A 
 
 SEASON 
 
 AT 
 
 H ARROGATE $ 
 
 JJT A 
 
 SERIES OF POETICAL EPISTLE^ 
 
 Benjamin Blunderhead, Esquire, to his Mother > 
 
 IN DERBYSHIRE: 
 
 .With useful and copious NOTES, descriptive of the Objects most 
 worthy of Attention in the Vicinity of Harrogate. 
 
 Laugh where we mus^, be candid where we can. 
 
 PorE. 
 
 PRINTED BY G. 
 
 AND SOLO BY 
 
 R, WILSON, KNARESBROtfGH, AND HARROGATE ; 
 
 Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, Paternoster Row, London ; 
 
 Robinson, Heaton, I. & I. Nicholla, and Brines, Leeds ; Wolstea- 
 
 holme, and Todd, York ; Hunslcy and Thomas, Doncaster ; 
 
 Langdale, Rippon ; Edwards, Halifax; Miss Gales, 
 
 Sheffield ; and Wright, Liverpool. 
 
 1813.
 
 I 
 
 entered at Stationers' 
 
 _
 
 College 
 Library 
 
 PR 
 4790 
 
 (if 'so 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 That admirable pr^ductiott t>f 
 Mr. A^tey's the "New Bath Gui<f e, s ' 
 -may justly be cohsM&i<ed the pkfeirt 
 t>f a nurfterous progeny *o w&t#f in<g 
 plac^ bagatelle*, each of whfeh has 
 'some resemblance to its fathef, 
 though ftot ottte of thefri ea'n boa^t 
 the wit, humour, or poetical talent 
 which so eminently distinguishes 
 those celebrated letters. 
 
 The youngest of this race is now 
 presented to the Public with that 
 timidity which arises from conscious 
 imperfection, devoid of the fear 
 which rivalry has endeavoured to 
 excite, and persecution may seek 
 to perpetuate. Neither nurtured 
 by patronage nor dandled by 
 
 1 ^1 ^Ql 
 
 JLA4&jL<Jt?J
 
 itr 
 
 fashion, neither supported by rank 
 iior allied to literary honours, this 
 child of obscurity is cast on the 
 world in a helpless, yet not hope- 
 less state, for the good man's smile 
 has illumed its cradle, and it pos** 
 sesses that confidence derived from 
 purity of intention, and that humi- 
 lity which disarms malice, and 
 draws the sting of criticism. 
 
 High 
 
 1,
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 To MRS. BLUNDERHEAD, 
 
 Low Harrogate, July 
 
 TlS now forty years and dear mother you know it,, 
 Since my great Uncle * Simkin set up for a poet,, 
 And I'll venture to say that not one in the nation. 
 From that day to this caus'd so much admiration^ 
 But tho' I ne'er hope on his humour to hit, 
 Much less catch his genius or glow with his wit, 
 Or blend with simplicity satire so keen, 
 That it laugh'd away sin, while it laugh'd away 
 
 spleen, 
 
 Yet since there are many more folks in our times,, 
 Than were found about his, who make verses and 
 
 rhymes, 
 
 * Simkin Bl-ndrh d Esq. Author of the New Bath Guide.
 
 10 
 
 I don't see a reason why I should not try, 
 To spread my poor fins and to swim with the fry, 
 You know Drewry of Derby would never refuse, 
 My sonnets, and stanzas, a place in the news, 
 Besides a great name's a great matter we know, 
 James Thompson our schoolmaster always said so, 
 And thought it the best of a hundred good reasons, 
 "Why he should write verses as fine as 'The Seasons' 
 Now I being last of the Blunderhead race, 
 As a casuist tliis doctrine most warmly embrace, 
 And hope my dear mother the parson and you, 
 Whilst conning my letters will give me my due, 
 And say to reward all my labour and pains, 
 He is just like his uncle save wanting his brains. 
 But a truce to this subject of grave declamation, 
 My spirit's not suited to sage dissertation, 
 To anatomists leaving the state of my skull, 
 To critics their right of pronouncing me dull, 
 I shall merely go on with my gossiping rhyme, 
 To tell you my method of killing my time,
 
 11 
 
 And open as well as I can all the merit, 
 
 This place of resort is allow'd to inherit. 3% 
 
 When first I arriv'd here I didn't well know, 
 If at Harrogate High, or at Harrogate Low, 
 I should place myself snugly, but after some chatter, 
 With those who were knowing, I fix'd on the latter 
 So now my good madam behold me sat down, 
 With a number of invalid folks at the Crown, 
 But what way invalid to unfold I'm not able, 
 Unless 'tis with cramming at Thackwray's good 
 
 table, 
 Who with turbot, and ven'son, and poultry, and 
 
 beef, 
 
 To the sick with their hunger gives instant relief, 
 But as to the crop-sick I very much question, 
 If here they find help for diseas'd indigestion, 
 The sight of these good things to me was unpleasant, 
 For you know I am ticklish and qualmish at present
 
 But the Company laugh and declare I shall soon eat., 
 Three pounds of good food, tho' I now live on 
 
 spoon meat, 
 
 And in order to bring me about very quickly, 
 Some good lookingdames neither sighing nor sickly, 
 Advis'd me most kindly the very first night, 
 To consult with a doctor as soon as 'twas light, 
 Then take of the water a plentiful dose, 
 Said they ' ' the well's nigh " so I find by my nose, 
 " But pray gentle ladies declare in a trice, 
 "The doctor of whom I must ask this advice?" 56 
 
 This question once put t'would surprise you dear 
 
 
 
 mother, 
 How they answer'd at once each more loud than 
 
 the other, 
 
 ec There's not one of them all that my fancy so takes" 
 " Cried a lady in black " tc as my good Doctor 
 
 Jaques/'
 
 13 
 
 Says the next " Mr. Richardson's wonderful clever, 
 Tho' so busy dear heart there's no catching him 
 
 ever, " 
 
 Cries a third " if you really want medical skill, 
 Mr. Wormald will cure you if any man will, " 
 * f And I know" ee said a fourth " cc that whatever 
 
 may ail ye, 
 ** You're sure of relief if you see Doctor Cayley." 
 
 Afraid of offending each charming adviser, 
 By a pref rence that said ' c ma'am your neighbour 
 
 is wiser, " 
 
 I obey'd the loud mandate of Gen'ral O'Plurry, 
 And this morning consulted with one Doctor Murray 
 Who sans ruffles, sans i wig, and sans avis 
 
 supercilious, 
 
 Has pronounced on my case and declares I am bilious, 
 In my next dearest mother some news I will tell, 
 Of these wonderful waters when drank at the well
 
 6 
 
 So wishing you ne'er may have need of such liquor 
 Conclude me yours truly- with love to the vicar. 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 Low Harrogate, July 24th. 
 
 OH ! how my dear mother shall pen, ink, and paper 
 Convey to your mind a true sense of the vapour, 
 Which hov'ring around this new Acheron serves, 
 To torture and wound your olfactory nerves, 
 And gives you presentiment piercing and strong, 
 Of its pungent effects when receiv'd on the tongue. 
 
 Of rotten eggs, brimstone, and salts make a hash., 
 And 'twill form something like this delectable mash 
 Nothing else in this world I will wager a pasty, 
 So good in effect, ever tasted so nasty.
 
 15 
 
 But ah ! tis the pencil of Bunb'ry alone, 
 
 By which the sweet stream and its pow'rs can be 
 
 shewn, 
 
 Nor does the whole kingdom afford I am sure, 
 One scene like this well for a caricature, 
 All ages, and sexes, all ranks, and degree,, 
 All forms, and all sizes distorted you see, 
 Some grinning, some splutt'ring, some pulling 
 
 wry faces, 
 
 In short 'tis a mart for all sorts of grimaces, 
 But all you conceive, of age, infancy, youth, 
 In contortion and whim must fall short of the truth. 
 One screws up his lips like the mouth of a purse, 
 While his neighbour's fierce grin gives the threat 
 
 of a curse, 
 And a third gasping begs with his eyes turn'd to 
 
 heaven, 
 
 That his stomach will keep what so lately was given 
 But feeling the rebel will spurn at his pray'r, 
 Throws the rest of his bumper away in despair.
 
 16 
 
 But woe to the wight of more delicate notions, 
 When he sees how the well-women deal out theifi 
 
 potions, 
 
 This levelling tribe of a democrat race, 
 From the red nos'd postillion, up to her Grace 
 Feeds each from one glass, without washing, or 
 
 rincing, 
 
 And the sybil but laughs if you make any wincing, 
 From the modest who issue from cheap Mrs. Binns' 
 To the great ones who drive from High Harrogate 
 
 Inns, 
 
 Where a difference far more essential is found, 
 From the sick, to the well, the same cup travels 
 
 round, 
 
 From breath that would poison a Hottentot king 
 To breath that is sweeter than violets in spring, 
 But as sulphur prohibits all sorts of infection, 
 The rational say " there's no proper objection, 116 
 To mingling en masse with all sorts of diseases, 
 Tho' the stomach may make what objection she 
 pleases.
 
 17 
 
 Now turn my dear mother with me and survey 
 This company blended of grave and of gay,, 
 See Alderman Gobble, and Counsellor Puffing, 
 Who came to this well as a penance for stuffing, 
 And poor Captain Brandylove come to recruit. 
 Swears the Cognac grape was the forbidden fruit,, 
 Here gentlemen jockies who ride into fevers, 
 And surfeits obtain from their noble endeavours, 
 Such as Timothy Twig'em Esquire of our town, 
 And my Lord Spatterdashit that peer of renown, 
 And Sir Gilbert O' Fetlock with coach driving coat, 
 With many more whips of distinction and note, 
 Come swarming around just to take off their glasses 
 Make matches for horses, and bets upon asses. 
 
 But here come a group whose deplorable faces., 
 E'en surfeit itself would illumine with graces, 
 See poor Major Liverless come from Bombay, 
 To send his sharp bile and black jaundice away,
 
 18 
 
 And gripe the contractor, who ruin'd his health., 
 While he sold (silly booby) his conscience for wealth 
 For Escarides every physician will tell, 
 There's no med'cine on earth like the Harrogate 
 
 well, 
 But the worm which gnaws gripe will ne'er yield to 
 
 its mixture, 
 
 'Tis lodg'd in the heart an indelible fixture, 
 But truce to my preachingwho makes his approach 
 In such dashing array, and so splendid a coach ? 
 'Tis the great Doctor Solomon stooping to take, 
 A dose of this water by way of a freak, 148 
 
 Tho' all the world knows that his own balmy bottle, 
 (More warm to the heart and more sweet to the 
 
 throttle) 
 
 Not only cures patients but makes J em so merry, 
 One spoonful is worth a whole bottle of sherry. 
 
