“Come, sirs, and view this famous library, 'Tis pity learning shou'd discouraged be. Here's bookes (that is, if they were but well sold) I will maintain't are worth their weight in gold. Then bid apace, and break me out of hand; Ne'er cry you don't the subject understand: For this, I'll say, howe'er the case may hit, Whoever buys of me,--I teach'em wit.” *** Sitting on the railings in Moorfields. Beneath are some lines, giving an account how “Bedlam became his sad portion and lot for the love of Dear Betty.” Coming to his senses, he turned poet:-- “Now innocent poetry 's all my delight; And I hope that you'll all be so kind as to buy't: That poor Will Ellis, when laid in his tomb, May be stuck in your closet, or hung in your room.” [Illustration: 0168] The “Dwarf Man and the Black” give us a chance of meeting our love at----first sight. * * “Sept. 8, 1757. Daily Advertiser. If the lady who stood near a young gentleman to see the Dwarf Man and the Black in Bartholomew Fair, on Wednesday evening, is single and will inform the gentleman (who means the strictest honour) where he may once more have the happiness of meeting her, she will be waited on by a person of fortune. The lady wore a black satin hat, puffed inside and out, a black cardinal, and a genteel sprigged gown.” The Midas-eared Musician scrapes on his violincello a teeth-setting-an-edge voluntary. John Coan, * the Norfolk Pigmy, motions us to his booth; and Hale the Piper ** dancing his “hornpipe,” bagpipes us a welcome to the fair! “What,” exclaimed the Lauréat, “has become of this century of mountebanks? Ha! not one moving--still as the grave!” Mr. Bosky was not often pathetic; but, being suddenly surprised into sentimentality, it is impossible to say what melancholy reflections might have resulted from the Merrie Mysteries, had not the landlord interrupted him by ushering into the room Uncle Timothy. * This celebrated dwarf exhibited at Bartholomew Fair, Aug. 17, 1752. ** Under an engraving of Hale the Piper, by Sutton Nieholls, are the music to his hornpipe, and the following lines. “Before three monarchs I my skill did prove, Of many lords and knights I had the love; There's no musician e'er did know the peer Of Hale the Piper in fair Darby Shire. The consequence in part you here may know, Pray look upon his hornpipe here below.” Hail! modest piper, and farewell! “Welcome, illustrious brother!” shouted Deputy Doublechin. “Better late than never!” Uncle Timothy greeted the President, nodded to all around, and shook hands with some old stagers nearest the chair.