means to be ascribed to want of capacity. He
discovered no contemptible sagacity and quick-wittedness in the science of
horseflesh, and was eminently expert in the arts of shooting, fishing and
hunting. Nor did he confine himself to these, but added the theory and practice
of boxing, cudgel-play and quarter-staff. These exercises added tenfold
robustness and vigour to his former qualifications. His stature, when grown, was
somewhat more than five feet ten inches in height, and his form might have been
selected by a painter as a model for that hero of antiquity, whose prowess
consisted in felling an ox with his fist, and devouring him at a meal. Conscious
of his advantage in this respect, he was insupportably arrogant, tyrannical to
his inferiors, and insolent to his equals. The activity of his mind, being
diverted from the genuine field of utility and distinction, showed itself in the
rude tricks of an overgrown lubber. Here, as in all his other qualifications, he
rose above his competitors; and, if it had been possible to overlook the callous
and unrelenting disposition which they manifested, one could scarcely have
denied his applause to the invention these freaks displayed, and the rough,
sarcastic wit with which they were accompanied.
    Mr. Tyrrel was by no means inclined to permit these extraordinary merits to
rust in oblivion. There was a weekly assembly at the nearest market-town, the
resort of all the rural gentry. Here he had hitherto figured to the greatest
advantage, as grand master of the cotérie, no one having an equal share of
opulence, and the majority, though still pretending to the rank of gentry,
greatly his inferior in this essential article. The young men in this circle
looked up to this insolent bashaw with timid respect, conscious of the
comparative eminence that unquestionably belonged to the powers of his mind; and
he well knew how to maintain his rank with an inflexible hand. Frequently indeed
he relaxed his features, and assumed a temporary appearance of affableness and
familiarity; but they found by experience, that, if any one, encouraged by his
condescension, forgot the deference which Mr. Tyrrel considered as his due, he
was soon taught to repent his presumption. It was a tyger that thought proper to
toy with a mouse, the little animal every moment in danger of being crushed by
the fangs of his ferocious associate. As Mr. Tyrrel had considerable copiousness
of speech and a rich but undisciplined imagination, he was always sure of an
audience. His neighbours crowded round, and joined in the ready laugh, partly
from obsequiousness, and partly from unfeigned