A circle was then formed, in the midst of which Josh Pedler, Matilda Briggs, and the begging-letter-impostor parson took their station. One of the hawkers produced a common brass ring, which he handed to Barlow, over whose person Quin threw a sheet by way of surplice, while another individual gave him an obscene book.
The greatest excitement now prevailed amongst the rogues and loose women present: and even Matilda herself entered into the spirit of the proceeding—for she was excited with the liquor which Quin had forced upon her. Her poor father alone experienced a qualm of conscience:—but he dared not utter a word calculated to betray his scruples or manifest his regrets—for his wife, of whom he stood in dread, cordially approved of the arrangement.
The drunken parson now commenced the ceremony; and assuming, as well as he could, the seriousness of former days, he recited the following slang chant:—[[9]]
"I, parish prig and bouncing ben,
Do here, within this padding-ken,
Josh Pedler—if thou wilt agree—
Cop that young shaler unto thee.
To her a fancy bloak be thou:—
Tip mauleys—she's thy jomen now."
Barlow made the bride and bridegroom join hands, and then continued thus:—