personages, with the Duke of Clarence himself looking at them dancing.  Now, strange change, they are in Tom Cribb’s parlor, where they don’t seem to be a whit less at home than in fashion’s gilded halls:  and now they are at Newgate, seeing the irons knocked off the malefactors’ legs previous to execution.  What hardened ferocity in the countenance of the desperado in yellow breeches!  What compunction in the face of the gentleman in black (who, I suppose, has been forging), and who clasps his hands, and listens to the chaplain!  Now we haste away to merrier scenes:  to Tattersall’s (ah gracious powers! what a funny fellow that actor was who performed Dicky Green in that scene at the play!); and now we are at a private party, at which Corinthian Tom is waltzing (and very gracefully, too, as you must confess,) with Corinthian Kate, whilst Bob Logic, the Oxonian, is playing on the piano!

“After,” the text says, “The oxonian had played several pieces of lively music, he requested as a favor that Kate and his friend Tom would perform a waltz.  Kate without any hesitation immediately stood up.  Tom offered his hand to his fascinating partner, and the dance took place.  The plate conveys a correct representation of the ‘gay scene’ at that precise moment.  The anxiety of the oxonian to witness the attitudes of the elegant pair had nearly put a stop to their movements.  On turning round from the pianoforte and presenting his comical mug, Kate could scarcely suppress a laugh.”

And no wonder; just look at it now (as I have copied it to the best of my humble ability), and compare Master Logic’s countenance and attitude with the splendid elegance of Tom!* Now every London man is weary and blase.  There is an enjoyment of life in these young bucks of 1823 which contrasts strangely with our feelings of 1860.  Here, for instance, is a specimen of their talk and walk. “‘If,’ says logic—­’if enjoyment is your Motto, you may make the most of an evening at Vauxhall, more than at any other place in the metropolis.  It is all free and easy.  Stay as long as you like, and depart when you think proper.’—­’Your description is so flattering,’ replied Jerry, ’that I do not care how soon the time arrives for us to start.’  Logic proposed a ‘bit of A stroll’ in order to get rid of an hour or two, which was immediately accepted by Tom and Jerry.  A turn or two in Bond Street, a stroll through Piccadilly, a look in at Tattersall’s, a ramble through Pall Mall, and a strut on the Corinthian path, fully occupied the time of our heroes until the hour for dinner arrived, when a few glasses of tom’s rich wines soon put them on the qui vive.  Vauxhall was then the object in view, and the trio started, bent upon enjoying the pleasures which this place so amply affords.”

     * This refers to an illustrated edition of the work.