QUARTER DAY. In battle's heat, amid ensanguin'd slaughter, E'en victory's course is stopt by " Quarter! Quarter!" This magic word, with talismanic fear, And awful dread, arrests th' uplifted spear. The only dread that gives the brave renown— The dread, the scorn- to strike a man when down! Since such the influence of a simple sound, That raises whole battalions from the ground, Snatches the hero from an early grave, 66 - And rescues e'en what valour could not save Such time there is; a time of high control, A time when cry of " Quarter" brings dismay, The cry-th' unwelcome cry of-QUARTER DAY! Ha! Who is that, in wig of formal cut? Oh- Mr. Teazum! pray walk in, sir-but But, what? I hope you're well prepared to pay; - I need not tell you this is Quarter Day. · Folks must be punctual ;-if you'll settle, so'If not-can't call again-shall send John Doe.' Now shiverings come, and horrid dreams affright! Shocking by day, most horrible by night! "To wit,”-the worst wit that a man can deal in— And hark? what thundering knock is that now pealing? 'A tradesman, sir, that with you fain would speak ;'— I'm not at home, nor shall I be this week. Eh! what?-a Bill of Sale?-my things appraised? The chairs and tables move, the china rattles; My wife's choice silks walk off, a bedgown's brought her; In our kind neighbour, Mrs. CURIOUS, drops, Prying and pertness in her eyes and chops; 'Dear me good lack! alarmed at such a clatter, 'I've just stept in: Do tell me-What's the matter? Matter! (says I) and from her.turn away, Matter enough I think-'Tis Quarter Day! While in my parlour to and fro I'm bouncing, A messenger arrives, this news announcing'Gripus sends word-since you indulgence claim, 'He'll stay proceedings, if a day you'll name.' A day!-The day of judgment then, I roar, And, as released from peril, slam the door! N Off gallops he, but leaves a bailiff's jobber, A fellow whom I loath-a knave, a robber! Again the herald comes !-speaks louder-faster The day of judgment will not suit my master. The very thought of judgment makes him dizzy' Zounds! (with an oath, thus making worse the matter) If not that day-why call then-the day after! Now, on my shoulder, taps I feel, each minute,— My wife ejaculates There's nothing in it.' Nothing!-see there! the bailiff and his writ! The frightful parchment!- Pshaw, tis but a bit_ A bit of cambric, in which work I wrap; The writ you see's the pattern of a cap!' Still Quarter Day keeps running in my pate, And every sound of quarter now I hate. My friend the Colonel-dare not see his faceHe's at head quarters, and I shun the place. Lamb is a dish I choose, whene'er 1 meet it, But now, if cut in quarters, I can't eat it. Whate'er reminds of quarter I dislike: I curse the clock because 'twill quarters strike. Nay, e'en at quartern loaves I sometimes start, And faint at beer if brought in by the quart. Small canes, as quarter-staffs, my fancy goad, Forming huge toll-gates on my life's high road. All avenues they cross-I see them must, And read, on every bar, the words-NO TRUST. Throughout Moore's almanacks no evil signs Enough to make a reader's jaw-bones crack; Bring such dark bodings, such dire ills pourtray, When I was residing near Bristol, I often walked into the city and its neighbourhood, and frequently visited the theatre to see the performances. I was acquainted with several of the company, particularly Mr. Charles Murray and Mr. James Biggs, both clever men. Charles was the Prince of story tellers; and, if permitted, a tale or two, shall be told of him. One day we were both invited to the table of a friend of his, who lived not far from the Theatre. This friend was a gentleman of the name of Wensley, who was then very partial to the Drama, and has since introduced to the public two of his daughters. It will be immediately recollected that a Miss Wensley made her appearance at Covent Garden, a few years since, and I believe was favorably received; she was afterwards engaged at several country Theatres, and by me for a few nights at Taunton; on the evening of her benefit there, she and her sister sung several popular songs and duets. But we must return to Bristol again. While at Mr. Wensley's table, Mr. Elliston came in and stayed sevc ral hours; this was the first time I had ever seen that gentleman, except on the stage; he was then rapidly advancing in reputation, and had become a public favorite. He made an excellent Charles Ratcliffe in the comedy of "The Jew." He afterwards played Sheva at Covent Garden. Mr. Elliston is so clever a man, that perhaps he never decidedly failed in any part he attempted; but still he is not equally excellent in all. In my opinion I have seen as good Jews-bis friend Murray for one, but I never saw so excellent a Charles Ratcliffe. At that time he looked, spoke and acted the character most admirably. Mr. Murray was an agreeable and witty companion; I wish to avoid being misunderstood in what I have further to say of him, and his jovial qualifications. He was not a drunkard! he'd too much good sense for that: yet no one loved a cheerful glass of wine better than he did; and no one more amply repaid it with pleasantry, wit, and good humour. After leaving the party on the evening in question, he requested my company to take a stroll with him through the Bristol Streets; nothing could stay his tongue as we passed along! If he saw a light at a window, he would knock at the door, until it was either opened, or some one answered from within, "Who's there?" "Tis 1, don't you know me?" "I can't say I do, sir! "Where's your Master?" "Just gone to bed, sir "Bless me, bed !---call him up directly! this gentleman has particular business and must see him!” “ 'No no, said I, we will call again to-morrow: "Will you leave your names gentlemen "? "Our names! mine is " |