 nuptial couch with all his senses about him. - There he and his
consort sat in state, like Saturn and Cybele, while the benediction-posset was
drank; and a cake being broken over the head of Mrs. Tabitha Lismahago, the
fragments were distributed among the bystanders, according to the custom of the
ancient Britons, on the supposition that every person who ate of this hallowed
cake, should that night have a vision of the man or woman whom Heaven designed
should be his or her wedded mate.
    The weight of Wilson's waggery fell upon honest Humphry and his spouse, who
were bedded in an upper room, with the usual ceremony of throwing the stocking.
- This being performed, and the company withdrawn, a sort of catter-wauling
ensued, when Jack found means to introduce a real cat shod with walnut-shells,
which galloping along the boards, made such a dreadful noise as effectually
discomposed our lovers. - Winifred screamed aloud, and shrunk under the bed
cloaths. - Mr. Loyd, believing that Satan was come to buffet him in propria
persona, laid aside all carnal thoughts, and began to pray aloud with great
fervency. - At length, the poor animal, being more afraid than either, leaped
into the bed, and meauled with the most piteous exclamation. - Loyd, thus
informed of the nature of the annoyance, rose and set the door wide open, so
that this troublesome visitant retreated with great expedition; then securing
himself, by means of a double bolt, from a second intrusion, he was left to
enjoy his good fortune without further disturbance.
    If one may judge from the looks of the parties, they are all very well
satisfied with what has passed. - George Dennison and his wife are too delicate
to exhibit any strong-marked signs of their mutual satisfaction, but their eyes
are sufficiently expressive. - Mrs. Tabitha Lismahago is rather fulsome in
signifying her approbation of the captain's love; while his deportment is the
very pink of gallantry. - He sighs, and ogles, and languishes at this amiable
object; he kisses her hand, mutters ejaculations of rapture, and sings tender
airs; and, no doubt, laughs internally at her folly in believing him sincere. -
In order to shew how little his vigour was impaired by the fatigues of the
preceding day, he this morning danced a Highland saraband over a naked
back-sword, and leaped so high, that I believe he would make no contemptible
figure as a vaulter at Sadler's Wells. - Mr. Matthew Loyd, when asked how he
relishes his
