25

COCK-FIGHTING.

Farmer.-Why your Honour knows how Sam Blood, Ned Sparkish, and my son-in-law, all went to that wicked town where Lord Rakish and Squire Wild were to have first a bull-baiting, next a boxing-match, then a badger-playing, and afterwards a cock-fighting.

Lovegood.-These abominably cruel sports are productive of a deal of evil, wherever they are permitted to exist.

Sir Thomas.-I suppressed one of their cock-pits not long ago, that some loose rakes were attempting to promote in our neighbourhood.

and then as they say, by the persuasion of Sam Blood, they agreed to get up at two o'clock in the morning, and rob the public-house where they were; and after they had broken open different cupboards and places, to get all the money and plate, by throwing down a large tea-board, they awakened the landlord and his family; and just as they were opening the door to run off with their prey, such an alarm was made by the firing of a pistol, that they were all directly stopped in the street.

Wor. I fear it will be a difficult task to save their lives, for it seems they had all loaded pistols; and though Sam Blood first snapped his pistol at the landlord's son, without effect, yet he took a second aim at the young man, while he was attempting to escape for his life, and gave him a very dangerous wound upon his shoulder.

Far. Now, William Frolic says, he can declare on the word of a dying man, that he had no pistol of his own, but that Sam Blood, while all in a hurry, that they might make their escape, lent him one of his, though he never attempted to fire it; and as for that poor simple. fellow, Ned Sparkish, no matter if he was to be whipt at the cart's tail, from one end of the Parish to the other, yet he had no pistol at all, only he made a flourish with an old rusty sword which he found in the house, that he might make his escape; and they say he was a very orderly lad till Sam Blood got hold of him and led him astray.

Sir. Thos. If these circumstances might be made known to the Judge, perhaps life might be granted to your son-in-law, and the other youth.

Wor. As to Sam Blood, I should suppose that no interference for him can be attended with success.Justice, at times, demands a sacrifice which must not be dispensed with; and where an attempt to commit

murder is added to theft, the crime becomes very heinous indeed.

Far. But as neither my son-in-law, nor Ned Sparkish had any thoughts of that sort, perhaps my Lord Judge might yet send them a pardon, if he knew the rights of it. Oh! if your Honour could but get my Lord to spare his life, how thankful should I be !

Wor. Why, there is one favourable event. Mr. Lovely, in consequence of his possessing his old Uncle's property, has been appointed Sheriff for the County: perhaps he may obtain mercy for two of them, when it is fully understood that no intentional murder was designed, though under such a supposition, no wonder that they were all left for death.

Far. O Sir! if you two worthy gentlemen would but write out a petition, I know that dear gentleman, 'Squire Lovely would be mighty glad to present it to his Lordship. As to my daughter, poor girl, she has miscarried once; and she begins again to draw near her time, and she sits crying and sobbing all the day long? it breaks our very hearts to hear her ;—and as to my wife and I, especially as the infirmities of old age begin to creep fast upon us, these troubles are enough to bring down our grey hairs, with sorrow to the grave.

Mrs. Wor. But as the assizes are now over, the Judge must have left the county, and Mr. Lovely must have returned; and I am told, Mrs. Lovely expects to be confined the latter end of this month, or perhaps sooner; and as this is rather an unexpected event from the weak state of her health, I don't know he will choose to leave the house again, under such circumstances, though none of us can have a doubt respecting the affectionate willingness of his mind.

Sir Thos. Why, I am told, Mr. Lovely stands very high in the Judge's favour, on account of his excellent character, and engaging conduct; and as it is the same

Judge who favoured me with a visit when he went this circuit on the last summer assizes, I will venture to write myself on the behalf of these unhappy creatures. I know the Judge to be a very considerate and merciful man : he will be glad to hear of any circumstances which lessen their guilt.

Wor. Well then, Mr Littleworth, that no time may be lost, we will write directly, and state these favourable circumstances, and send the letters by this night's post.

Far. O Sir! but for fear young 'Squire Lovely should be called from home, or the letter should miscarry, had I not better send my dear child Harry with the letters?

Wor. It will be certainly the safest, and at the same time it will look more respectful. And if our worthy minister could go too, it would be the better still.

Loveg: O Sir! you are for sending me upon every errand.

Wor. Because no one is so fit. And I am sure it would be a great satisfaction to Mr. Henry Littleworth, if you could but attend him with your counsel and advice.

Far. Aye, that it would, and I am sure he will sadly need such company. Dear child! what must he feel, when he goes to see those poor creatures in irons, and locked up in a gaol like so many wild beasts, when he recollects what a wicked blade he was, before he felt the converting grace of God in his own heart. [To Mr. Lovegood.] And, O Sir! what a blessing it might be to the souls of those poor thoughtless creatures, now they have brought themselves into such trouble, if you could but go and tell them of the free grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to poor perishing sinners, and how blessedly he can change their hearts.

Loveg. O Mr. Littleworth, your son will know how