 All hail to Britannia ! her plentiful hive, 
 Has taught many bees like this doctor to thrive.
 
 19 
 
 But from all I can learn not one quack shares her 
 
 honey, 
 More deserving than this., since he's free with his 
 
 money, 
 
 te Easy come easy go " is his motto I'm told, 
 Tho' his daughters are portion'd with ingots of gold 
 But I scorn upon men any more to descant, 
 For the Blunderheads always were very gallant, 
 And if beauty and fashion e'er claim'd admiration. 
 From the heart of a man since the days of creation, 
 I'm sure at this time there's the very best reason, 
 To exult in the beauty that blooms here this season, 
 E'en now on parade I delighted behold, 
 Five elegant sisters of exquisite mould, 
 There too are the Cttrs sweet innocent creatures. 
 With peace in their bosoms and love in their features 
 And the beautiful L nds and the L kes too appear 
 Like goddesses dropt from a delicate sphere ; 
 Yet mid the assemblage M cd nald we trace, 
 No charmer that equals thy form or thy face,
 
 20 
 
 Tho' W m Id such majesty dwells in thy mien, 
 And in W ts n's mild eyes such true sweetness 
 
 is seen, 
 
 That really my muse is perplex'd to declare. 
 How one can excel where so many are fair, 
 Oh woman ! dear woman ! without you all nature, 
 Would be to my mind like a draught of this water, 
 And may he whose cold heart and dull head would 
 
 disprove, 
 
 The magic of beauty the solace of love, 
 And seek from rude man your soft claims to dissever, 
 Be condemu'd without mercy to drink it for ever, 
 Ye are stars of the night ! ye are gems of the morn ! 
 Ye are dew-drops whose lustre illumines the thorn ! 
 And rayless that night is that morning unblest, 
 Where no beam in your eye lights up bliss in the 
 
 breast, 
 
 V 
 
 And the sharp thorn of sorrow sinks deep in the heart 
 Till the sweet lip of woman assuages the smart,
 
 ft 
 
 *Tis her's o'er the couch of misfortune to benct 
 In fondness a lover, in firmness a friend, 
 And prosperity's hour be it ever confest, 
 From woman receives both refinement and zest, 
 And adorn'd by the bays or enwreath'd with the 
 
 willow 
 
 Her smile is our meed, and her bosom our pillow. 
 But ah ! my good mother this subject I find, 
 Has quite run away with my paper and mind, 
 For in themes sobewitchingso many thoughts pop in 
 The mania of scribbling finds no place to stop in, 
 But in praising the ladies you can't think me rude, 
 So adieu till my next 'tis high time to conclude. 
 
 &c. &c. #c 
 
 B
 
 22 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 Low Harrogate, July 30th. 
 
 pleasure dear mother commence I this 
 
 letter 
 
 To tell you already I find myself better, 
 To the praise of the well be it known I am able, 
 To pick up my crumbs with the best at the table> 
 And now think the landlord a very wise man, 
 For placing thereon all the dishes he can, 
 No longer fastidious or squeamish or dainty, 
 I like all I see and rejoice that there's plenty, 
 But, since I wrote last by my doctor's prescription, 
 I've had a warm bath of which take my description 
 Fair Derwent how oft in thy pure limpid wave, 
 Delighted I lov'd in full freedom to lave, 
 While on thy green banks in soft herbage reposing. 
 The swains and their flocks, were contentedly dosing
 
 And the landscape around, and above the blue sky 
 Shed new life on the heart while they solac'd the eye 
 Little thought I in those days so sunny and smiling 
 What a different thing was a Harrogate boiling 1 , 
 And astonish'd I saw when I came to my * doffing, 
 A tub of hot water made just' like a coffin, 
 In which the good woman who tended the bath* 
 Declar'd I must lie down as straight as a lath, 
 Just keeping my face above water that so, 
 I might better inhale the fine fume from below, 
 fe But mistress, " c quoth I in a trembling condition/ 
 " I hope you'll allow me one small requisition, 
 l( Since scrophula, leprosy, herpes, and scurvy, 
 <e Have all in this coffin been roll'd topsy-turvy, 232 
 *' In a physical sense I presume it is meet, 
 
 eacli guest should be wrapt in a clean 
 winding sheet, '* 
 
 * Boffijig r uadrejisu>5, *** Johnson a word much used in Derbyshire;
 
 ,** Oh no ! my good sir for whatever'* your case, 
 
 " You can never catch any thing bad in this place, 
 
 "And that being settled on solid foundation, 
 
 " We Harrogate bath- women spurn innovation/' 
 
 So caviller like I submitted to pow'r, 
 
 And was coddled in troth for the third of an hour. 
 
 But that very same night to atone for it all, 
 
 1 figur'd away the first man at the ball, 
 
 For the president being both idle and lusty, 
 
 Conceiv'd that his pow'rs " a la danse " were grown 
 
 rusty, 
 
 And consign'd all his rights in this gay exhibition* 
 To myself as a man of more able condition, 
 But oh ! how it griev'd me deer mother to find, 
 So very few beaux were to dancing inclin'd ; 
 Constellations of beauty all night shone in vain, 
 Condemn'd as fix'd stars unremov'd to remain, 
 ;ose influence benignant ne'crreach'd from their 
 
 sphere, 
 To warm .the. cold heels of the gentlemen here.
 
 Captain r r consider'd a man of high ton,, 
 All dancing declined till the ball was just done, 
 And then he made shift just to drawl on his legs. 
 As a lame Chelsea pensioner does when he begs. 
 But in spite of his ennui and indolent air 
 He dances divinely the ladies declare. 258 
 
 Of these tho' a great many caper'd away, 
 Yet many sat still who were lovely as they, 
 Fair F z r was there, and the beautiful P k r 
 With the elegaqt H tt >n as lovely tho' darker, 
 The gay A x nd r and R g rs the pretty, 
 And M w r the graceful, and B ley the witty. 
 Some came from the Granby and some from the 
 
 Dragon, 
 But these are all belles that our own house may 
 
 brag on, 
 
 For at present the Crown is much fuller than any, 
 Tho' the Inns at High Harrogate boast a good many 
 The Crescent our neighbour is full to overflowing, 
 And numbers I gee to the White Hart are
 
 As bad as the times are John Bull makes a shift',- 
 To give the gay world an effectual lift., 
 And so long as these places can live by fheir trading 
 L We may smile at Napoleon's threats of invading. 
 
 The place of all places for lounging away, 
 Jn amusement and style the first half of the day, 
 Is at each of the * Libraries ; where you may find, 
 Books, music, fine prints, in short all thing* 
 
 combin'd, 
 
 Which thoseAvho have taste are delighted to cherish 
 And those who have none yet affect much to relish/ 
 Politicians, and ladies, bucks, authors, and peers^ 
 The busy all eyes, and the idle all ears, 284. 
 
 May here every morning be seen in perfection,' 
 Like the books, or the news, just laid out for 
 
 inspection,, 
 
 * wason's, and HargroreT,
 
 So to Wilson's I go evr ry morning inquiring, 
 
 " What arrivals there are ? " and the papery 
 
 desiring. 
 
 And look with a deep and significant phiz, 
 For Peninsula news, or a boxing match quiz. 
 Nay at times I converse on a poem or play, 
 And utter no less 'cause I've nothing to say, 
 Rememb'ring in all kinds of difficult cases, 
 To make out my meaning by shrugs and grimaces, 
 Thus a man without reading may give an opinion, 
 And snatch for an hour dilletanti dominion, 
 From what sources great critics mayjudge I can't tell 
 But I always find mine are produc'd at the well, 
 When my breakfast eats good and the waters agree 
 Capel Loft's sugar-candy's not sweeter than me, 
 This morning I dazzled the minds of 4he crowd, 
 By pronouncing Lord Byron " a poet " aloud, 
 Of Strangford and Moore then condemned the 
 
 sweet flummery, 
 Talk'd of Southey the chaste, and the matchless 
 
 Montgomery,
 
 CalPd Campbell the elegant, Wordsworth the wild 
 And the great Walter Scott Inspiration's own child ; 
 Then prais'd the sweet bard tho' unknown be hit 
 
 name, 
 
 Who gave Talavera's dread battles to fame, 
 Thus 'mongst reading-room gents I set up for a 
 
 judge, 
 
 And an eulogist too ( when the waters will budge) 
 But if on my stomach they happen to rest, 
 With such critical spleen is my humour opprest, 
 Whether minister, gen'ral, or author I seize on, 
 Be assur'd that I charge him at least with 
 
 high-treason, 
 
 And it then would surprise ye to hear me debate, 
 On the faults of the war and the crimes of the state, 
 On wonderful plans for complete reformation, 
 And fearful predictions for folks of high station. 
 Then too the grand censor on writers I sit, 
 And fulminate laws 'gainst pretenders to wit, 320
 
 Or deeply regret these degenerate times. 
 Produce prose without sense, without poetry rhymes 
 Step on to consider the faults of the stage 
 And conclude there's not one decent thing in the age. 
 Thus as sung my great uncle ff our evil, and good, 
 ec By few is conceiv'd, and by few understood/' 
 If unwisely we praise, or unfeelingly blame 
 Now shudd'ring with ague, now burning with 
 
 flame, 
 
 Tho' ignorance gener'lly causes this fault, 
 Yet here 'tis the mixture of sulphur and salt 
 Which nine times in ten will improve on our nature 
 As it clears a complexion or softens a feature, 
 And that without doubt you'll allow is the reason, 
 Why so many matches are made here each season, 
 And who knows <lear ma'am but this wonderful 
 
 water 
 May gain me a sweet wife and yourself a dear 
 
 daughter ?
 
 30 
 
 And at Robey's likewise ev'ry morning I'm shown 
 Since not to know him, would prove I was unknown 
 Banker, Jeweller, Friseur, and Toyman, hig 
 
 trade is 
 He's all things for the beaux and still more for the 
 
 ladies, 
 
 But no wonder they like him so much in this place, 
 For good temper and honesty dwell in his face, 
 And his shop is so stor'd with all things that are 
 
 pretty, 
 He has skimm'd the first cream from Pall Mall and 
 
 the city. 
 
