"Yesterday this interesting event came off with signal _éclat_.
Notwithstanding the very unfavorable state of the weather, about
five o'clock in the evening an imposing cavalcade, comprising many
of the leading gentry and yeomanry of this part of the county, on
foot and on horseback, preceded by an admirable band, and a large
and splendid banner, bearing the inscription--'_Welcome to
Yatton_,' went out to meet the above distinguished gentleman, whose
_cortège_, in two carriages, made its appearance in the village
about half-past five. The band immediately struck up 'See the
Conquering Hero comes!' which inspiriting air, however, was nearly
drowned in the shout which welcomed the new proprietor of the noble
estate of Yatton. His carriage was of the most tasteful, splendid,
and unique description, and attracted universal admiration. Mr.
Titmouse repeatedly bowed through the carriage-windows, in graceful
acknowledgment of the cordial welcome and congratulations with
which he was received. He was dressed in a light blue surtout, with
velvet collar, full black stock, and a rich velvet waistcoat of
plaid pattern. His countenance is handsome and expressive, his eye
penetrating, and his brow strongly indicative of thought. He
appears to be little more than twenty-five years old; so that he
has before him the prospect of a long and brilliant career of
happiness and public usefulness. Tables were spread in all the
chief apartments, groaning beneath the most costly viands. All the
luxuries of the season were there; and the wines (which we believe
were those of Mr. Aubrey) were of the first description. Grace was
said by the exemplary vicar of Grilston, the Rev. Mr. Fleshpot; and
the Rev. Mr. Mudflint returned thanks. Sir Harkaway Rotgut Wildfire
(whose amiable lady and accomplished daughter were present)
proposed the health of Mr. Titmouse in a brief, but manly and
cordial address; and the manner in which Mr. Titmouse acknowledged
the toast, which was drunk with the greatest possible
enthusiasm--the simplicity, point, and fervor which characterized
every word he uttered--were such as to excite lively emotion in all
who heard it, and warrant the highest expectations of his success
in Parliament. Nothing could be more touching than his brief
allusions to the sufferings and privations which he had
undergone--nothing more delicate and forbearing than the feeling
which pervaded his momentary allusion to the late occupant of
Yatton. When, however, he distinctly avowed his political
principles as those of a dauntless champion of civil and religious
liberty among all classes of his Majesty's subjects--the applause
was long and enthusiastic. After dinner, the great hall was cleared
for dancing, which was opened by Mr. Titmouse and Miss Wildfire;
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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