LETTER XVI.
INHABITANTS OF THE ALMS-HOUSE.
Thou art the Knight of the Burning Lamp: if thou wast any way
given to virtue, I would swear by thy face; my oath should be
by tnis fire. Oh! thou'rt a perpetual triumph, thou hast saved
me a thousand marks in links and torches, walking in a night
betwixt tavern and tavern.
SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV.
Ebrietas tibi fida comes, tibi Luxus, et atris
Circa te semper volitans Infamia pennis.
SILVIUS ITALICUS.
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BENBOW.
SEE! yonder badgeman with that glowing face,
A meteor shining in this sober place!
Vast sums were paid, and many years were past,
Ere gems so rich around their radiance cast!
Such was the fiery front that Bardolph wore,
Guiding his master to the tavern door;
There first that meteor rose, and there alone,
In its due place, the rich effulgence shone:
But this strange fire the seat of peace invades
And shines portentous in these solemn shades.
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