The Lay of the Sheriff
Date: 2020-03-16T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Vanderstegen; John -- Poetry; Sheriffs -- England -- Oxfordshire -- Poetry

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Title: The Lay of the Sheriff

Author: Philip Lybbe Powys Lybbe

Release date: March 16, 2020 [eBook #61121]
Most recently updated: October 17, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Al Haines

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF ***

THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF

BY

PHILIP LYBBE POWYS LYBBE.

LONDON

PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.

1869.

CHISWICK PRESS:—PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND WILKINS,
TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.

REVERENDO

EDVARDO MOORE

DE COLL. ÆN. NAS. OXON. ALUMNO,
S. S. MARIÆ DE VITCHURCH, OXON. RECTORI,
OPUSCULUM HOC, OLIM CONDITUM,
NUPER CONFECTUM, DICAT, DEDICATQUE

PHILIPPUS LYBBE POWYS LYBBE,

DE DOMO ET MANORIO DE HARDWICK,
ARMIGER.

PROLOGUE

BY MRS. VANDERSTEGEN, MOTHER OF THE HIGH SHERIFF
OF OXFORDSHIRE, A. D. 1843.

"Garrit aniles
Ex re fabellas."
HOR. Sat. Lib. 11. vi. 77.

Fiddlers, awake! Rouse up, ye fife and drum!
Clarion and trumpet, lo! I bid thee come!
Blow up, tin horn, twang, harp of unbelievers![1]
Bring me your aid, ye marrow bones and cleavers!
Strike up at once, to celebrate this day!
Who'd not be jolly, and who'd not be gay?
I little thought such happy times to see,
Such bliss, such joys, a sheriff's Ma to be!
Is't true? can such felicity be mine?
It glads me more than all my currant wine![2]
Or do I dream? or are my senses flown?
It's very strange, and mighty queer, I own,
But yet I am, I must be, Mrs. Van![3]
If I ain't, who is? who, good Heavens! can?
I see my cupboards full, and running o'er,
With tamarinds, nuts, and many a luscious store;
There's my old chair, and here the oaken presses
All full of mildew and brocaded dresses,
Fashion'd in times of yore, when in the throng
Of dazzling courtiers, as they pass'd along
The palace halls, my grandam stood confess'd
By all to be most beautifully dress'd;
There's my old shay, and there the red-nosed Bob
Who drives me slow, nor tires with the job.
It must be true, I must be Mrs. Van,
The Sheriff's Ma, disprove it ye who can!
And ye, the crowds,[4] who various duties tend
In this our own snug circle at Cane End,
Dismiss your labours, and with mirth and glee
Bellow hurrahs for Henry and for me!
Know for your feast (for now no English sinner
Can e'er do anything without a dinner);
Fox-hunters, statesmen, parsons, 'tis the same,
And even sheriffs must partake the blame:
For rumour tells me, shocking to relate,
That at the "Star" 'twill be my Henry's fate
O'er the Grand Jury Dinner to preside,
And last, not least, believe me, pay beside.
Sure I have had the kitchen table spread
With mutton bones, and sundry pounds of bread;[5]
Water in plenty, and (though very dear)
Two gallons of strong treble X small beer!
Drink if ye can! the beer's so very small
I think there'll almost be enough for all!
Drink! sing! rejoice! but let the Sheriff's praise
Afford a subject for your roundelays!

[Exit MRS. VAN.

[1] "While vibrating in unbelieving tooth     Harps twang in Drury's walls."
Rejected Addresses, 19th ed. p. 24, see note 1.

[2] The Cane End currant wine was noted for its goodness.—AUTHOR.

[3] With regard to this abbreviation of the family name, the following anecdote may be relied on. A stranger to Cane End inquired of an ancient inhabitant thereof where Mr. Vanderstegen lived? "Lord, Sir!" (was the answer), "I cannot tell ye, but I knows where our Mr. Van does!"—AUTHOR.

[4] Report says, that the aforesaid red-nosed Bob, Screw Critchfield, and Blind Betty are the only attendants of this ancient family. Of course the text is more to be depended on than mere report.

[5] This seems to be an allusion to a certain supper after a certain ball.

CHORUS OF ATTENDANTS.

Red-nosed BOB leader.

