A very considerable poet and proseman, Mr. John Davidson, a Scotchman, by the way, from the vicinity of Paisley, in his work, “A Full and True Account of the Wonderful Mission of Earl Lavender, which Lasted One Night and One Day, with a History of the Pursuit of Earl Lavender and Lord Brumm, by Mrs. Scamler and Maud Emblem,” brings two of his characters, Mr. Gurdon and Sir Harry Emblem, into the “Cheese” in a condition which would spell ruin to the landlord were it generally adopted. The two gentlemen had spent some £40 in eight days, and now they are “on the rocks” in a Strand restaurant. But foreigners have hard hearts, and so the delightful couple find their way to the Cap and Bells, which every Fleet Streeter will recognise as the Cheshire Cheese. They order supper, and, though unprepared to pay, are prepared to justify their deeds. They were quite unconventional in the matter of settlement of accounts; they were financially naked, yet they were not ashamed. Fortunately for the landlord, it happens that on this night the Guild of Prosemen (oh, sarcastic Mr. Davidson!), otherwise the Rhymers’ Club, are holding their meeting, and one of the members, acting more like an impulsive poet than a mere proseman, settles their account and introduces them to the club. There we must say farewell to Mr. Davidson’s creations, but we cannot leave the Rhymers without quoting, by the kindness of the author and publisher, the following exquisite:— BALLADE OF THE CHESHIRE CHEESE IN FLEET STREET. I know a home of antique ease Within the smoky city’s pale, A spot wherein the spirit sees Old London through a thinner veil. The modern world so stiff and stale, You leave behind you when you please, For long clay pipes and great old ale And beefsteaks in the “Cheshire Cheese.” Beneath this board Burke’s, Goldsmith’s knees Were often thrust—so runs the tale— ’Twas here the Doctor took his ease And wielded speech that like a flail Threshed out the golden truth. All hail, Great Souls! that met on nights like these Till morning made the candles pale, And revellers left the “Cheshire Cheese.” By kindly sense and old decrees Of England’s use they set their sail; _We_ press to never-furrowed seas, For vision-worlds we breast the gale, And still we seek and still we fail, For still the “glorious phantom” flees. Ah well! no phantom are the ale And beefsteaks of the “Cheshire Cheese.” ENVOI. If doubts or debts thy soul assail, If Fashion’s forms its current freeze, Try a long pipe, a glass of ale, And supper at the “Cheshire Cheese.” “THE 49 CLUB.” This is a more recent club which met at the “Cheese” to partake, as their “Chronicle” has it, of “a curious mysterie Yclept ye 49 pudding, Also Grylled Bones, Also Stewed Cheese,