 But from pictures of lounges I'll now give you rest, 
 For the dinner bell rings and I am not half drest. 
 
 &c &c. &c.
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 Rippon, August bth. 
 
 S INCE I wrote to you last my dear mother I've beea 
 
 To see all the lions which are to be seen 
 
 Around this gay place where 'tis much in the 
 
 fashion^ 
 
 \ 
 
 Small parties to form for this sweet recreation, 
 So we lately set out on a very fine day, 
 Our respects to the beauties of Knaresbro* to 
 pay, " ' v 343 
 
 But a painter alone to your eye can disclose, 
 A view of the scene as before us it rose, 
 Presenting a coup d'ceil so simple and sweet, 
 Yet so grand,, so sublime, and in fact so complete^ 
 That I fancied the river as winding around, 
 Was enclosing the spot as if consecrate ground
 
 32 
 
 And this castle crown'd scene will ne'er rise to my 
 
 mind, 
 
 Without claiming a sigh that I've left it behind, 
 Thra' a beautiful grove we were led to be shewn, 
 The fam'd Dropping- Well which turns all thing* 
 
 to stone, 
 
 Yet in silver ton'd tinkling the Naiad departs, 
 Like ladies whose tears only harden their hearts. 
 From thence to the * cell of a saint we ascended, 
 By sage antiquarians most highly commended, 
 Then climb'd to the Fort where an honest old pair, 
 Would give you more pleasure than any thing there 
 Tho' their mutual labours have spread o'er the soil, 
 Astonishing proofs of their patience and toil. 
 We trac'd the bold ruins still proudly sublime, 
 Which yielding to man have found mercy from time, 
 And adorn the sweet scenes they were rais'd to 
 
 protect, 
 With picturesque beauty more fine from defect; 
 
 * Saint Robert's Chapel.
 
 Delighted to find wheresoever we roved 
 <r * His Honour of Scriven " revered and beloved 
 As e'er his forefathers have been in those ages, 
 When the smile of the lord was more priz'd than his 
 
 wages. 
 
 When the sire of the land in the heart of each vassal 
 Found a bulwark more strong than the walls of his 
 
 castle 
 
 From Knaresbro' to Plumpton our party proceeded 
 A spot that no traveler should pass by unheeded , 374t 
 J Tis a miniature landscape redeem'd from the waste 
 As a species of show-box by nature and taste, 
 Of small rocks and small groves and a pretty small 
 
 lake, 
 
 Where small parties aquatic excursions may take, 
 And fancy they view in perspective the shores, 
 Where Loch Lomond smiles or Geneva deplores. 
 
 * Sir Thomas Slingsby, commonly styled " His Honour " by thfe 
 peasantry in his neighbourhood.
 
 34 
 
 So well my first jaunt had agreed with my mood, 
 That I went to see Harewood the first day I 
 
 cou'd, 380 
 
 But here my description must certainly fail as, 
 I have not one talent for painting a palace, 
 But to draw the proud mansion and bring it to view 
 Will surely dear mother be needless to you, 
 Since at Chatsworth we Derbyshire folks have att 
 
 been, 
 
 You will judge I am certain of all that I mean, 
 When I tell you groves, gardens, fine water, and 
 
 hall, 
 Seem the gift of good Genii to spangle this ball. 
 
 To Studley far-fam'd for its beauty we went 389 
 And gaz'd on those beauties with placid content, 
 Tho' some of the amateurs fancied that art, 
 In planning these grounds had o'er acted her part, 
 But who hallow'd Fountains thy threshold shall pass 
 And remember the ponds with their trimmings of 
 grass ?
 
 35 
 
 No ! rapt in the scene which presents contemplation, 
 Such objects of interest and deep veneration, 
 We gaze on the arch whence the ivy descending 1 , 
 Usurps the rich shrine where the lamp was once 
 
 pending, 
 Where the wild currant blooms and the mountain 
 
 ash bows, 
 
 There knelt the great abbot and offer'd his vows, 400 
 And where the green beech his proud branches 
 
 displays 
 Sweet incense ascended with anthems of praise. 
 
 Oh visions of old as around me ye roll ! 
 Exalting, delighting, ennobling the soul, 
 Impress on my mem'ry if not on my rhyme 
 The pleasure I took in these scenes at the time, 
 For sure 'twas a pity that feelings so fine 
 Should evap'rate the moment we set off to dine, 
 Reducing at once the fine flights of the brain,, 
 To the vulgar subjection of hunger, and pain,
 
 S6 
 
 Unlike to those heroes we read of in books. 
 Who living on sentiment scorn meat and cooks, 
 Fight, conquer, make love to a princess, and win 
 
 her, 
 
 Without ever asking the aid of a dinner, 
 And heroines we see thro' five volumes can go, 
 Immers'd in all sorts of distraction and woe, 
 Without wetting their lips, thus bestowing the lie, 
 On the proverb which says that f ' true sorrow is dry ." 
 But be that their affair 'twas no part of our plan, 
 For our beaux grew voracious, our ladies look'd wan 
 So we set off for Rippon with stomachs so hearty, 
 'Twas well Mrs. Robinson knew of the party, 
 She gave us a treat which so gladden'd our sight, 
 That we quickly determined to stay here all night 
 So I thought it was best just to empty my head, 
 Of its " perilous stuff " ere I ventur'd to bed, 
 Lest the walk I have taken with gazing and peeping 
 Should injure my nerves and prevent me from 
 
 sleeping,
 
 And conceiving a nap is a sound acquisition, 
 Have sought it ( like many ) by long composition. 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 Rippon, August 6th. 
 
 S soon as Aurora came sun-rob'd and flaunting, 
 Our party arose to. continue their jaunting, 
 But think not our hurry to run after pleasure, 
 Could make us forget a good breakfast to treasure, 
 Tho' we talk'd of fine colouring, site and vertfi, 
 Yet we gave the hot rolls and the muffins their 
 due;
 
 33 
 
 And even those misses, ee who died to be mov- 
 ing," 
 Bare martyrdom well while the toast they were 
 
 proving ; 
 
 Oar wisdom and forethought admit no denial, 
 Since our strength was about to experience a trial ; 
 For a medical work in the very first chapter, 
 Declares that tr exhaustion arises from rapture/' 
 And that ' vessels well laden may prove the occasion, 
 Of giving the head a complete gravitation/ 444 
 Ye Naiads and Wood-nymphs, ye Sylphs, and ye 
 
 Gnomes, 
 Who flirt on the sun-beams, or languish in 
 
 tombs, 
 Who skim o'er the foam on the flow'r wave your 
 
 pinion, 
 
 The brilliant machinery of pages Darwinian. 
 Oh would that your legions so tiny and taper, 
 Would light on my pen and illumine my paper;
 
 39 
 
 Oh then might I sing lovely Hackfall thy praises, 
 And paint all the beauties I found in thy mazes, 
 Those mazes where nature and art have combined. 
 To spread all the charms they together could find, 
 *Tis fairy land all, yet majestic and great, 
 Where Solitude sweetly reposes in state, 
 And smiles on her mansion with features so mild, 
 We conceive her most pleas'd where the scene is 
 
 most wild ; 
 
 Jlere gurgles the Eure, thro* a thousand mean- 
 ders, 
 And unrivalPd cascades swell the stream as it 
 
 wanders, 
 
 Affording such pictures for light, form, and shade, 
 AS Claude might have gaz'd on, 0r Roussin pour- 
 
 tray'd, 
 
 Or Wilson who gave to his country a name, 
 To rival the proudest possessors of fame. 
 But alas my poor muse to this subject must knuckle,, 
 .Since her song never reaches to more than a chuckle.
 
 flame is unlit, and unfledg'd is her wing*, 
 Untun'd too her lyre, for it has but one string ; 
 Therefore 'tis in vain, I sit down to my desk, 
 To paint the sublime, or the true picturesque, 
 For my muse is unworthy poor ignorant Vandal> 
 To pipe on the genius of Hackfall's old sandal. 
 
 So imagine dear mother whatever you please, 
 Of rocks, rivers, waterfalls, temples, and trees. 
 And now with the grotto, the dell, and the dingle^ 
 Sweet Masham must rise and its sylvan scene min- 
 gle; 
 
 While Swinton appears in the far distant shade, 
 By Danby and taste, a new paradise made. 
 While thus you're employ'd, I'll my pcgasus whip 
 
 on, 
 For once more the dinner is waiting at Rippon. 482 
 
 With tongues like the lark, and with cheeks 
 
 like the ruby, 
 See the Unicorn send us all merry to Newby,
 
 41 
 
 Where we saw a fine gall'ry of gods, and a god- 
 dess, 
 Dressed quite a la mode, with short coats and 
 
 strait boddice. 
 
 An empress in robes, and likewise a hero, 
 Caligula's bust, and a scarified Nero ; 
 I believe they were all very ancient and fine, 
 For our connoisseur party cried " charming 1 . 1 
 divine \" 
 
 Talk'd much of contour and the taste of the 
 / 
 
 Greeks, 
 
 Said the art was now lost or but found in antiques ; 
 But just to refute the false blame of the scorner, 
 I pointed to two modern boys in a corner, 
 Who proved without saying a word in their favour, 
 Our sculptors make cupids as lovely as ever. 
 
 Having view'd the sarcophagus too and ad- 
 
 mir'd it, 
 The tapestry came next as the ladies desir'd it ;
 
 42 
 
 But fine as I thought it, I soon was withdrawn, 
 By a glance of the family crossing the lawn ; 
 For in that I saw beauty enough I am sure, 
 To enchant and delight the most nice amateur, 
 Nor was it the less to my untutored notion, 498 
 'Cause glowing with life and completed by motion ; 
 But I said not a word, (tho' 'twas hard to refrain ,) 
 Lest the dead should be call'd up in judgment 
 
 again. 
 
