"We are
indebted to that mad wag, Ricketts, for this unexpected pleasure," said
Horace; "he is an amateur performer of no mean talent, and delights
in surprising the visitors in this agreeable manner." "Rover, a-hoy,"
hailed a voice from the shore; off went our boat, and on its return
brought an accession to our party of half a dozen right merry fellows,
among whom was that choice spirit, Henry Day, whose facetious powers of
oratory and whim are ~166~~universally esteemed, and have often afforded
us amusement, when enjoying an evening among the eccentrics of London
and the brilliants of the press, who assemble for social purposes at the
Wrekin. The Days are too well known and respected as a family of long
standing in the island to require the eulogy of the English Spy, but
to acknowledge their hospitality and kindness he penned the following
tribute ere he quitted the shores of Vectis.
LOVE, LAW, AND PHYSIC.
In Vectis' Isle three happy Days
By any may be seen:
First, James, who loves by social ways
To animate mirth's scene;
An honest lawyer, Henry, next
With speech and bottle plies you;
And when by fell disease perplex'd,
Charles physics and revives you.
"Love, law, and physic," here combine
To claim the poet's praise:
May fortune's sunbeams ever shine
On three such worthy Days.
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