Bottom. "Where are these lads,
Where are these hearts?"
Midsummer Night's Dream, act iv. sc. 2.

Hail, happy day, our only holiday!
Hurrah, for old Cane End!
Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah
Our master's a sheriff!
A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!

Hail, happy day, our only holiday!
Hurrah for Mrs. Van!
Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah
Our master's a sheriff,
A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!

Hail happy day, our glorious holiday!
Hurrah for the sheriff!
Hip, hip, hip! hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
Our master's a sheriff,
A sheriff, a sheriff, hurrah!

[Exeunt shouting and singing.

THE LAY OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.

"Let's have him in a coach."—Boz.

Enter HIGH SHERIFF nervous, anxious, and
apparently much concerned.

Who'd be a sheriff, I should like to know,
With all this fuss and bother, teasing so?
These three last weeks I've not had any time
To sleep in quiet, eat, or drink my wine,
Though 'tis but little wine that I imbibe;
'Tis sleep I love, past all the world beside.
My moments once were calm from nine at night;
My dreams were pleasant and my slumbers light
Till next day's noon; but now 'tis alter'd quite.
O Sleep! thou loveliest of the gifts divine
From God to man, would thou again were mine,
To hide the visions which for ever seem
Haunting my fever'd moments, of the team
Of Waddell's[1] jaded, miserable tits,
Which, ere the rail had knock'd their trade to bits,
In the "Tantivy" once so gaily pranced,
When Cheeseman's[2] bugle all our ears entranced,
And Sal'sbury[3] work'd his then fast-trotting bays,
Now the sad emblems of regretted days!
Of wigs and judges, barristers and ermine,
Murders and felons, I can scarce determine
Whether on head or heels I rightly stand,
Wholly perplex'd, a very fish on land.
Swords and cock'd hats, with all my other dress,
O'erload my fancies and my brain oppress;
Where can I get a carriage for the judge?
To pay Brown[4] thirty Guas,[5] I own, I grudge;
What's to be done? A coach must needs be had.
A coach! but stay, the thought is none so bad,
I'll think me who, of all the people near,
Sport coaches, if I don't, whip me, that's clear;
The first coach-sporting neighbour that I know is
My best of friends, the worthy Squire Powys;
Yes! his will do, I'll ask for it to-morrow;
'Twill save me much vexation, toil, and sorrow.
But will it do? Ah, stay! I fear me no!
There's something whispers, "Van," this here's no go;
'Tis far too coachy, far too like the drags
Of which our noted Oxford builder[6] brags.
Indeed, you'd live to hear the judges say,
"Good Mr. Sheriff! What's the fare to pay?"
Had you that coach; besides, there's Master Phil[7]
To poke his fun, as well you know he will.
Next the bold captain's cumbersome and old.
Old as its owner, Rattletrappy, cold;
'Twon't do! but now, I think me, Mr. Reade[8]
Of Ipsden, he's the man to serve my need.
I recollect when I at Ipsden call'd
One day last week, with wondering gaze enthrall'd,
I spied his carriage standing at the door,
New lined, new varnish'd and new painted o'er,
Crests, arms, and all the proper blazonry
Pomps and achievements, known in heraldry,
Cushions well-stuff'd, well padded, and behind
A charming footboard, suited to the mind
Of any London "figure man" who clings
Behind the well-appointed coach, that wings
Its course down Bond Street, or the crowded rings
Of that proud rendezvous of fashion yclept the Park.
And what though arms and crest unlike my own
Glare on its surface? who's to make it known,—
No walking Gwyllim, Clarencieux, or Rouge Dragon
Infests our streets, to put an envious gag on
My borrow'd arms and crests. That I'll rely on.
One care's at rest;—but now my liveries claim
My next attention, and my thoughts' best aim:
What shall the coats be? blue turn'd up with green,
And smalls contrived of darkest velveteen?
Or green with blue, and (pray don't, Ladies, blush,)
Continuations built of crimson plush?
'Tis passing hard for one, unskill'd as me
In dress, and such-like senseless vanity,
Such things to settle—would I had a wife!
I never long'd for one so in my life
(Not e'en when Jessica's fair hand I pray'd,
And struggled hard, with anxious hopes delay'd,)
As now, to bid some gorgeous liveries rise
To grace my servants and astound the eyes
Of wondering freshmen, javelineers, and Dons.[9]
I'll to my mother, she can best advise,
In coats and smalls she's wonderfully wise
(Who says she wears the latter not, he lies.)
When we've determined what the men shall wear,
Then in the shay to Letchworth's we'll repair;
He from his hoards of cloth blue, red, and green,
Shall rig out liveries such as ne'er were seen.
Such are my cares, and oh! I must confess
I feel much trembling and sad nervousness;
I've suffer'd much anxiety of late,
Dread are my prospects, painful is my fate
When I consider how the judge to meet!
Make a low bow, or fall down at his feet;—
And then my sword! 'twill sure be very queer,
Lest it upset me clean I greatly fear—
Powers of Impudence! assist, I pray,
Give me some brass, and teach me how to say,—
"Good day, your lordships, welcome to our city."[10]
Of Oxford, now I'm Sheriff—more's the pity.
'Tis said, 'tis good, our griefs and joys t'impart
To kindly souls, and many a sorrowing heart
Where brooded hopeless, melancholy grief,
From sympathising friends has drawn relief.
May it be so with me! full many an hour
I've funk'd and stew'd[11] to think what earthly power
Could nerve me up sufficiently to fill
(The heart being sadly wanting, not the will,)
My Sheriff's office; even now a gleam
Of hope, though far, far off, is dimly seen
By my mind's eye,[12] new light within me burns,
Some welcome sprite my fear to courage turns,
Makes glad my heart, and bids my spirits rise!
What ho! within, some brandy and mince pies!
Uncork a bottle of that curious wine
Which once belonged to that grandfather mine
Who first from Holland, settled at Cane End.
Bring up, I say, a bottle! pray luck send
It be a good one! for 'tis true enough
It's either quite tip-top, or horrid stuff,
Like Thoyt's horse,[13] of which I knowledge had
Extremely good, or else extremely bad!
Here is a bottle! ah! 'tis wondrous kind,
Brilliant and sparkling, suited to the mind
Of more than sheriff, aldermanic quite!
I'll floor the bottle, then I'll say, "Good night"[14]

