Such is the distracted state of politics in the domestic empire of
Ready-Money Jack; which only shows the intrigues and internal dangers to
which the best regulated governments are liable. In this perplexing
situation of their affairs, both mother and son have applied to Master
Simon for counsel; and, with all his experience in meddling with other
people's concerns, he finds it an exceedingly difficult part to play, to
agree with both parties, seeing that their opinions and wishes are so
diametrically opposite.

[Illustration: A Tailpiece]




[Illustration: Christy on Pepper]

HORSEMANSHIP.

A coach was a strange monster in those days, and the sight of
one put both horse and man into amazement. Some said it was a
great crabshell brought out of China, and some imagined it to
be one of the Pagan temples in which the Cannibals adored the
divell.

TAYLOR, THE WATER POET.


I have made casual mention, more than once, of one of the squire's
antiquated retainers, old Christy the huntsman. I find that his crabbed