This raises a strife, till in choleric mood Each ventures a threat to his brother, But their hearts are so good, let a stranger intrude, They’d fight to the last for each other. There _Nan_, the sweet girl, she that fags for the whole, And keeps the young urchins in order, Exhibits, with innocence charming the soul, Her sister’s fine sampler and border. _Kitty_ sings to me gaily, then chatting apace Helps her mother to darn or to stitch, Reminding me most of that gay laughing face Which once did my fond heart bewitch. While _she!_ the dear partner of all my delight, Contrives them some innocent play; Till, tired of all, in the silence of night, They dream the glad moments away. Oh, long may such fire-side scenes be my lot! Ye children, be virtuous and true! And think when I’m aged, alone in my cot, How I minister’d comfort to you. When my vigour is gone, and to manhood’s estate Ye all shall be happily grown, Live near me, and, anxious for poor father’s fate Show the world that you’re truly my own. [Illustration: ~Stanmore Toll-House.~] Its ornamental look, and public use, Combine to render it worth observation. Our new toll-houses are deservedly the subject of frequent remark, on account of their beauty. The preceding engraving is intended to convey an idea of Stanmore-gate, which is one of the handsomest near London. The top is formed into a large lantern; when illuminated, it is an important mark to drivers in dark nights. It may be necessary to add, that the present representation was not destined to appear in this place; but the indisposition of a gentleman engaged to assist in illustrating this work, has occasioned a sudden disappointment. * * * * * “STATUTES” AND “MOPS.” _To the Editor._ Sir,--Although your unique and curious work, the _Every-Day Book_, abounds with very interesting accounts of festivals, fairs, wassails, wakes, and other particulars concerning our country manners, and will be prized by future generations as a rare and valuable collection of the pastimes and customs of their forefathers, still much of the same nature remains to be related; and as I am anxious that the _Country Statute_, or _Mop_, (according to the version of the country people generally,) should be snatched from oblivion, I send you a description of this custom, which, I hope, will be deemed worthy a place in the _Table Book_. I had waited to see if some one more competent to a better account than myself would achieve the task, when that short but significant word FINIS, attached to the _Every-Day Book_, arouses me from further delay, and I delineate, as well as I am able, scenes which, but for that work, I possibly should have never noticed.