more roundly to work, and resolved to debar, by proclamation, all
persons from appearing with arms; but the deacons of the trades
spared me the trouble of issuing the same, for they dissuaded their
crafts from parading. Nothing, however, so well helped me out as
the volunteers, of which I will speak by and by; for when the war
began, and they were formed, nobody could afterwards abide to look
at the fantastical and disorderly marching of the trades, in their
processions and paradings; so that, in this manner, all the glory of
the fairs being shorn and expunged, they have fallen into disrepute,
and have suffered a natural suppression.



CHAPTER XIX--THE VOLUNTEERING



The volunteers began in the year 1793, when the democrats in Paris
threatened the downfall and utter subversion of kings, lords, and
commons. As became us who were of the council, we drew up an
address to his majesty, assuring him that our lives and fortunes
were at his disposal. To the which dutiful address, we received, by
return of post, a very gracious answer; and, at the same time, the
lord-lieutenant gave me a bit hint, that it would be very pleasant
to his majesty to hear that we had volunteers in our town, men of
creditable connexions, and willing to defend their property.

When I got this note from his lordship, I went to Mr Pipe, the wine-
merchant, and spoke to him concerning it, and we had some discreet
conversation on the same; in the which it was agreed between us