GENERAL OGLE: A BOLD STROKE.
A few weeks before General Ogle was to sail for India, he constantly attended Paine's, in Charles Street, St James's Square. One evening there were before him two wooden bowls full of gold, which held L1500 guineas each, and L4000 in rouleaus, which he had won.
When the box came to him, he shook the dice and with great coolness and pleasantry said—'Come, I'll either win or lose seven thousand upon this hand. Will any gentleman set on the whole? SEVEN is the main.' Then rattling the dice once more, cast the box from him and quitted it, the dice remaining uncovered.
Although the General did not think this too large a sum for one man to risk at a single throw, the rest of the gentlemen did, and for some time the bold gamester remained unset.
He then said—'Well, gentlemen, will you make it up amongst you?'
One set him 500 guineas, another 500. 'Come,' said he, 'whilst you are making up the money I'll tell you a story.' Here he began—but perceiving that he was at last completely set for the cast, stopt short—laid his hand on the box, saying—'I believe I am completely set, gentlemen?' 'Yes, sir, and Seven is the main,' was the reply. The General threw out, and lost! Seven thousand guineas!
Then with astonishing coolness he took up his snuff-box and smiling exclaimed—'Now, gentlemen, if you please, I'll finish my story.'
HORACE WALPOLE.
There can be no doubt that Horace Walpole was an inveterate gambler, although he managed to keep always afloat and merrily sailing—for he says himself:—'A good lady last year was delighted at my becoming peer, and said—"I hope you will get an Act of Parliament for putting down Faro." As if I could make Acts of Parliament! and could I, it would be very consistent too in me, who for some years played more at Faro than anybody.'(142)
(142) Letters, IX.