if I vosh not as sober as a judge mineself, if I could do as much if I vosh to go to hell for it."

"Thou art a right good fellow, Master Mordecai, that is the fact," said Davenant, scarcely able to say as much for laughter, at the Jew's comical complaint. "Thou art a general merchant of all wares; a useful forager by my faith! notoriously so, my worthy, but ha-ha-haha, three couple of staggering trumpeters, haha-ha, a more extravagant commodity never was brought to market, no, not from the days of Adam."

"Not ezshtravagant,-say not so, Sir Williamsh,-six trumpeters for one night, and all day to-morrow at von guinea per head ;—vell, come take em at five the whole lump; cheap as dirt. Trumpeters ish a scharce article, so help me G-d."

"Hold! do not curse and swear. Bless the man; I am not disputing the bargain. Six guineas with all my heart, my honest Mordecai, and a supper into the bargain.”

The loyal host had provided them a snug little room, on the basement story, beyond the kitchen, and Mordecai, having marshalled his

men, they jostled each other, rank and file, to their comfortable quarters.

"What do you think of this by way of change, hey, Sir William ?" said Ingoldsby; very strange, very whimsical, I own, Colonel; but very amusing methinks."

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Strange Sir.

Yes! I'll be curst, if I do not verily believe, that all of us, every mother son is mad. Not stark staring perhaps, but cracked in the sconce. For if I have not witnessed enough to-day, to furnish some one of your scribbling tribe with matter for a play, may I be grilled like St. Lawrence; what think you, my worthy Sir ?" addressing himself to Shirley.

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Why, Colonel, to be candid with you, I am of your opinion. I have been making the same observation to my friend Davenant, within the last hour."

"Have you Sir,-then give me your hand, we are sworn friends, that is, if you will please to allow me to say as much;" recollecting himself, for Shirley was a very venerable looking old gentleman, and not very intimate with the colonel. "I'faith, Sir, I am right glad to hear

you say so, for a sort of mis-giving here," placing his hand on his forehead, "makes me fear, that like some other moon-smitten, wights, the mischief was in myself. Your lunatics fancying all men insane, save and excepting themselves. Well, Sir William, I am your man," making his bow. "Allons, if you please. But now for your friends, with submission, Colonel."

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“Here at hand, Sir Knight. Come Barlowe. This worthy gent, is an old school-fellow, and brother soldier of mine, Sir William," whispering, "a roundhead once,—but an apostate now, and an artist: And here is my esteemed friend, Master Robert Walker, whom every body knows, and whom you should know; for both of whom, I will be bound, for more than I am worth," smiling as he introduced them. "Now Master Matthew, and Master Bob, I have performed the civils, and have only to add, that this gentleman has obligingly invited us to his social board."

"We are in fortune's way, Sir," said Walker, addressing Davenant, "for we have rambled all over the house, and every room engaged; fine times for tapsters, Sir."

"I am most happy to be honoured with you gentlemen, as guests." "Sir," returned the courteous knight, "we will help to keep the: Devil's nose warm, to-night, and as our bard says, see what physic the tavern affords." "

CHAP. VII.

DAVENANT'S ROUND TABLE.

Making that idiot laughter keep men's eyes, and strain their cheeks to idle merriment."-SHAKSPEARE.

"COME, my worthy friends,-Pray Colonel will you be seated here," placing his hand on the chair to his right; " and if you please, Sir," Walker, "here, to his left: Mr. Barlowe, please to be seated. Now, gentlemen,

'Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.' SHAKSPEARE.

"Come chaplain, do your duty :" So Tom D'Urfey, preparatory to taking the arm chair opposite, with a becoming gravity, said, "God bless the meat, and those that eat," and the old poet adding Amen; the guests commenced their pleasurable operations, old Caleb Johnson meanwhile taking off the bright covers; for all the culinary ware, at the Devil, shone