[1] Mr. Waddell, partner in the great coaching firm of Coster and Waddell. At his funeral Mr. William Bowers, better known as "Black Will," the oldest servant in his employ, drove the hearse.

[2] The celebrated "Tantivy" eighteen stone guard, nevertheless, as active as a really good yacht sailor, familiarly known by gownsmen as "Double Glos'ter."

[3] The accomplished artist who many years worked the "Tantivy" along with Mr. Cracknell. Their style, and the performance of their splendid bay team from Woodstock into Oxford, equalled any thing known in coaching days, and are still in my mind's eye as they used to pass my windows in the Old Grove at luncheon time. Teste W. S. VAUX of the British Museum. Mr. Cracknell was on the Brighton coach this season, and it was a treat to sit alongside him.

[4] His son still carries on the business in Castle Street, Reading, with increased talent. Teste two things just done for the author, 1868.

Mr. Brown used to supply the Sheriff's coach, in which the under Sheriff usually posted up to Oxford.

[5] Guas must be pronounced as spelled; Guas are well known to lawyers and clients also.

[6] Shackleford, of George Lane, Oxford, one of the best four-horse coach builders. He did the Tantivy work and all the other coaches that ran through Oxford.

Teste the late James Castle of 44, Corn Market, son of the well-known J. Castle, of the Blenheim.

[7] The annotator confesses to being pretty considerably flummaxed by this allusion. That some existing person is meant, appears from the context, or else how could fun be poked by him? said Master Phil.

He has bestowed great labour and attention upon the consideration of this point. He has gone through all grades and classes of Masters—builders, sweeps, carpenters, masons, keys, mariners, &c.; Masters in Chancery, ordinary and extraordinary, not forgetting the Rolls and Exchequer, Masters Smith, Brown, Thompson, Jones, Green, and hosts more, but without finding the least trace of this Master Phil.

He confesses to being regularly beat, and begs in "whipping off" to add—

"That as he can't discover Master Phil,
He only hopes and trusts the reader will."

[8] John Reade of Ipsden, in the county of Oxford, Esquire, a well-known magistrate, celebrated for giving the law to the Judges and the Bar; his exertions in mending the "ways" of the neighbouring parishes, and sporting a blue umbrella on occasions about as suited for such a display as the late Eglinton Tournay.

