The reader will most probably exclaim, "Ancient History of Drury Lane!
What a farce!" A dirty lane filled with all complexions of hawkers and
pedlars, licensed and unlicensed!--true incurious reader, Gay has sung

_"Of Drury's mazy courts and dark abodes;"_


yet the topographical and theatrical loiterer may call to mind many
_pleasing_ reminiscences, although mingled with _unpleasing
ones_:

"Who has not here a watch or snuff-box lost,
Or handkerchiefs that India's shuttle boast."

GAY.


Stowe says, "Drury Lane, so called, for that there is a house belonging
to the family of the Druries.[1] This lane turneth north towards S.
Giles in the field. From the south end of this lane in the high street,
are divers faire buildings, hostelries, and houses for gentlemen, and
men of honor, &c."

[1] Dr. Donne resided in a house of Sir R. Drury. Vide _Life_ by
honest Izaak Walton.

Nightingale tells us, "The west end of Wych Street was formerly
ornamented by Drury House, built by Sir William Drury, an able commander
in the Irish wars, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and who
unfortunately fell in a duel with Sir John Burroughs, through a foolish