the predominant cry was ‘Lost! lost!’ At last there was a considerable hubbub, and the words ‘Cheat!’ ‘Rogue!’ and ‘You filched away the pea!’ were used freely by more voices than one, to which the voice with the tendency to lisp replied, ’Never filched a pea in my life; would scorn it.  Always glad when folks wins; but, as those here don’t appear to be civil, not to wish to play any more, I shall take myself off with my table; so, good-day, gentlemen.’

CHAPTER LIII

Singular table—­No money—­Out of employ—­My bonnet—­We of the thimble—­Good wages—­Wisely resolved—­Strangest way in the world—­Fat gentleman—­Not such another—­First edition—­Not very easy—­Won’t close—­Avella gorgio—­Alarmed look.