 At Rippon next morning we went to the Minster, 
 But no lady amongst us or matron or spinster, 
 Propos'd the fam'd Needle of Wilfred to enter, 
 Tho' all to the Bone-house were willing to venture ; 
 Where one lectur'd shrewdly on Gall's craniology, 
 And turn'd o'er the skulls without fear or apology ; 
 But so pretty she look'd as she handed them 
 
 round, 
 
 No doubt can I have but her learning's profound ; 
 So chang'd are the ladies since your day good mo- 
 ther, 
 They are all literati, in one way or other ;
 
 43 
 
 But in all my life long, I ne'er saw so much on't, 
 As during this journey when each gave a touch on% 
 At Fountains they spoke of memento and data, 
 And dirtied their hands to examine the strata. 
 At Hackfall they seized on the weeds and the 
 
 grasses, 
 
 To determine the genus and settle the classes ; 
 Spoke much of alembics and oxygen gas, 
 Nor suffered a stone unexamined to pass ; 
 Unmindful meantime of the scene that was nigh, 
 To awake the full heart and entrance the fond eye, 
 And to gaze on a speck when a world was before 
 
 'em, 
 Seem'd foolish to me tho' so much I adore 'em ; 
 
 And I could'nt help thinking good madam be- 
 tween us, 
 
 Philosophy's seldom the study of Venus ; 
 
 'Tis hers the bright flame of the poet to swell, 
 
 Lead the gay mystic dance or resound the sweet 
 shell,
 
 To guide the soft pencil with delicate finger, 
 And scatter life's roses whilst o'er them we linger. 
 Concentring the charms we should never dispart, 
 The gifts of the mind with the truth of the heart. 
 
 But no longer I'll venture this subject to dash on v . 
 Since I know the dear creatures but follow the 
 
 fashion, 
 Nor should I have dar'd just to touch on this 
 
 thistle, 
 But just to wind up my long winded epistle, 536, 
 
 &c. &c. &c
 
 45 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 High Harrogate, August 
 
 SlNCE the world and all in it are subject to 
 
 changing, 
 
 1 hope my dear mother you'll pat don my ranging, 
 Nor think it surprising to find your son plac'd 
 'Mongst the very first people for fashion, and taste, 
 You must know that last week to read novels I took 
 And had stepp'd up to Wilson's to get a new book, 
 When who should I hear in the reading-room 
 
 * laughing, 
 
 But our Yeomanry Col'nel and Major O'Baffin ; 
 So I stepp'd to the first with a very low bow/ 
 And he was transported to see me I vow,
 
 46 
 
 Ml 
 
 Call'd me neighbour,, and friend, brother soldier/ 
 
 and all that, 
 
 Introducing the Major with plenty of small chat ; 
 In short we became all so happy together. 
 They thought it was best I should just remove hi- 
 ther ; 
 
 In fact as High Harrogate's now all the go, 
 'T would be folly to stay any longer at Lotto. 
 The Col'nel and Lady reside at the Granby, 
 But the Major and I who are good friends as cart 
 
 be, 
 
 Prefer at the Dragon to take up our quarters ; 
 Where tjie company's charming, tho' some of 'era 
 
 Tartars, 
 
 And the eating's so good and the claret so fine* 
 'Tis worth riding post fifty miles just to dine, 
 And in spite of the bustle (good madam don't 
 
 frown,) 
 
 Th house and the garden's as neat as your 
 own.
 
 47 
 
 Here's a young widow Jointurewell lately come 
 
 . .. .-. .. vvf <*?. "oil 
 
 dashing 1 , 
 
 But the Countess of Allwit's the woman for splash*- 
 
 Her bays in their coach are as constantly prancing, 
 
 v/ .v *; to* ui 
 
 As the widow's black eyes on the strangers are 
 
 glancing. 
 The fam'd - r - -n - he is this moment 
 
 arriving, 
 
 To strangers well known by the style of his driving 
 For he sports his own mail his own trumpet he 
 
 blows, 
 
 So he well may be known wheresoever he goes, 
 He's the soul of good humour, of frolic, and whim, 
 High Harrogate owes half its pleasures to 
 
 him. 
 
 Shufflecut's here and her husband Sir Ned, 
 She games all the night while he's snoring in bed, 
 And tho' handsome and young he's so idle all day, 
 That he seldom assists in her labours at play ;
 
 48 
 
 So the lady transacts all the business alone, 
 Tho' he on her efforts subsists 'tis well known, 
 Her friend Lady Sweepstakes oft comes for a 
 
 rubber, 
 
 And gen'rally finds some one willing to drub her, 
 But tied by her Lord to play only for guineas, 
 She bites while she's bit and then laughs at the 
 
 ninnies ; 
 
 Who in losing their time have egregiously blun- 
 dered, 
 In but taking ten pounds where they hoped for a 
 
 hundred ; 
 
 For wit and good humour this lady can boast. 
 And her temper can keep when her money is lost. 
 
 We've a dashing buck Parson among us a creature, 
 I can never describe since 'tis quite out of nature, 
 TJio' the race is antique for I'm sure 'tis the same, 
 
 That St. Paul has declar'd can take ef glory in 
 shame,"
 
 49 
 
 FOF he> constantly gaming or quizzing the 
 
 church, 
 Where he holds two good livings but leaves in the 
 
 lurch,, 
 Tho' the ff fusty old bishop" has sought to restore 
 
 him, 
 To residence, duty, and " stupid decorum." 590, 
 
 In other bad men I am sorry to say, 
 We wink at the sin when the humour is gay, 
 And trusting the evil's not sunk in their hearts 
 Their errors o'erlook for their temper or parts ; 
 But he who embracing an holy profession, 
 Thus robs soine good man of a needful possession ; 
 While conscious his heart is abandon'd and vicious, 
 Is disgustingly wicked, thence seldom pernicious ; 
 So a beacon of warning this coxcomb supplies, 
 Since few men will follow what all men despise ; 
 And bad as the world is he stands by himself, 
 We have good ones enow to lay him on the shelf ;
 
 50 
 
 Who e'en in this place of profuse dissipation, 
 Still honour themselves, and adorn their vocation. 
 
 The comical Banker from C t r is here, 
 Whom Blackett retail'd to us often last year, 
 His humour is droll and his tongue like a sickle,. < 
 Cuts so sharp, and so smooth, that you bleed while 
 
 you tickle ; 
 
 Lady Shufflecut oft from his spleen gets a hit, 
 But she pockets his money which pays for his wit, 
 
 As beauties the nds are at present the rage,, 
 
 And one has two strings to her bow I'll engage. 
 But I'm sorry to say that the elegant Julie, 
 Has the fault of the day and forgets to love truly, 
 For a fine showy rake whose pretension to merit, 
 Js a far distant title he ne'er may inherit, 
 She forsakes a most excellent well manner'd youth. 
 Who deserves her no less for his virtue than truth.
 
 51 
 
 How soon will she learn from her new master's 
 
 teaching, 
 " She has cast off a pearl", but I've no time for 
 
 preaching ; 
 
 So I only shall mention one family more, 
 Tho' I wish to describe you at least half-a-score ; 
 'Tis an old fashioned gentleman drest like a show, 
 As his grandfather was just a cent'ry ago, 
 While his wife in like habit obedient to him, 
 Tho' still a fine woman complies with the whim, 
 But his daughter an elegant lovely young creature, 
 Steals a spice of the mode in her dress tho' not 
 
 nature, 
 
 For a being so lively, yet modest, and charming, 
 So simple so wild to the heart so alarming, 630 
 This world or its customs e'er form'd I believe, 
 
 / 
 
 From the very first days of our grandmother Eve. 
 
 From a Cumberknd castle I find they have crept, 
 Where from ages to ages their ancestors slept ;
 
 52 
 
 And 'tis vastly amusing* to see how they look,, 
 On the Harrogate world, as a new open'd book, 
 Where many new faces appear to delight 'em, 
 But many new manners to wound and affright 'em 
 The old man is shock'dtofind gamesters in orders, 
 And barons whose names are well known on the 
 
 Borders, 
 
 Now tlrt rivals of grooms a degen'rate race, 
 The days and the deeds of their grandsires dis- 
 grace, 
 
 Nor less does he mourn o'er the ladies undrest, 
 While his delicate daughter, tho' silent's distrest ; 
 But his lady bewails with an innocent sigh, 
 That women should gamble, should flirt, or look 
 
 sly, 
 
 And declares when they wish to do any thing odd, 
 They should ask their liege lords for a smile and a 
 
 nod, 
 
 'A- practice she thinks in a great many cases, 
 Would save much confusion 'mongst knaves, 
 queens, and aces ;
 
 53 
 
 So contracted her conscience, illiberal her notion., 
 
 She fancies submission allied to devotion, 
 
 And thinks (as she promis'd it once) that a wife, 
 
 Should remember her vow all the days of her life, 
 
 The Dragonite ladies all laugh loud enough, 
 
 At her doctrine, her caps, and her long ruffled cuff, 
 
 Declaring her creed like her dress is replete, 
 
 With all that is outre, antique, obsolete, 
 
 'Tis the very worst part, of the very old school, 
 
 Detested by instinct exploded by rule 
 
 Lady Shufflecut vows she'll to Coventry send her, 
 And the Countess declares not a soul shall defend 
 
 her, 
 
 Mrs. Rantipole wishes all women so silly 
 Were tied by the neck to the heels of her filly, 
 But somehow I feel in the midst of this pother, 
 I should much like a wife who had had such a mo- 
 ther,
 
 M 
 
 With this hint dearest madam I'll bid you good bye, 
 Most likely you're tir'd and in truth so am I. 668 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 High Harrogate, August 16th. 
 
 YOU'LL rejoice my kind mother to hear once 
 again, 
 
 I've been shooting with pleasure and health in my 
 
 train, 
 
 The Major and I went a sporting together, 
 Traversing whole regions of sweet mountain hea- 
 ther, 
 
 And brought back such a number of very fine grouse 
 They charm'd all the ladies and pleas'd all the house.
 
 55 
 
 But unluckily just in the bar while I stopp'd, 
 To present Mrs. Goodlad the fruits I had cropp'd, 
 A fine powder'd Cockney just took up ray gun, 
 Crying ' ' shooting dear sar must be wery good fun, 
 tc Pray vitch isthelocksar? and vitch is the handle?" 
 When off went the piece like the snuff of a candle, 
 My unfortunate fingers at once caught the powder, 
 While the poor little Londonite felt at his shou'der . 
 I could' nt help laughing in spite of my smart, 
 To see how he trembled and shook to the heart, 
 Declaring " 'pon honour 'tvas wery absurd, 
 ef That the gun should go off vithout saying a vord." 
 The ladies sweet creatures all full of compassion, 
 Put my hand in a sling which they said was the 
 
 fashion, 
 
 And who would not gladly put up with a scar, 
 To pass for a vet'ran just come from the war? 
 So in order to make of the matter the best, 
 J prepar'd for the ball tho' I grinn'd while I drest, 
 
 F 2
 
 56 
 
 For that night to the Grauby the people were flying 
 And you know my dear mother I dance while I'm 
 
 dying. 
 
