15. Epilogue.
This is marked as the 24th sheet; that is, as I suppose, the 24th set of verses presented by Mr. Adams.
I have also a similar broadside, "by Isaac Moule, jun., bellman, 1824," being "No. III." of Mr. Moule's performances. The woodcut is of a more modern character than Mr. Adams's, and delineates a bellman in a three-cornered hat, modern coat, breeches, and stockings, a bell in his right hand, and a small dog by his side. The bellman is represented as standing in front of the old Shire Hall in Cambridge, having Hobson's Conduit on his right.
The subjects of Mr. Moule's verses are similar to those of Mr. Adams, with the following variations. He omits verses to the Town Clerk, the Members for the Town, the Queen, on Charity, and on Religion, and inserts verses "On St. Crispin," and "To my Masters and Mistresses."
The office of bellman in this town was abolished in 1836, and to the bellman's verses have succeeded similar effusions from the lamplighters, who distribute copies when soliciting Christmas boxes from the inhabitants.
C. H. Cooper.
Cambridge, April 28. 1851.
Replies to Minor Queries.
"God takes those soonest," &c. (Vol. iii., p. 302.).—In Morwenstow churchyard, Cornwall, there is this epitaph on a child:—