Wrestling and Wrestlers: Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger BaitingRobinson, Jacob
History
Wrestling and Wrestlers: Biographical Sketches of Celebrated Athletes of the Northern Ring; to Which is Added Notes on Bull and Badger Baiting
Robinson, Jacob
Wrestlers; Wrestling
Mr. Litt deems me but a "_theorist_ in matters
appertaining to the ring." His own athletic feats, as
detailed in _Wrestliana_, are heroic and numerous, and
it would be presumptuous in me to attempt comparison;
therefore, compared with Mr. Litt, I must (borrowing a
phrase from the ring) consider myself as a _fallen
man_. But, notwithstanding the vaunted achievements of
the champion of Arlecdon Moor, there are those now
living old enough to remember his being thrown in the
Carlisle ring by very ordinary wrestlers, when in the
zenith of his fame. The village green on a summer's
evening or during a holiday, is frequently the scene of
many a rustic amusement. And on this arena, when
athletic exercises were going on, I have often borne a
part--where the old men inspired the young with
emulation, by reciting the achievements of their
youth--and the applause of the rustic spectators was
the only meed of victory. Here, sir, I have seen many
a manly struggle; and though I have never entered a
public prize ring, I flatter myself I have gained
something more than a theoretical knowledge of athletic
science. An ardent temper, and the buoyancy of youthful
spirits, no doubt gave considerable zest to the sports,
and my memory fondly recalls, and dwells with peculiar
delight, on the hours which I have spent amidst happy
villagers engaged in these rustic scenes of innocent
amusement. I will also venture to assert, that amongst
the peasantry assembled on the village green, not only
Weightman, Cass, Abbot, Wright, and the Dobsons of
Cliburn, but even Mr. Litt himself, imbibed his
earliest knowledge of the rudiments of wrestling.
ATHLETICUS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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