第10章 ROUND ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE(3)

Likewise to the gentleman who picked up a party in Piccadilly, who had slipped and fallen in the snow, and was there on his back, uttering energetic expressions: that party begs to offer thanks, and compliments of the season.

Bob's behaviour on New Year's day, I can assure Dr Holyshade, was highly creditable to the boy.He had expressed a determination to partake of every dish which was put on the table; but after soup, fish, roast-beef, and roast-goose, he retired from active business until the pudding and mince-pies made their appearance, of which he partook liberally, but not too freely.And he greatly advanced in my good opinion by praising the punch, which was of my own manufacture, and which some gentlemen present (Mr O'M--g--n, amongst others) pronounced to be too weak.Too weak! A bottle of rum, a bottle of Madeira, half a bottle of brandy, and two bottles and a half of water -- can this mixture be said to be too weak for any mortal? Our young friend amused the company during the evening, by exhibiting a two-shilling magic- lantern, which he had purchased, and likewise by singing "Sally, come up!" a quaint, but rather monotonous melody, which I am told is sung by the poor negro on the banks of the broad Mississippi.

What other enjoyments did we proffer for the child's amusement during the Christmas week? A great philosopher was giving a lecture to young folks at the British Institution.But when this diversion was proposed to our young friend Bob, he said, "Lecture? No, thank you.Not as I knows on," and made sarcastic signals on his nose.Perhaps he is of Dr Johnson's opinion about lectures: "Lectures, sir! what man would go to hear that imperfectly at a lecture, which he can read at leisure in a book?" I never went, of my own choice, to a lecture; that I can vow.As for sermons, they are different; I delight in them, and they cannot, of course, be too long.