 In fact we enjoy'd a most excellent ball. 
 And a very fine supper to finish it all, 
 \\ here elegance, plenty, and order presided, 
 A trio that ought to be never divided. 698 
 
 i* 
 Lady A hb rt n lovely and young was 
 
 the grace, 
 With her three pretty sisters who gladden'd the 
 
 place, 
 The II pb ne was there a Minerva restor'd 
 
 As at Athens she reign'd not less lov'd than ador'd, 
 
 
 
 With a partner I met whose dancing quite charm'd 
 
 me, 
 While her wit and good humour delighted, inform'd 
 
 me, 
 
 Yes indeed lovely Sw -nt n I ne'er shall forget, 
 The pleasure you gave in our short tote a tete.
 
 57 
 
 Mrs was there., once a very great beauty, 
 
 She conceives to remain such is doubtless her duty, 
 For by washes, and rouges, false eyebrows and hair, 
 The thefts of old time she contrives to repair, 
 Whilst whalebone and buckram combine with 
 
 great pain, 
 
 What too freely he gives in due limits to rein, 
 Was this lady well read in the Proverbs, she'd 
 
 know, 
 
 That a season for all things is found here below, 
 And ' ' a time to be old " if employed as it ought, 
 May have blessings ' c the time to be young " nevef 
 
 brought, 
 
 This leads me to mention (by association) 
 No people go better to church in the nation 
 Than we Harrogate folks, for many go here, 
 Never seen in such places before I much fear, 
 We go jostling and crowding for seats and quite free 
 Turn out the possessors sans ceremonie, 728
 
 58 
 
 And should the poor wretches presume but to 
 
 grumble, 
 Look down with contempt and so bid them be hum- 
 
 ble, 
 
 But though on our entrance we flounder and flout, 
 Be assur'd we are better before we go out, 
 For so many fine preachers are heard in this place, 
 *Twould be shameful indeed if this were not the 
 
 case; 
 Besides the good * Pastor whose locks are grown 
 
 In leading his Harrogate flock the right way. 
 
 L<ast night as I happen'd to ride on the Down, 
 Some thunder I heard and the sky 'gan to frown 7 
 So expecting a shower my way I soon bent, 
 To a mean looking cottage to 'scape the descent ; 
 And o'ertook the poor owner decrepid and sickly, 
 Who strove but in vain, to move forward more 
 quickly ; 
 
 Rev. R. Mitten who hns lived at Harrogate more than 40 yean,
 
 59 
 
 So I said ' e honest fellow your toiling refrain, 
 You may yet reach your cottage untouch'd by the 
 
 rain." 
 
 When struck by my voice he turn'd round to reply, 
 I saw with much pain the tears stand in his eye, 
 tf I have two little girls Sir., should tempest come 
 
 on, 
 
 " Most sorely they'll grieve that their daddy is gone ; 
 te But their mother will sooth them/' ff their mo- 
 ther/'! he cried, 
 
 And his anguish gush'd forth in keen agony's 
 tide. 743 
 
 Alarm'd and distress'd by the wound I had given, 
 1 dismounted and leaving my pony with Stephen, 
 Attended the mourner whose words weak and faint 
 Were rather the language of woe than complaint, 
 Tho' worn with disease and by mis'ry opprest, 
 Yet one sorrow 'bove all gave a pang to his breast, 
 The heart that was widow'd all evils could bear, 
 For sorrow is sunk in the gulph of despair !
 
 60 
 
 " Many men have good wives Sir but one like my 
 
 own, 
 
 I doubt even great men too seldom have known, 
 f r When robb'd by disease of our means of sub- 
 sistence, 
 
 " Her care and industry kept want at a distance ,' 
 " Her tenderness sooth'd while her labour sustain 'd 
 
 me, 
 ** Nor a word pass'd her lips Sir, that ever yet 
 
 pain'd me, 
 
 ee To her all my burden of suffering was given, 
 " And it sunk her to earth while it rais'd her to 
 
 Heaven," 
 
 'Twas simplicity's tale which no words could 
 adorn, 
 
 And I wept o'er the being thus 'reft and forlorn,, 
 Ere'I ventur'd to offer that kind of relief, 
 Which could sooth but one sour ce of his manifold 
 grief.
 
 61 
 
 It was sympathy's proof and I wish for no other, 
 That however divided still man is man's brother ; 
 But judge my emotion on ent'ring the cot, 
 Where once love and innocence hallow'd the spot, 
 To see love and innocence burst on my sight, 
 In a form more endearing and beauty more bright, 
 'Twas my Cumberland maiden embracing each child 
 Like, the Angel of pity that wept as she smil'd, 
 She had heard the poor babes as they wander'd 
 
 around, 
 
 lament their dear mammy laid deep in the ground, 
 And stole from her party tho' splendid and gay,, 
 To wipe their sad tears and to show them their way, 
 Now I gaz'd ! my heart throbb'd ! while a kind 
 
 of devotion 
 
 Rose at once to my tongue and obstructed its motion, 
 
 i 
 May I ne'er lose the sense of that sacred sensation 
 
 Or forget her blue eyes more divine emanation ! 
 In folly's light moment in solitude's hour, 
 Still dear be its memory, resistless its pow'r, 
 
 G
 
 62 
 
 And if ever false pleasure to guilt should allure m, 
 May a glance on this scene from perdition secure 
 me. 
 
 Whatever each thought was reveaPd but in looks, 
 And I trust that for once they were legible books, 
 Which fairly translated read this way I deem, 
 Our compassion is mutual, be such our esteem, 
 We walk'd home together a road long and dreary, 
 .But my heart trod in air, nor did Agnes seem weary, 
 And her mother declares she'll go with us to-morrow 
 To visit and comfort these children of sorrow, 
 And tho' with the Major engaged to my cost, 
 To take my revenge for some trifles I've lost ; 
 And sweet Lady Shufflecut vow'd I should take, 
 A hand at her table, yet all I'll forsake, 
 For one gentle smile from that excellent being, 
 Of all this world's pleasures is best worth the 
 seeing,
 
 And would she but smile in the way that I want her, 
 The wealth of the Indies for that smile I'd banter ; 
 But adieu, my dear mother, I cannot dissemble, 
 That my hopes, and my fears, put me all in a 
 
 trpmhta 
 
 &c. 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 High Harrogate, August 26tk. 
 
 1 HIS week in such various amusement has past, 
 I have scarce had an hour to myself since my last, 
 On Monday all day we for wagers were prancing-, 
 And concluded at night with most exquisite 
 dancing; 
 
 2
 
 Our belies and our ball every other excell'd, 
 And our supper the finest you ever beheld ; 
 With Agnes I danc'd and with Agnes I sat, 801 
 And enjoy'd much communion tho' but little chat. 
 On Tuesday we all sally'd out on the green, 
 
 To see Mr. drive his dashing machine, 
 
 In a figure of eight, but alas he was cross'd, 
 And his coach and four bays were to n s H 
 
 lost ! 
 
 For his horses tho' doubtlessly brutes of great sense, 
 Were unsknTd in the shaping or saving of pence ; 
 But he quickly redeem'd them and mounting again, 
 ReturnM our brisk cheers as he drove o'er the 
 
 plain. 
 
 The next day we were treated with excellent races, 
 But alas when they clos'd there were many long 
 
 faces ; 
 
 And especially poor Lady Shufflecut's prov'd, 
 She had dabbled too much in the current she lov'd ;
 
 65 
 
 So profusely her bets had been offer'd around, 
 That her wings were close clipp'd ere she drove 
 
 from the ground ; 
 
 When eagerly seeking her loss to repair, 
 She doubled the mischief that Fell to her share ; 
 And in words cabalistic combin'd with " done, 
 
 done/' 
 
 The evening completed what morning begun, 
 And tho* till broad day-light she ptish'd on her 
 
 chance, 
 
 Yet fortune ne'er deign'd an encouraging gfence, 
 For Major O' Baffin and Twig'em together, 
 Pluck'd her poor little Lady ship down to a feather. 
 
 ->. ' 
 
 What pity a female whom nature assign'd. 
 Such a portion of beauty in person and mind, 
 Whose softness and wit might have temper'd thro* 
 
 life, 
 The sweetest ingredients we seek in a wife 4
 
 66 
 
 Should absorb'd in one crime make a hell of that 
 
 breast, 
 
 Where dove-like benignity once form'd her nest, 
 For sure if all storms were together combin'd, 
 Of hail, rain, and tempest, steel, thunder, and 
 
 wind, 
 The light' ning's red glare, and the volcano 
 
 flaming, 
 Will but shadow the passions of woman when 
 
 gaming, 
 
 Unmask'd, and unsex'd she presents to our view, 
 The image of vice in her own native hue, 
 At the fury before us in horror we gaze, 
 And ask where the woman is fled in amaze ? 
 Whence sprung this dread Demon ye sages tell, 
 Was she born upon earth, or transported from 
 
 hell, 
 What plagues and what pestilence met in their 
 
 rambling, 
 To form this detestable passion for gambling,
 
 67 
 
 Society's Upas that withers the ground, . . 
 And poisons the blossoms of virtue around, 
 Destroying and blasting all promise of worth, 
 Like the curse of the locusts fc that ravaged 
 earth/' 
 
 When Avarice with Misery alone in his cot, 
 Had endur'd many years an old bachelor's lot, 
 He sought from this partner to make a division, 
 By seeking himself, for a change of condition, 
 Concluding like many old men, that a wife, 
 Would banish grim Misery his cottage for life, 
 And the better this end so desir'd to obtain, 
 He fix'd on a damsel, young, splendid, and vain, 
 Her name Prodigality not over nice, 
 The lady lov'd Avarice alone for his vice, 
 And reckon'd the pleasure of emptying his coffer, 
 Would atone for all other defects in the offer, 
 They marry and fly at the lady's suggestion, 
 A very long way from the cot of discretion, 860
 
 For Extravagance sold them a villa and park, 
 Which was stock'd by Expence with all wares like 
 
 an ark,, 
 Yet the bridegroom astonish'd beheld with great 
 
 pain. 
 
