Sketches — Volume 03 by Robert Seymour
page 26 of 30 (86%)
page 26 of 30 (86%)
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pleasure proves anything but "without mixture without measure."
The jam-tarts are brought to light, and are found to have got a little jam too much. The bottles are cracked before their time, and the liberal supplies of pale sherry and old port are turned into a--little current. They turn out their jar of ghirkins, and find them mixed, and all their store in a sad pickle. The leg of mutton is the only thing that has stood in the general melee. The plates are all dished, and the dishes only fit for a lunatic asylum, being all literally cracked. Even the knives and forks are found to ride rusty on the occasion. The bread is become sop; and they have not even the satisfaction of getting salt to their porridge, for that is dissolved into briny tears. Like the provisions, they find themselves uncomfortably hamper'd; for they generally chuse such a very retired spot, that there is nothing to be had for love or money in the neighbourhood, for all the shops are as distant as--ninety-ninth cousins! However delightful the scenery may be, it is counterbalanced by the prospect of starvation. Although on the borders of a stream abounding in fish, they have neither hook nor line; and even the young gentlemen who sing fail in a catch for want of the necessary bait. Their spirits are naturally damped by their disappointment, and their holiday garments by a summer shower; and though |
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