The house has, since she left it,
been shut up through the suspension of its licence. Mother
Butler was a witty, generous-hearted, and very extraordinary
woman. She is, I believe, still living, and in good
circumstances.
~353~~prevented any very violent outrage upon propriety or decorum.
In the present day, there is nothing like it--the Phoenix,{13}
Offley's,{14} the Coal-hole,{15} and what yet remains of the dismembered
Eccentrics,{16} bears no comparison to the ripe drolleries and
13 A society established at the Wrekin tavern in Broad-
court, in imitation of the celebrated club at Brazennose
College, Oxford, and of whom I purpose to take some notice
hereafter.
14 The Burton ale rooms; frequented by baby bucks, black-
legs and half-pay officers.
15 A tavern in Fountain-court, Strand, kept by the poet
Rhodes; celebrated for the Saturday ordinary.
16 In the room, where of old the Eccentrics {*} met; When
mortals were Brilliants, and fond of a whet, And _Hecate_
environ'd all London in jet. Where Adolphus, and
Shorri',{**} and famed Charley Fox, With a hundred good
whigs led by Alderman Cox, Put their names in the books, and
their cash in the box; Where perpetual Whittle,{***}
facetiously grand, On the president's throne each night took
his stand, With his three-curly wig, and his hammer in hand:
Then Brownly, with eloquence florid and clear, Pour'd a
torrent of metaphor into the ear, With well-rounded periods,
and satire severe.
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