 That Mis'ry was still the first man in their train, 
 He stalk'd o'er their garden sat down at their 
 
 table, 
 He perch'd on the coach, and he groan'd in the 
 
 stable; 
 
 And the tongue of the lady tho' flippant and strong, 
 Could not keep his keen face from her dressing' 
 
 room long, 
 Nay e'en when her first blooming daughter was 
 
 born, 
 
 Old Misery stood sponsor in spite of her scorn, 
 And while she his rude interference was blaming^ 
 With mighty sang froid he pronounc'd the babe 
 
 te Gaming."
 
 Prodigality sought for a nurse at her Ieisur> 
 And consign'd the fair imp to be dandled by 
 
 pleasure> 
 
 Hence some have mistaken this child for another, 
 Amusement no kin> but a mere foster brother. 
 As the young one grew up she full early display'd> 
 Her sire's inclination for scraping in trade, 
 Was wOnd'rous alert at a close calculation, 
 And scann'd the whole science of deep computation, 
 When embu'd with her father's all grasping desirei 
 The rashness of daring her mother inspires, 
 And bids her ne'er hesitate roundly to send, 
 A bold speculation in search of her end, 884 
 
 Thus covetous meanness combines with profusion, 
 To spread o'er her actions the veil of delusion ; 
 While Misery attends her wherever she goes, 
 With hosts of bad passions, and myriads of woes^ 
 The foremost I ween is that canker-worm Care, 
 And the last that black fiend which proceeds from 
 
 despair,
 
 Life knows not one torment that gnaws like th# 
 
 first, 
 And the last of all deaths, is the death most 
 
 accurst. 
 
 I hope you'll excuse this long fabling digression, 
 As a thing very common in bards by profession., 
 And to tell you the truth having been somewhat bit, 
 I find I have gain'd a new edge to my wit, 
 Yes ! thanks to O'Baffin, his friendship's unriddled. 
 And her Ladyship's simper, with <e Blunderhead's 
 
 diddled." 
 But 'tis well I'm no worse and the wisdom they 
 
 taught me, 
 
 Experience alone I'm afraid could have bought me, 
 For I foolishly slighted Sir J n G ff d's hint, 
 Tho' I knew his heart sterling as gold from the 
 
 mint ; 
 
 I wish my good Col'nel aware of this Major, 
 Would take home his wife in the country to cage 
 her,
 
 71 
 
 For this Cormorant's eyes while they glanc'd on 
 
 my purse, 
 
 Mark'd the CoPnel I doubt for a robb'ry far worse, 
 Ah mother ! dear mother ! I now can perceive 
 ' -'-fit/-'" ' ' ' ' " 
 
 The world is far worse than I once could believe 
 
 it, 
 When we mountaineers from the Peak make these 
 
 sallies, 
 
 We meet with strange cattle in civiliz'd vallies, 
 And our good education I honestly own, 
 But fits us to mix with each other alone, 
 Our naivete, simplicity, openness, truth, 
 The romantic attachments of warm-hearted youth, 
 In the world's chilling atmosphere meet with such 
 
 shocks, 
 We had better ne'er roam from our own native 
 
 rocks, 
 
 put at present away with these moral excursions, 
 And return we again to the list of diversions. 916 
 
 H 2
 
 72 
 
 Next came donkey races and pony likewise, 
 Each nobly contending a suitable prize, 
 For the last a fine saddle was stuck up to view, 
 Which after hard riding was won by the blue, 
 Then we all were amus'd by men jumping in 
 
 sacks, 
 
 Tho' it laid the competitors soon on their backs, 
 But the best sport of all since it shew'd the moit 
 
 skill, 
 
 Was two well lather'd pigs left to run at their will 
 Which who seiz'd by the tail was to have for the 
 
 catching, 
 But the grunters in this had the best in the 
 
 matching, 
 
 And I never yet saw such most excellent fun, 
 As they made of the fellows who ventured to run ; 
 Nor do I yet think that they fairly were caught, 
 But the company all left the place ere they ough^, 
 For a very fine turtle that day was set out, 
 By a West India heiress presented sans doute>
 
 73 
 
 And people of taste were impatient to try, 
 If Harrogate turtle with London could vie ; 
 And 'tis with great pride my good madam I tell, 
 'Twas allow'd that our cook did all London excel, 
 I'm sure that Lord Gout, and Sir Harry Fullfare, 
 Each ate three good pints of the soup for their 
 
 share, 
 
 And Mrs. Gourmander with Lady Allferret, 
 Were equally strong in their proofs of its merit, 
 And as very good eating some men of deep 
 
 thinking, 
 
 Have roundly declar'd calls for very good drinking ; 
 This alliance so nat'ral we sought to pursue, 
 And gave to the turtle the honour its due, 
 And that night for the first time I stagger'd to bed, 
 With more wine on my stomach, than sense in my 
 
 head, 
 
 But a dose of the water as soon as 'twas day, 
 -JDispers'd all my head-ache and left me quite
 
 74 
 
 And 'twas well that this good panacea I took, 
 Or Agnes had murder'd my hopes with a look ; 
 For at best they're so delicate poor little things, 
 One glance of her anger would clip all their wings, 
 But I nourish the nestlings as well as I'm able, 
 And consider each smile as an anchor and cable, 
 My courage sometimes rises up to my cheek, 
 Where it flushes and glows yet forbids me to speak ; 
 I would give all the world to make love to ona 
 
 woman, 
 With the ease Col'nel B tern n can do it in 
 
 common, 
 
 So pointed, yet meek, sentimental, and charming, 
 Tho' always encroaching yet never alarm ing ; 960 
 But no wonder the Colonel shines in this way, 
 For practice makes perfect in all things they say, 
 And to maid, wife, or widow he's constantly 
 
 paying, 
 
 Tbose tender attentions most dear, most b(|[ 
 traying,
 
 75 
 
 tJnmindful I ween what vexations and smarts, 
 Must follow the game in this ec play upon hearts." 
 Far different the bosom true passion inspires. 
 That silently loves, and devoutly admires, 
 It sighs not by rule nor makes speeches by measure. 
 Nor studies the arts of allurement at leisure, 
 Yet feeling all eloquent sometimes reveals, 
 That state of the soul which timidity seals, 
 And I take it the very best chance for a lover, 
 Is that moment when fortune his flame may 
 
 discover ; 
 Since no damsel will shrink from a peep at the 
 
 breast, 
 
 Where her own lovely form is so sweetly imprest, 
 For should she regret that the picture's ill plac'd, 
 Yet she'll value the wearer for exquisite taste. 
 
 My Agnes of late has convers'd more than 
 
 common, 
 With a Mrs, Latouche a most excellent woman,
 
 Whose husband like many brave fellows beside, 
 By his country was torn from the arms of his bride, 
 For three years has he left her his absence to 
 
 mourn, 
 
 But she now has some hopes of his speedy return. 
 She visits this place with a poor ailing aunt, 
 Whom she tends with that kindness all invalids 
 
 want, 
 
 And proves in her tenderness, faithfulness, duty, 
 Her virtue at least is as great as her beauty, 
 Twin soul with my charmer I think it no wonder, 
 (Tho* I'm sorry sometimes) they are seldom asunder , 
 I fancy whenever I see them conversing, 
 The wife all the worth of her lord is rehearsing, 
 But I dare not yet hope that my Agnes replies, 
 By adverting to poor Mr. Blunderhead's eyes. 
 
 But my hopes or my fears I'll no longer intrude. 
 For this monstrous long scrawl 'tis high time to 
 conclude. 
 
 &c. &c. &c
 
 77 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 High Harrogate, August 30th. 
 
 JjEAR mother I've so much to say in my letter, 
 Tho' the last was too long I fear this wo'nt be 
 
 better, 
 
 And someway I never know how to begin, 
 When I've got a great many fine things to bring 
 
 in; 
 
 Nor can I with truth to our mutual relief, 
 Declare in the first place I mean to be brief, 
 For I know' to my sorrow no Blunderhead yet, 
 Could ever the talent of brevity get, 
 So I still must go on with my doggerel chatter, 
 And your pardon implore for " extraneous 
 
 matter." 
 
 i
 
 : 
 
 8 
 
 You mast know all this summer 't has been niifcfr 
 
 the rage, 
 
 For High Harrogate parties new scenes to engage., 
 Leaving Studley and Hackfall and huge Brimham 
 
 rocks, 
 
 And assemble like swallows in emigrant flocks-, 
 Unmindful what terrible roads they must jolt on, 
 To view the fine grounds and the ruins of Bolton, 
 And yesterday morn a large party set out, 
 To partake the delights of this picturesque rout. 
 Fair Fenton, sweet Agnes, and lovely Latouche, 
 Were all drove by Sir George in his splendid 
 
 barouche, 
 
 And if ever I envy'd a man so before, 
 I will leave you to judge but I now say no more, 
 The rest in a chariot, and curricles went, 
 And set off pretty early by general consect, 
 At the Blabber-house Inn we all gladly alighted, 
 By the sight of an excellent breakfast invited,
 
 79 
 
 Which enabled us all to endure future jumbling. 
 And substitute laughter for hunger, and grum- 
 bling, 
 When arrived at the bridge the first glimpse of 
 
 the scene., 
 
 Majestic yet simple, tho' grand yet serene, 
 Gave presentiment sweet of the pleasure before us, 
 And our hearts with the music of nature kept 
 
 .chorus, 
 
 We just stopp'd at the Inn to enquire for a guide, 
 And whije saunt'ring around till this want was 
 
 supplied, 
 A Skipton chaise pass'd ; whence a stranger look'd 
 
 out, 
 
 To see what so many gay folks were about; 
 But the moment the form of his visage appear 5 d, 
 What a shriek of delight from his consort was 
 
 heard, 
 
 'Tis he ! 'tis my Henry ! no more could she say/ 
 0n the bosom of Agnes just fainting she lay,
 
 80 
 
 While the gallant Latouche from his vehicle 
 
 sprung, 
 
 And in speechless delight o'er his Ellinor hung ; 
 While adown his brown face roll'd the gracefullest 
 
 tear, 
 
 Which the hero could shed or the lover hold dear, 
 'Twas a moment of bliss so intense in delight, 
 It concenter'd whole ages of joy in its flight, 
 And as Ellinor's eyes in transported amaze, 
 Again, and again, on her Henry would gaze, 
 The Elysium of extacy glow'd in their beaiH, 
 The world was forgot, and past sorrow a dream. 
 
