es, to allow them to
pursue the object of their ambition with the full concurrence and
sanction of the law; that the affair, in short, was becoming one of mere
legal contract. We turned a deaf ear to these rumours at first, but
slowly and surely they stole upon us. Month after month, week after
week, nay, day after day, at last, did we meet with accounts of similar
applications. The veil was removed, all mystery was at an end, and
chimney-sweeping had become a favourite and chosen pursuit. There is no
longer any occasion to steal boys; for boys flock in crowds to bind
themselves. The romance of the trade has fled, and the chimney-sweeper
of the present day, is no more like unto him of thirty years ago, than is
a Fleet-street pickpocket to a Spanish brigand, or Paul Pry to Caleb
Williams.

This gradual decay and disuse of the practice of leading noble youths
into captivity, and compelling them to ascend chimneys, was a severe
blow, if we may so speak, to the romance of chimney-sweeping, and to the
romance of spring at the same time. But even this was not all, for some
few years ago the dancing on May-day began to decline; small sweeps were
observed to congregate in twos or threes, unsupported by a 'green,' with
no 'My Lord' to act as master of the ceremonies, and no 'My Lady' to
preside over the exchequer. Even in companies where there was a 'green'
it was an absolute nothing--a mere sprout--and the instrumental
accompaniments rarely extended beyond the shovels and a set of Panpipes,
better known to the many, as a 'mouth-organ.'

These were signs of the times, portentous omens of a coming change; and
what was the result which they shadowed forth? Why, the master sweeps,
influenced by a restless spirit of innovation, actually interposed their
authority, in opposition to the dancing, and substituted a dinner--an
anniversary dinner at White Conduit House--where clean faces appeared in
lieu of black ones smeared with rose pink; and knee cords and tops
superseded nankeen drawers and rosetted shoes.

Gentlemen who were in the habit of riding shy horses; and steady-going
people who have no vagrancy in their souls, lauded this alteration to the
skies, and the conduct of the master sweeps was described beyond the
reach of praise. But how stands the real fact? Let any man deny, if he
can, that when the cloth had been removed, fresh pots and pipes laid upon
the table, and the customary loyal and patriotic toasts propose