The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars: Containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary ManUnknown
General
The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars: Containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary Man
had disobliged them by some follies in his youth, and had not seen them
for some years, but was now returning to them. Many more questions did
the duke, and a lady who was present, ask him; all of which he answered
to their satisfaction.
As this was not a great while after his becoming a member of the
community of the gipseys, the duke had never heard that any of the noble
family of the Carews was become one of those people; and was very glad to
have it in his power to oblige any of that family; he therefore treated
him with respect, and called a servant to conduct him into an inner room,
where the duke’s barber waited on him to shave him. Presently after came
in a footman, who brought in a good suit of trimmed clothes, a fine
Holland shirt, and all the other parts of dress suitable to these. As
soon as he had finished dressing, he was introduced to the duke again,
who complimented him on his genteel appearance, and not without reason,
as few did more honour to dress. He was now desired to sit down by the
duke, with whom were many other persons of quality, who were all greatly
taken with his person and behaviour, and very much condoled his
misfortunes; so that a collection was soon made for him to the amount of
ten guineas. The duke, being engaged to go out in the afternoon, desired
him to stay there that night, and gave orders that he should be
handsomely entertained, leaving his gentleman to keep him company; but
Mr. Carew, probably not liking his company so well as the duke’s, took an
opportunity, soon after the duke was gone, to set out unobserved towards
Basingstoke, where he immediately went into a house which he knew was
frequented by some of his community. The master of the house, who saw
him entering the door, cried out, Here’s his Grace the Duke of Bolton
coming in! upon which there was no small hurry amongst the company. As
soon as he entered, he ordered the liquor to flow very plentifully at his
private cost; his brethren discovering who he was, were greatly amazed at
the appearance he made, so different from the usual custom of their
order; but when he had informed them fully of the bold stratagem he had
executed, the whole place resounded with applause, and every one
acknowledged he was the most worthy of succeeding their present good old
and respected king.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account