 And think ye that Agnes unmov'd could behold, 
 A scene where the bosom's best feeling's were told ? 
 Ah no ! in her cheeks heightened blushes I read, 
 Sensibility's whisper that moment had sped, 1050 
 And told her when hearts thus congenial could meet, 
 Earth knows no communion more pure or more 
 sweet,
 
 I hail'd the blest omen, and watch'd for the hour, 
 Which should lead our wild wanderings to solir 
 
 tude's bow'r, 
 
 But long had we travers'd the ruins and grove, 
 Ere my lips dar'd to utter one word of my love 
 For such trembling anxiety hung on my breast, 
 Even now I scarce know what I falt'ring confest, 
 But this I well know that my falt'ring confession, 
 Was deem'd by the fair one no flagrant transgres- 
 sion, 
 Tho' her words were but few yet her charming 
 
 confusion, 
 
 Assur'd me forgiveness beyond all delusion, 
 And this young bud of hope ere the sun was gone 
 
 down, 
 
 By her kindness became a fair blossom full blown 
 Oh morning of rapture ! oh day of delight ! 
 Oh evening full gemm'd with the spangles of 
 night !
 
 82 
 
 If e'er I forget the dear moments ye gave me, 
 May the world be my guide may her folliet 
 
 enslave me, 
 
 May the blossom of hope from my bosom disseve^ 
 And may Agnes be lost to my wishes for ever 
 
 Do you ask me of Bolton its rocks, woods, and 
 
 plains, 
 
 Where beauty enthron'd in sublimity reigns ? 
 Where the Wharfe ever lovely, capricious, 
 
 romantic, 
 
 Or murmuring glides or impetuously frantic, 
 Now spreads o'er the plain in majestic repose, 
 Now rending the rocks as a cataract flows ? 
 Or enquire of the Priory whose ruins sublime, 
 Shew beauties more soft from the pressure of time. 
 And as their fine forms moulder gently away, 
 Awake veneration and love from decay ? 
 Of Bardon's fine tow'r which proudly excelling, 
 The Geniusof Craven might choose for his dwelling".
 
 83 
 
 (For Genii and Fairies alone should be found, 
 To people the regions celestial around, 1084 
 
 While a Demon of darkness might howl o'er the 
 
 Strid, 
 
 And lash the fierce torrent that roar'd as he chid,) 
 Yes this is the region for fancy to soar. 
 Meditation to rove and devotion adore, 
 For the painter's whole soul to exist in his eye* 
 And the poet's on pinions new plumag'd to fly ! 
 But alas tho' each charm I could quickly discover, 
 Yet expect no description but one from a lover, 
 If to tell of the Abbey's grey stones I begin, 
 I shall surely contrast them with Agnes's skin ; 
 From the rock herbage-crown'd all bespangled 
 
 with dew, 
 
 I shall start to her eye's melting orbit of blue ; 
 Nor a wave of the river can flow wildly simple, 
 But Agnes will rise with her smile and her dimple, 
 So aware of my weakness I make no pretension. 
 To give you description supply 'd by invention,
 
 84 
 
 But I've bought a whole set of fine prints which 
 
 will prove, 
 
 That Bolton is meet for the birth place of love. 
 And in them I will shew you dear mother, those 
 
 places, 
 The smiles of my fair one illum'd with new 
 
 graces, 
 And when I'm so blest (may the time quickly 
 
 come,) 
 
 To bring the sweet maid to a Derbyshire home, 
 These pictures hung round the old hall shall 
 
 display, 
 
 How dear to my heart are the scenes they pourtray, 
 And Agnes methinks " nothing loth" will behold 
 The spot where my passion first dar'd to unfold, 
 And fondly will point to that bank where the willow, 
 Re-murmur'd my vows as it bent to the billow. 
 " Dear Bolton adieu !" we all cried while return- 
 ing 
 
 "Whoe'er left thy glen's lovely vale without mourn- 
 ing.".
 
 85 
 
 When just as we spoke the fair rectory rose, 
 Like the dwelling of peace in the lap of repose, 
 We started with pleasure astonish'd to find., 
 Such a Paradise close on the Eden behind, 
 There Pomona's rich clusters hung sportively 
 
 round, 
 
 And Flora's gay carpet enamell'd the ground. 
 As enchanted we gaz'd the kind owner appearing, 
 Address'd us with manners politely endearing, 
 And much we regretted the shadows of eve, 
 Oblig'd us reluctantly soon to take leave. 
 
 Dinner quickly dispatch'd to the Captain of 
 
 course, 
 
 My seat I resign'd and then borrow'd a horse, 
 Be assur'd the barouche was most duly attended; 
 And from dangers (that came not) most bravely 
 
 defended, 
 
 So courageous I felt, that 'twas really a pity, 1 
 We never encounter'd one troop of banditti;
 
 86 
 
 No fright of the horses induc'd them to try, 
 Just to leap o'er a bridge tho' so many were nigh, 
 As the roads that would shake her 'twas folly to 
 
 fly at, 
 
 I was forc'd to ride on most provokingly quiet, 
 In hopes that some future occasion will prove, 
 My prowess, and gallantry, equal my love. 
 
 This morning I rose with the dawning of day, 
 On Agnes to think and contrive what to say, 
 And after some planning and much hesitation, 
 To her father I spoke on this weighty occasion : 
 And I gratefully own that the worthy old Squire, 
 Was as kind to my hopes as my heart could desire"; 
 He confess'd 'twas his foible to value old blood, 
 And declar'd that my race was both ancient and 
 
 good, 
 'Fore the conquest he reckon'd some fifteen or 
 
 twenty, 
 
 And when it took place there were Blunderheadt 
 plenty,
 
 In the days of King Stephen His known how they 
 
 flourish'd, 
 
 And the wars of the Roses the pedigree nourish'd, 
 In Harry the eighth's time 'twas easy to trace, 
 The parliament owed its support to our race, 
 Tho' Elizabeth liked us not yet it was plain, 
 We came pretty handsomely in the next reign ; 
 And continued in pow'r thro' succeeding confusion, 
 Till sadly eclips'd by the proud revolution, 
 And altho' since that period somewhat declining, 
 He trusted the time would return for our shining, 
 Tho' 'tis true that the Regent disclaims our alliance, 
 From his fondness for freedom, for arts, and for 
 
 science. 
 
 In short he appear'd both so learned and kind, 
 He's the wisest and best of old men to my mind, 
 But adieu my dear mother I'm now on the wing, 
 With Agnes to taste the Chalybeate spring 
 
 &c. &c. c. 
 K 2
 
 88 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 High Harrogate, September %lst. 
 
 OR my silence these three weeks your pardon 
 
 I ask, 
 
 But really dear mother all writing's a (ask, 
 Save for sonnets to Agnes I do not know when, 
 My run-a-way fingers laid hold of a pen, 
 But I tri^st your indulgence will freely excuse* 
 This natural fault in my negligent muse, 
 Since she now comes before you in very great 
 
 sorrpw, 
 
 To tell, you I part with my charmer to-morrow, 
 Tho' the Dragon's quite full and the company gay, 
 And a. ball at the Queen 's-head is pronais'd to-day, 
 Yet when, Agnes is gone I most plainly can see, 
 This place will have lost all attraction for me,
 
 89 
 
 And I think when the coach and my lovely one in-# 
 Drives away, that I too must be off the next minute, 
 Consolation to find in my mother's kind greeting, 
 And forming good plans for our next pleasant 
 meeting. 
 
 Then fare ye well Harrogate dear to my heart, 
 Be the joys you inspire and the health you impart., 
 May your springs ever flow an immutable treasure, 
 And the breeze that blows o'er you be freighted 
 
 with pleasure ; 
 
 Farewell to your Doctors more skilful and kind, 
 Not a Spa on the Island cam promise to- find. 
 But chiefly my own must I leave with regret, 
 For a sigh to our parting is gratitude's debt, 
 His suavity,, modesty, knowledge, and truth, 
 Where the wisdom of age, joins the candour of 
 
 youth, 
 
 Have made me so truly esteem and respect him, 
 "^Vhile I value true worth I can never neglect him.
 
 No more must I saunter along the Parade, 
 
 Or fly for a tune to the gay Promenade, 
 
 At Wilson's exhibit my knowledge or wit, 
 
 Or step into Wright's for my picture to sit, 
 
 At Robey's or Bachelor's loiter to chuse, 
 
 A broach or a ring while I hear all the news, 
 
 Or ride on the common and gladly inhale, 
 
 The spirit of strength from the heath-scented gale 
 
 But tho' to your pleasures I now bid adieu, 
 
 Be assur'ct that next year shall those pleasures 
 
 renew, 
 
 Renew and exceed for on Hymen's white wing, 
 To these haunts so belov'd I my Agnes may bring, 
 The hopes of that blessing my cares shall beguile, 
 And I leave thee dear Harrogate now with a smile.
 
 NOTES.

 
 Our respects to the beauties of Knaresbro' $<?.' 
 Verse 342. Knaresbro' is a considerable Town, 
 situated on a rock almost encompassed by the 
 river Nidd. Near the town are the ruins of an 
 ancient magnificent castle built soon after the 
 Conquest, and in one side of a neighbouring rock 
 is a cell where an hermit, lived, still called St. 
 Robert's Chapel. T4ie altar is cut out of one 
 piece of solid rock, and on it are engraved the 
 figures of three heads, supposed to represent the 
 Trinity. This Robert founded himself a new 
 order of monks, called Robertines, but it is pro* 
 bable that they soon diminished to nothing, as we 
 do not meet with their name either in the Breviary 
 or Baronius. 
 