[9] It may appear strange that the MS. should class "dons" among the subjects into which amazement is to be struck by the sheriff's gorgeous liveries. Were all people aware of the secluded life led by the Don class, wonder would cease, and a conviction might arise, that were Virgil now alive he might apply his line,—

"Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos,"

to Oxford Dons rather than the British community at large.

[10] Oxford city has a sheriff of its own; our hero was the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and so welcomed the Judges to the County town.

[11] Etonice for being frightened, or alarmed at, as may be illustrated by the following imaginary talk between two lower boys:—"I say, old fellow, who funks a flogging?" "Not I, my boy! but I am in a precious stew about that licking Box Major promised me!"

[12] "In my mind's eye, Horatio."—Hamlet.

[13] A somewhat abstruse and curious simile, at the first blush apparently paradoxical, somewhat akin to "Aut Cæsar, aut nullus." The author can vouch for the truth of it, as he heard it delivered.

[14] The break that occurs here in the MS. seems to prove that the Sheriff's promises were but partially fulfilled. There is ground for the hypothesis that a sort of mutual flooring took place between the sheriff and the bottle; in other words, that as the sheriff floored the bottle, so the bottle returned the compliment, and effectually floored the sheriff!

PART II.

"Gentlemen from London; distinguished foreigners,
anything."—PICKWICK.

'Twas noon, in fact old Tom[1] had just rung out
The mid-day hour. The crowd that hung about
The doors of that once famous hostelrie,
When 'neath the fostering sway of the Dupree,[2]
Had almost gaped and gazed their utmost fill,
Yet linger'd there, and gaped and wonder'd still;
As when in passing some secluded square,
I've seen a crowd of ragged urchins stare
With all attention and uplifted gaze
At a small theatre, covered with green baize,
Where Punch performs, with most discordant squeak,
His merry antics; now on gibbet's peak
Hanging (the rogue) the constable on high;
Now whopping Judy, whose most piteous cry
Rings through the square and stops the passers by—
So did the crowd expectingly surround,
Jostling with push and thrust and oaths profound,
Gathering from every part, both near and far,
The gate of Oxford's fast declining "Star."

But what's the row? There's something to be done;
It looks as if this shindy meant some fun,
Having the entrée of this famed hotel,
We'll enter! "I say, Bob, just touch the bell."
"Coming, sir, d'rectly." Well, Smith[3] what's the cause
Of this tumultuous gathering and noise;
What's in the wind? we're just from London come,
Let's have the news! I'll bet it something rum."
"Oh, Sirs, the Sheriff causes all the fuss!
Excuse me, gents, I can't stay chattering thus;—
What shall I get ye? mutton chops for two?
Or a grill'd fowl, or will some cutlets do?
The cook's half-roasted—house is very full,
The Judge is coming—you'll not find it dull."

"Here are the cutlets and a pot of ale,
And while you're eating, you shall hear the tale
Of this High Sheriff!" "Who on earth is he?
(This tap's not bad, just hand it o'er to me.")
"Why, bless you, Sirs, 'tis Mr. Vanderstegen,
But here we call him 'Van;' I just now seed him
Dressing to go and bring the Judges in."
"How does he look?" "Why, really, quite the thing—
Barring his flurry—which is not surprising;
But bless my life! why here he's coming down
Ready for starting! here! Jack, Dick, and Brown,
Way for the Sheriff! Let the Sheriff pass!"

