On such occasions Jem is seen
marching up and down before the door of his house, with a
silver quart tankard filled with gold--the savings of many
years of industry.
30 Jem Flowers is an old soldier; and, in marshalling the
forces for a bull or a badger-bait, displays all the tactics
of an experienced general officer. Caleb Baldwin would no
more bear comparison with Jem than a flea does to an
elephant.
31 When it is remembered how near Eton is to London, and how
frequent the communication, it will appear astonishing, but
highly creditable to the authorities, that so little of the
current slang of the day is to be met with here.
~73~~
There's Jolly Jem,{32} who keeps his punt,
And dogs to raise the siller;
Of _cads_, the captain of the hunt,
A right and tight good miller.
Next Barney Groves,{33} a learned wight,
The impounder of cattle,
Dilates on birth and common right,
And threats _black slugs_ with battle.
Big George {34} can teach the use of fives,
Or pick up a prime terrier;
Or _spar_, or keep the game alive,
With beagle, bull, or harrier.
Savager{35} keeps a decent nag,
32 Jem Miller was originally a tailor; but having dropt a
stitch or two in early life, _listed_ into a sporting
regiment of Cads some years since; and being a better shot
at hares and partridges than he was considered at the _heavy
goose_, has been promoted to the rank of captain of the
private tutors.
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