~352~~Rocrea whiskey, would hold forth in powerful contention, until mine hostess of the _Finish_{12} would put an end to the debate; and the irritation it would sometimes engender, by disencumbering herself of a few of her Milesian monosyllables. Then would bounce into the room, Felix M'Carthy, the very cream of comicalities, and the warm-hearted James Hay ne, and Frank Phippen, and Michael Nugent, and the eloquent David Power, and memory Middleton, and father Proby, just to sip an emulsion after the close of their labours in reporting a long debate in the House of Commons. Here, too, I remember to have seen for the first time in my life, the wayward Byron, with the light of genius beaming in his noble countenance, and an eye brilliant and expressive as the evening star; the rich juice of the Tuscan grape had diffused an unusual glow over his features, and inspired him with a playful animation, that but rarely illumined the misanthropic gloominess of his too sensitive mind. An histrionic star alike distinguished for talent and eccentricity accompanied him--the gallant, gay Lothario, Kean. But I should consume the remnant of the night to retrace more of the fading recollections of the _Finish_. That it was a scene where prudence did not always preside, is true; but there was a rich union of talent and character always to be found within its circle, that 12 Mother Butler, the queen of Covent-garden, for many years kept the celebrated Finish, where, if shut out of your lodging, you might take shelter till morning, very often in the very best of company. The house has, since she left it, been shut up through the suspension of its licence. Mother Butler was a witty, generous-hearted, and very extraordinary woman. She is, I believe, still living, and in good circumstances. ~353~~prevented any very violent outrage upon propriety or decorum. In the present day, there is nothing like it--the Phoenix,{13} Offley's,{14} the Coal-hole,{15} and what yet remains of the dismembered Eccentrics,{16} bears no comparison to the ripe drolleries and 13 A society established at the Wrekin tavern in Broad- court, in imitation of the celebrated club at Brazennose College, Oxford, and of whom I purpose to take some notice hereafter. 14 The Burton ale rooms; frequented by baby bucks, black- legs and half-pay officers. 15 A tavern in Fountain-court, Strand, kept by the poet Rhodes; celebrated for the Saturday ordinary.