It will not,
therefore, create any surprise in my readers, that our first evening in
Bath should have been devoted to the social pipe; the pleasant account
Blackstrap gave us of the sporting party, in Matthew Temple's snuggery,
induced us to adjourn thither in the evening, where we might enjoy life,
smoke our cigars, join a little chaffing about the turf and the ring,
sip our punch and grog, enjoy a good chaunt, and collect a little
character for the pages of the English Spy. To such as are fond of these
amusements, most heartily do I recommend a visit to the Sporting Parlour
at the Castle, where they will not fail to recognise many of the jovial
characters represented in the opposite page; and as old Time pays no
respect to worth and mellow-hearted mortals, but in his turn will mow
down my old friend Matthew and his merry companions, I am desirous to
perpetuate their memory by a song, which will include all of note who
upon this occasion joined the festive scene.
[Illustration: page300]
SPORTSMAN'S HALL.
A SCENE AT THE CASTLE.
~300~~
Come all you gay fellows, so merry and witty,
Ye Somerset lads of the elegant city,
Ye sons of the turf who delight in a race,
And ye Nimrods of Bath who are fond of the chase;
Come join us, and pledge us, like true brothers all,
At old Matthew Temple's, the Castle and Ball.
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