"With the restoration of the king, (Charles II.) a spirit of extravagant joy spread over the nation, that brought on with it, the throwing off the very professions of virtue and piety. All ended in entertainments and drunkenness, which overrun the three kingdoms to such a degree, that it very much corrupted all their morals. Under colour of drinking the king's health, there were great disorders, and much riot everywhere; and the pretences of religion, both in those of the hypocritical sort, and of the more honest, but no less pernicious enthusiasts, gave great advantages, as well as they furnished much matter to the profane mockers of true piety." ERRATA. Vol. I. p. 96. for " Dick Skippon," read "Phil Skippon." Vol. 1. p. 123. for "Henry," read " Edward." Vol. II. p. 41. line 8. for " Maestra da Capella," read "Maestro di Cappella." THE TWENTY-NINTH OF MAY. RARE DOINGS AT THE RESTORATION. CHAPTER I. A TRIUMVIRATE OF ROUNDHEADS. "Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it."-SHAKSPEARE. "WELL, heigh-ho! thank my stars, there is the last finishing touch, and I'll be sworn as villainous a Beelzebub as ever was manufactured either for love or money; and if it does not please mine host 'tis no fault of mine: I've done my utmost." Thus apostrophized master Matthew Barlow, the noted sign painter of Harp Alley, yawning and stretching himself, with his palette and pencils in one hand at arm's length, and maulstick in the other. "Yes, I've done my best, and bad is the best as they say," VOL. I. |