 But the greatest curiosity at Knaresbro' is the
 
 petrifying spring commonly called the Dropping- 
 Well. This natural curiosity rs a spring that rises 
 about two miles from the town, and after running 
 above a mile under ground, comes to the top of a 
 rock sixteen feet high, after which it drops through 
 in fifty or sixty places into a bason below, formed 
 by nature for its reception. Every drop has some- 
 thing of a musical sound as if it were small stones 
 falling on brass, and near it are many pieces of 
 moss reduced to a state of petrefaction ; there is 
 a fine walk on one side of the well shaded with 
 tall trees that makes the whole extremely delightful. 
 Extract from British Traveller > page 621. 
 
 To this brief extract the Editor begs leave to 
 add, that the finest views of this singularly beau- 
 tiful place are obtained from the Low-bridge, the 
 road leading to the Upper-bridge, and the fields 
 which are nearly opposite the castle; the 
 variety of cottages and the beautiful knolls of bold 
 and herbaged rock which every where intersect 
 the scenery, render it the most picturesque and 
 interesting which can be found in so short a com- 
 pass. But though much beauty may be discover-
 
 95 
 
 ed in a few hours atKnaresbrougb, yet its charms 
 will not be exhausted by the residence of a long 
 life. 
 
 To Plumpton proceeded, &;c. v. 374. This 
 beautiful spot is rendered extremely attractive to 
 the visitors at Harrogate, not only on account of 
 its intrinsic merit, but its vicinity, as it is scarcely 
 three miles distant from High Harrogate. , Plump- 
 ton is always most admired by those who have seen 
 it most frequently, being more pleasing than strik- 
 ing; it is open to the public on Tuesdays and 
 Fridays ; on the road from Plumpton a tine view 
 of the Honourable Mr. Gordon's magnificent new 
 mansion in Rudding Park is obtained. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 To Harewood I went the fast day leould, v. 380. 
 This splendid mansion can be seen only on Satur 
 days ; it is justly considered an object of admira- 
 tion as it unites elegance with grandeur, and 
 utility with beauty. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 i 2
 
 96 
 
 To StucUey, S$c. v. 389. The celebrated 
 gtounds of Studley have long enjoyed a pre-emi- 
 nence of fame among the northern beauties ; their 
 characteristics are magnificence,, uniformity, and 
 neatness. The stateliness of the trees and the 
 luxuriance of their foliage is unequalled, and com- 
 bines with the smoothness of the water and the 
 
 ff clear smooth shaven green/' which surrounds 
 
 \ 
 it, to impress on the mind a sense of repose rather 
 
 than an emotion of surprise. In its own style, 
 Studley is perfect, and can never fail to delight, 
 though it may be unable to astonish. 
 
 But icho hallow'd Fountains, fyc. v. 393. 
 The magnificent ruin of Fountains Abbey inclu- 
 ded in the grounds of Studley., is an object of de- 
 light and veneration in the highest degree, and 
 will in the eye of an artist be rendered still more so 
 when it shall have become farther dilapidated; the 
 first view of it from the grounds of Studley is 
 extremely commanding and striking, but as a 
 jrum it is more beautiful and interesting in the in- 
 terior views ; the extent of the church and the
 
 97 
 
 monastery and its offices conveys a clear idea of 
 the power and state enjoyed by the Benedictine 
 monks, who resided here in all the dignity of 
 honour and the luxury of wealth- the dining-room 
 and kitchen of the higher orders and the refectory 
 of the lower, bespeak the richness of their reve- 
 nues and their princely method of disposing of 
 them. The trees., shrubs, and foliage inter- 
 mingled with these extensive ruins, are the prin- 
 cipal source of its beauties, being combined and 
 contrasted with the mouldering arches and nod- 
 ding towers in every possible form ; of these the 
 ivy and wild currant are the most prominent. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 See the Unicorn send us all merry to Newby, $e.' 
 v. 483. -Newby-hall the seat of Lord Grantham, 
 is most remarkable for possessing a very fine Gal- 
 lery built after the model of the Florentine Gallery 
 so long the pride of the civilized world ; it contains 
 many fine statues and three sarcophagi, although 
 the largest alone appears to have attracted the 
 attention of Mr. Blunderhead, who it is plain had
 
 98 
 
 but little knowledge or taste in works of art.- 
 The tapestry in the drawing-room is considered in- 
 comparably fine, but the author has undoubtedly 
 a very handsome and sufficient excuse for leaving 
 it so abruptly. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 Oh then might I sing lovely Hackfall, v. 453. 
 To those who seek in landscape gardening for 
 the wilder features of nature harmonized yet unsub- 
 dued by art, this sequestered vale will present an 
 exquisite treat and afford to the contemplative mind 
 a scene of such deep retirement and romantic seclu- 
 sion adorned with objects of such exquisite and 
 concentred beauty as must meet the eye ere they 
 can be appreciated by the imagination, which may 
 people these fairy regions with every object of ter- 
 ror, or delight with equal propriety. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 We went to the Minster, v. 505. The Min- 
 ster at Rippon is a fine gothic structure, it for- 
 merly contained a narrow passage called the Needle
 
 99' 
 
 of St. Wilfred,, used by the monks as an ordeal 
 for female purity .-The Bone-house contains many 
 thousand skulls, and is generally shewn as a curi- 
 osity. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 Fam'd Brimham rocks, fyc. v. 1009. These 
 prodigious masses of natural rock, together with 
 a druidical temple near them, form one of the 
 objects of curiosity in this neighbourhood ; they 
 are distant about eleven miles. 
 
 Editor's Note. 
 
 To view the fine grounds and the ruins of Bolton. 
 v. 1011. Bolton-Priory stands upon a beautiful 
 curviture of the Wharfe, on a level sufficiently 
 elevated to protect it from inundation, and low 
 enough for every purpose of picturesque effect. 
 In the latter respect it has no equal among the 
 northern houses, perhaps not in the kingdom. 
 To the south all is soft and delicious, the eye repo- 
 ses upon a few rich pastures, a moderate reach of 
 the river sufficiently tranquil to form a mirror for
 
 llie sun, and the bounding fells beyond neither too 
 near, nor too lofty, to exclude even in winter any 
 considerable portion of his rays. 
 
 But after all, the glories of Bolton are on the 
 north, whatever the most fastidious taste could 
 require to form a perfect landscape, is not only 
 found here, but in its proper place ; in front and 
 immediately under the eye, is a smooth expanse 
 of park-like inclosure, spotted with native elm, 
 ash, &c. of the finest growth ; on the right a 
 skirting oak wood with jutting points of grey 
 rock ; on the left a rising copse, still forward are 
 the aged groves of Bolton-park the growth of 
 centuries, and further yet the barren and rocky 
 distances of Simon Seat and Barden Fell, contrast- 
 ed with the warmth, fertility, and luxuriant foliage 
 of the valley below about half a mile above 
 Bolton- Priory the valley closes, and either side 
 of the Wharfe is overhung with deep and solemn 
 woods, intermingled with huge masses of perpen- 
 dicular rocks which jut out at intervals. 
 
 This sequestered scene was inaccessible till of 
 l>te, when under tl)e judicious direction of the Rev.
 
 101 
 
 W. Carr, B. D. Rector of Bol ton-ridings, were 
 cat in the woods, and the most interesting parts 
 laid open to the eye, at the request of the noble 
 proprietor, His Grace the Duke of Devonshire. 
 Extract from Dr. Whitaker's history of Craven. 
 
 Howl o'er the Strict, #c. v. 1085. In the 
 deep solitude of the woods above Bolton, the 
 Wharfe suddenly contracts itself to a rocky channel 
 little more than four feet wide,, and pours through 
 the tremendous fissure with a violence proportioned 
 to its confinement. The place is called the Stritf 
 from a feat sometimes exercised by persons of great 
 agility and little prudence, who skip from brink 
 to brink regardless of the destruction which awaits 
 a faltering step. An accident caused by this rash- 
 ness has given a dreadful and sensible interest to 
 this awful spot, in addition to the commending 
 one it has received by nature, and which is imme- 
 diately connected with the records of Bolton. 
 
 In the 12th century, William Fitz Duncan at 
 the command of David King of Scotland, who 
 was besieging Narham, laid waste this paj-t of 
 
 M
 
 Yorkshire with tire and sword, committing every 
 species of cruelty which barbarity could suggest, 
 and humanity deplore. In fourteen years after, 
 David established him by force in the domain he 
 had impoverished, and he married Aaliza daugh- 
 ter and heiress of William de Meschines a neigh- 
 bouring Earl. They had a son commonly called 
 the Boy of Egremont (from one of his grandfa- 
 ther's baronies where he was born) and who sur- 
 viving hia eldest brother became the sole hope of 
 his family. 
 
 This youth in his sixteenth year, inconsider- 
 ately bounding over this terrific chasm with a 
 greyhound in his leash, the affrighted animal hung 
 back and drew his unfortunate master into the 
 torrent. The forester who accompanied young 
 Romille (the Boy of Egremont) returned to the 
 Lady Aaliza, and with a despairing countenance 
 said, " What is good for a bootless bene ?" to 
 which the mother apprehending some great cala- 
 mity had befallen her son, answered, " endless 
 sorrow." The language of this question proves 
 the antiquity of the story ; its meaning appears
 
 103 
 
 to have been, what remains when prayer is useless. 
 This fatal accident induced the Lady Aaliza to 
 translate the Priory of Embsay, founded by her 
 parents from thence to Bolton on account of its 
 proximity to the scene of her son's deplorable death. 
 Dr. Whitaker's history of Craven. 
 
 N. B. Six fine coloured prints of views in 
 Bolton have been published from original pictures 
 painted on the spot, by T. C. Hofland, among 
 which is an admirable representation of the Strid. 
 
 Farewell to your Doctors, 8$c. v. 1180. 
 Mr. Blunderhead was undoubtedly right in this ob- 
 servation, as perhaps not one watering place can 
 boast medical men of equal ability and liberality, 
 affording so striking a contrast with those <f con- 
 demn'd to endless fame," bv the memoirs of his 
 
 J v 
 
 celebrated uncle.
 
 G. Wilson, Printer, 
 Market-Place, Kuambraujh.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY, LOS ANGELES 
 
 COLLEGE LIBRARY 
 
 This book is due on the last date stamped below. 
 
 Book Slip-35m-7,'63(D8634s4)4280
 
 UCLA-College Library 
 
 PR 4790 H8se 
 
 L 005 704 837 3 
 
 College 
 Library 
 
 PR 
 *t? 
 
 H8se 
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL BRARY FACILITY 
 
 A 001 173 635 2