CHAPTER XXIX.
KEITH'S written description of a Fleet Marriage is graphic, but a contemporary engraving brings it even more vividly before us. This was published Oct. 20, 1747, and gives an excellent view of the Fleet Market as it then was. It is called "A Fleet Wedding, Between a brisk young Sailor, and his Landlady's Daughter at Rederiff."
"Scarce had the Coach discharg'd it's trusty Fare,
But gaping Crouds surround th' amorous Pair;
The busy Plyers make a mighty Stir!
And whisp'ring cry, d'ye want the Parson, Sir?
Pray step this way—just to the Pen in Hand
The Doctor's ready there at your Command:
This way (another cries) Sir, I declare
The true and ancient Register is Here.