22. The Twopenny-post Boy.
This is a most welcome lad to many a tradesman, when he brings good orders, with a Banknote, or bill to be regularly paid: also to every parent, child, or friend, who wishes to hear of the welfare of parties that live at a distance.
Quoth I to the Postman, good master, your nag,
By this time is tired by the weight of your bag;
You’ve set off from your office, and rode without stopping,
Till your poor panting steed is in danger of dropping.
Now, said he, if these letters were weigh’d by their sense,
’Twere a chance if they rose o’er a couple of pence;
And if that could be managed, my beast would not mind,
If I carried them with me, or left them behind.
23. The Dancing Bear and Dogs.
I wish the bear had remained in Russia or Poland, rather than, after being brought from his native woods, to be thus tormented; for who can tell what misery he underwent in learning to move at the command of his keeper. And as for the poor dogs, they must be very tired before their day’s work is ended. I would rather find employment for the men, than give them money for punishing poor animals as they do!
24. The Camel and Monkey.
What a wonderful place is this said London! Here are not only bears from the cold regions of Russia, Poland, and America, but also a camel from the hot sands of Arabia or the East Indies, walking in the streets! Behold the playful monkey on its head, and numbers of fearless boys upon its back. In Turkey, Arabia, and Persia, the camel is a most useful creature, carrying very great weights of spices and merchandise, for a considerable number of miles, and for several days together, without any kind of sustenance. They are said to have a particular property, in scenting out places in the sand where water is to be found.