DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20917#0042
B AR HAM DOWNS,
chaises, and the loaded coaches and mails. Such
was the state os the Downs in 1802. Since that
happy period few have traversed it belides our
proteclors and their cumbrous artillery and bag-
gage. Military speclacles, at distant intervals,
attract the curious; but those soon satiate, and
new channels are sought for amusement.
The Half Way houfe is, lituated at the Eafterrt
extremity of the plain, and the drivers of the
various vehicles as religioufly srop before its doors
as ever did pilgrim before the High Cross in his
way. There they deliberately water their horses,
and mechanically apply the cup to thofe lips
which still bear the marks of recent application,
at fome savourite one-third, one-quarter, or other
akhoufe; while the travellers sit with impatience
in their countenances, and anger in their ges-
tures, with travelling minds and motionless bodies.
Surely the keepers of those rlumbling-blocks to
speed shouid contrive some divertisement for the
unwilling pasfenger, by which the spirits might
be exhilarated, and the eye directed from the
contemplation os his name over the door, "Dealer
in foreign liquors," or an indifferent pasiing hog
or dog. However, I had once the good sortune
to receive the wished-for entertainment: the
chaise I sat in was surrounded by two stage-
coaches, and at least eight private carriages and
chaises,
chaises, and the loaded coaches and mails. Such
was the state os the Downs in 1802. Since that
happy period few have traversed it belides our
proteclors and their cumbrous artillery and bag-
gage. Military speclacles, at distant intervals,
attract the curious; but those soon satiate, and
new channels are sought for amusement.
The Half Way houfe is, lituated at the Eafterrt
extremity of the plain, and the drivers of the
various vehicles as religioufly srop before its doors
as ever did pilgrim before the High Cross in his
way. There they deliberately water their horses,
and mechanically apply the cup to thofe lips
which still bear the marks of recent application,
at fome savourite one-third, one-quarter, or other
akhoufe; while the travellers sit with impatience
in their countenances, and anger in their ges-
tures, with travelling minds and motionless bodies.
Surely the keepers of those rlumbling-blocks to
speed shouid contrive some divertisement for the
unwilling pasfenger, by which the spirits might
be exhilarated, and the eye directed from the
contemplation os his name over the door, "Dealer
in foreign liquors," or an indifferent pasiing hog
or dog. However, I had once the good sortune
to receive the wished-for entertainment: the
chaise I sat in was surrounded by two stage-
coaches, and at least eight private carriages and
chaises,