Blow up, ye trumpeters! and crack your brass![4]
Hark to the trumpets' mirth-creating strain![5]
View the bold javelineers, a motley train,
Perch'd upon what, in long-departed days,
Might have been horses, grey, white, black, or bays;
Height is no object—some stand fifteen three,
Others not twelve; this one appears to be
Fresh from a barge! that other tottering steed
Is booked next week 'Lord Parker's'[6] hounds to feed!
Could Mancha's knight his Rozinante bring
To show against this miserable string,
I'd bet a hat (a Randall[7] or a Paris one)
He'd prove a downright "Clipper" by comparison.
'Twere better far keep javelineers on foot,[8]
They're better there than where I've seen them put;—
Scarce one his saddle gains alone, and in it
When there, what's next? he's out in half a minute
Hilloa! what's this? that leader's rather queer,
Don't like the bars! a little light, I fear,
Behind—hold hard! look how that wheeler jibs!
Stupid! hit t'other, punch him in the ribs,
Tom Ostler, can't ye? hark ye, Master Will,
When you'd start jibbers, jib they ne'er so ill,
Let them alone, but make them go as will.
Try it again—at last they're off, full tilt,
Pray Heaven grant our Sheriff mayn't be spilt!
Forward's the word, when lo! a sudden stop
Causes the Sheriff from the coach to pop
His head, to learn the cause of this delay.
"Sir," says the footman, "cause of this delay,
Look you, the Judge's carriage stops the way."
It's useless now to dare contend with fate,
Make the best of it, as you are too late;
It can't be help'd, so come, O Sheriff Van,
Pluck up your heart to meet him, if you can!
'Tis done! with solemn pace the Ipsden coach
With Judge, and Sheriff, (pale as any roach)
Reaches the goal, and sore from many a jar
Sets down its precious burthen at the "Star."

[1] Old Tom, not the Old Tom of London Gin notoriety, but the veritable Tom of Christ Church, Oxford.

[2] The famous landlady of the "Star" in the olden time. The Queen of landladies.

[3] The then excellent head-waiter at the Star.

[4] "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks."—SHAKESPEARE and DRYDEN.

[5] Mirth-creating, inasmuch as people laugh'd at their discord.

[6] Now Lord Macclesfield, the best man ever known to get foxes away in our beech-wood country.

[7] An Oxford-bought hat was usually called a "Randall," after the eminent nunc alderman of that name, then in business in High Street.

[8] They are on foot now (September 16, 1868).

THE DINNER.

"Hold hard there, your eyes on me, gen'lemen."—MR. WELLER,
SENIOR. Pickwick.

Hark to the clatter of the knives and forks,
In go the corkscrews and out come the corks,
Head waiter Smith bends 'neath a ponderous dish,
One hopes a salmon, or some weightier fish,
May be a turbot or a royal sturgeon—
The very thing one's appetite to urge on;
Covers of every size bedeck the feast,
The host has lots of "plate" to say the least;
It may be plated, though, 'tis hard to know
The real from sham, one does get puzzled so
By new inventions—here's albata plate,
Electro silver, numerous plans of late
Beguile the senses of the wondering guest,
And palm off drugs as equal to the best.
But to the dinner; one would think, forsooth,
'Twould be a banquet worthy of the tooth
Of any a city gourmand; wait a minute,
Look at that dish, and mark ye what's there in it;
It seem'd to promise turbot or a sturgeon,
And lo! what's there? a pike set round with gudgeon!
Its vis-à-vis contains a bit of beef
Cut from a cow, that died last week of grief,
At hearing of Sir Robert's new tariff.
A brace of sickly chickens, tough and dried,
Usurp the centre, flank'd on either side
By bad potatoes, baked, boil'd, roast and fried.
I'd most forgot a piece of veal and ham—
Try it—I'll bet a crown there's no one can.
Such, with a few disgusting tarts and pies,
Some cheese of which, at every mouthful, dies
A host of ugly vermin; such your bill
Of foul I call it—call it what you will.
Off with the cloth! don't let a trace remain
Of this vile medley. Off! I say again.
Oh, Mr. Griffith,[1] take a friend's advice,
Give the best dinner where you charge best price;
'Twould be far better for your credit's sake,
As for your conscience; that, old Nick may take,
If he will have it, which I greatly doubt,
You are far too clever, he has found you out.
Who's on his legs; hurrah, 'tis honest John,[2]
That Fane of Fanes! What topic is he on;
Hark, let us listen! What on earth's he at?
He means some fun, rest well assured of that;
Gazing around, with mirth-creating grin,
Says he, "My friends, I scarce know where begin,
I am so modest, spare my youthful blushes,
I'm yet a colt and have not cut my tushes.
I beg permission to propose a toast.
Such as I guess, just now will please you most;
Health and long life to that illustrious man,
Our now high Sheriff, worthy neighbour Van.
Sheriff! your health! and now with three times three,
And as you love me! let it bumpers be;
We'll drink his health, now Gents, your eyes on me."
Finish'd the toast; High Sheriff! is the call;
Oh, dear! he looks just now uncommon small,
White as his choker, tho' blush-red by turns
With hectic flush, his quivering forehead burns.
At last for words he finds a labouring vent:
"I thank you, Gentlemen, with best intent
"To pay your kindness, with a due requite
"Of mingled thanks, enhanced with delight.
"As I am certainly not used to public speaking,
"And vainly now, for words of thanks am seeking,
"I'll cut it short, and with your kind permission,
"Seek in my chair an easier position."
Round goes the wine, full many a toast goes down,
To Queen and Country, Albert, Church and Crown.
Some worthy Dons, wine-warm'd, propose the Bar;
The Bar, the Dons, and swear the gems they are
Of Oxford's glory. They, good easy men,
Can't twig the joke, nor legal satire stem;
And is it so? for half their mouldering lives
They sweat their Fellowships, then marry wives;
Or when in College, they have topp'd the tree,[3]
They drone and doze in dull solemnity.
After this long digression we must try
Back to our Sheriff! What's this? Oh, my eye!
He's fast asleep, bad luck; in vain, in vain,
Old Ashurst[4] kicks, and kicks his shins again;
The Doctor roars[5] and Waterferry's chief,[6]
Thinks of some mode, to gain the wish'd relief.
Nought will avail! at last cries Fane, "Here goes,
Give us a cork, we'll black our sheriff's nose."[7]

