Should you do this and get the clinch,
May she, while thou art lumbered, be
Still true and faithful, Josh, to thee."
The parson paused for few moments, and concluded with this distich:—
"Be witness, all, to what is said:—
And with this fawney ye are wed!"
Barlow handed Josh the ring, which the thief placed on the girl's finger, and then gave her a hearty kiss.
The spectators immediately set up a shout of acclamation; and at that instant the gin-punch made its appearance.
A scene of debauchery—noise—quarrelling—and ribaldry now followed. The parson was voted into the chair, which was constituted by the foot of one of the beds; and the punch went rapidly round in pewter-pots.
The bowl was soon emptied; whereupon Josh Pedler sent to the public-house and ordered another. The little deformity, without legs, sang a filthy song: even the man with the curved spine, and who went about on grapnels, forgot his wonted ill-humour and insolence, and joined in the mirth.