THE BELLMAN AND HIS HISTORY.
(Vol. iii., p. 324.)
The Bellman's songs may be found in the Bellman's Treasury, containing above a Hundred several Verses, fitted for all Humours and Fancies, and suited to all Times and Seasons. London: 8vo. 1707. Extracts from this book are given in Hone's Every Day Book, vol. ii. p. 1594.
I have now before me a broadside thus entitled: "A copy of verses, humbly presented to the Right Worshipful the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councilmen, and the rest of my worthy Masters and Mistresses, dwelling in Cambridge. By Thomas Adams, Bellman, 1810." There is a large engraving, from a wood-block, apparently a century old, representing a bellman, in a flowing wig and a three-cornered hat, holding, in his right hand a bell, and in his left a javelin and lantern; his dog is behind him.
The verses are:
1. Prologue.
2. To the Right Worshipful the Mayor.
3. To the Aldermen.
4. To the Common Councilmen.
5. To the Town Clerk.
6. To the Members for the Town.
7. On the King.
8. On the Queen.
9. On Christmas Day.
10. On New Year's Day.
11. To the Young Men.
12. To the Young Maids.
13. On Charity.
14. On Religion.
15. Epilogue.
This is marked as the 24th sheet; that is, as I suppose, the 24th set of verses presented by Mr. Adams.
I have also a similar broadside, "by Isaac Moule, jun., bellman, 1824," being "No. III." of Mr. Moule's performances. The woodcut is of a more modern character than Mr. Adams's, and delineates a bellman in a three-cornered hat, modern coat, breeches, and stockings, a bell in his right hand, and a small dog by his side. The bellman is represented as standing in front of the old Shire Hall in Cambridge, having Hobson's Conduit on his right.
The subjects of Mr. Moule's verses are similar to those of Mr. Adams, with the following variations. He omits verses to the Town Clerk, the Members for the Town, the Queen, on Charity, and on Religion, and inserts verses "On St. Crispin," and "To my Masters and Mistresses."
The office of bellman in this town was abolished in 1836, and to the bellman's verses have succeeded similar effusions from the lamplighters, who distribute copies when soliciting Christmas boxes from the inhabitants.
C. H. Cooper.
Cambridge, April 28. 1851.