[1] The "Star" sheriff's dinners, teste the author, were miserable. But as per contra to his bad dinners, the author must record Mr. Griffith's conduct towards the "Cause" in the election, A.D. 1862. Colonel Fane won't forget it, nor the author. He placed his "Star," all his horses, men, and carriages at the Colonel's service, free gratis.

[2] John Fane of Wormesly, late M.P. for Oxfordshire, father of the Colonel, now M.P. for Oxfordshire—known as honest John Fane, Master of Harriers, and "king of the most celebrated and successful Wormesly Tournament."

[3] The author begs to say that this expression must be taken metaphorically. The worthy heads of the different Colleges would be doubtless unable, from the expanse of waistcoat, to "top a tree," nor would their sense of dignity allow it, if they could. He must except the most Rev. the Prases of St. John's College, both from the tree and dozing business; he is without dispute an honour to our College, our University, and our County,

[4] Late M.P. for Oxfordshire. Vide his portrait in the County Hall.

[5] His brother, late Fellow of All Souls, Oxford.

[6] The Right Honourable J. W. Henley, M.P., &c. senior member for Oxfordshire; and long may he so continue.

[7] The author not having been present at this dinner cannot be responsible for the concluding scene. He can only say that from his personal knowledge of the parties, he thinks it might most likely have occurred.

PART III.

Vitæ me redde priori."—HORACE, Epist. Lib. 1. 7, 95.

