"A very large party, sir, and a very extraordinary one too, _take
notice_--such a collection as I never saw before within the walls of a
college--living curiosities, _take notice_--all the _comicals_ of
Oxford brought together,{2} and this 2 This adventure, strange as it
may appear, actually occurred a short time since, when Mr. J*****n of
Brazen-nose invited the characters here named to an entertainment in the
College. Sir Richard Steele, when on a visit to Edinburgh, indulged in
a similar freak: he made a splendid feast, and whilst the servants were
wondering for what great personages it was intended, he sent them into
the streets, to collect all the eccentrics, beggars, and poor people,
that chance might throw in their way, and invite them to his house.
A pretty large party being mustered, they were well plied with
whiskey-punch and wine; when, forgetting their cares, and free from
all restraint, they gave loose to every peculiarity of their respective
characters. When the entertainment was over, Sir Richard declared, that
besides the pleasure of filling so many hungry bellies, and enjoying an
hour of rich amusement, he had gleaned from them humour enough to form a
good comedy, or at least a farce.
THE SPREAD, OR WINE PARTY AT BRAZEN-NOSE 223
is what Mr. Eglantine calls his _museum of character_, but which I
should call a _regiment of caricatures, take notice_--but I heard him
say, that he had invited them on purpose to surprise you; that he knew
you was fond of eccentricity, and that he thought he had prepared a
great treat.
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