'Tis pass'd, and all is silence, o'er that scene,
Which of forensic eloquence has been
The fit arena; where with subtle brain,
Counsel have plied in nicely fitting train
Their logic's art, or press'd their rhetoric's aid
This to convince, the other to persuade
A doubting jury, where with anxious care,
Lest they in vain Justitia's sword should bear,
The upright guardians of our country's laws,
With practised eye, in each successive cause,
Watching the varying points, the tangled clue
Of facts explaining to the jury's view,
Have shown their power, unsullied to maintain
The sway of Justice, in her peaceful reign.
Can it be fitting, think ye, e'er to bend
Justice to Pleasure's gay voluptuous end?
Is such a time for mirth and revelry,
Is't in a Christian country we should see
The gay Assize Ball? Reader, pray reflect,
(If thou'rt a woman) can this be correct?
I know the warmth and kindness of your nature,
Mercy and pity gleam from every feature;
Your sex's innate modesty will aid
My words far more than countless offerings paid
To Fashion's shrine! Oh, think me not too vile
For your attention; stay the withering smile
That seems to say, "This is some scribbler's cant;
Some low born Reptile's Methodistic rant;
Or else, some Fallen Star, condemn'd to dwell
With swaggering ostlers, or to bear the bell
In drunken riots; banish'd from the sphere
Where one of us, he once had his career,
Now dares, in hate, his slanderous venom raise,
In envious longing for his bygone days."
Pardon me if I break discretion's chain
In daring thus your pretty selves t' arraign,
To curb your pleasures, and to draw the rein
Of better feelings, o'er your giddy race.
Look on this picture first, then try to face
The other! Here, with art's consummate care,
Deck'd and adorn'd with gold, her jewell'd hair
Glistening as sunbeams o'er the rippling tide
Reflected from some towering mountain's side,
Proud beauty seeks, with brightly flashing een,
The miscall'd glories of that heartless scene;
Where Weippert[1] proudly wakes his dulcet strains,
And pleasure's cold, unfeeling sceptre reigns.
Turn to the other; mark that darkening gate,
That fearful structure, brooding o'er the fate
Of fellow creatures! There in loathsome cell
A wretched felon counts each passing bell
That marks the hours, as in their noiseless speed
They near the fatal morn, and bid him heed
His soul's salvation, ere that sun shall rise,
Which last on earth shall meet his dying eyes.
Say, can ye still unfeelingly forbear
To shed for pity's sake one sorrowing tear.
I know that youthful blood beats high to thread
Those mystic mazes, fairies love to tread;
This is but Nature's province, she bestows
Your limbs and beauty, these she bids you use
At proper seasons; will ye dare abuse
Her precious favours? that can never be
The time for dances and frivolity,
When open-handed Justice wields the scale
That rights the just, and bids offenders quail.
But to our Sheriff; we have strangely bent
A wandering course in search of sentiment.
Back to the "Star;" we want no Advertiser,
My lords being gone, he'll prove no early riser.
Hah! here we have him, slumbering sweetly still,
We must not wake him, lest he take it ill;
And when his dander's up, let them stand by—
Who'd singe a lion! I've no wish to try.
Steady a moment, just pull up the blind,
The sun breaks out, right on him, very kind;
May be 'twill wake him; ah, one other ray
Will do the trick; but, I say, look this way,
This jug, with water fill'd, so cold, so big,
I wish we dared to give him a cold pig.[2]
But sheriffs stand not gammon, in a crack
I'd have his rapier walking[3] through my back;
Good! he awakes, without our intervention,
(This, though no consequence, I wish to mention,)
And having rubb'd his eyes, and clear'd his throat,
Apostrophizes thus his Sheriff's coat:—
"O thou bless'd emblem of my shrievalty,
Perpetual witness of my dignity;
In which I've braved the concentrated gaze
Of wondering myriads, for the last few days;
How can I thanks sufficiently express
For thy assistance, for I here confess
How much I owe[4] thee, when I lay thee by;
Thou at Cane End in lavender shalt lie,
Snug in a chest, secure from curious eye,
Save mine; and I whene'er the lid I raise,
Will laud thy virtues, and renew thy praise.
Now, on my pony, straightway I'll depart,
Lighter in pocket, lighter far in heart,
Back to Cane End; I fear my anxious mother
In rapturous joy her boy will almost smother;
But this I'll risk, and should the Fates prove kind,
Should they restore my long lost peace of mind,
In slumbers light I'll close my wearied eyes,
And doze in quiet till the next Assize."

[1] The name of Weippert recalls the memory of many happy balls in Upper Harley Street, where Weippert always conducted in person. The memory of the host lives in the author's mind. The hostess still lives, and long may she live. (September 16, 1868.)

The author is happy to say that Assize Balls are now "gone out;" when he wrote this opusculum they did exist. (September 16, 1868.)

[2] Should any fair reader be at a loss for the meaning of this expression, ask any school-boy brother, if you have one, for a practical illustration thereof, and mark the result.

[3] The author remembers that "being pretty considerably walked into at Collections," was a favourite phrase with undergraduates. Hence he thus ventures to describe the undesirable transit of the sheriff's toasting fork through his body.

[4] From this sentiment of the Sheriff he seems to differ from William of Wykeham, who, if the plates at New College high table are to be relied upon, held that "manners makyth man." The Sheriff, on the contrary, would seem to hold that "the coat makes the sheriff."

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Table of Contents

- THE LAY OF THE SHERIFF
- PROLOGUE
- CHORUS OF ATTENDANTS.

- THE LAY OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.

- PART II.

- THE DINNER.

- PART III.

- THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE