tter at a cock-match or on a boxing-stage, or near
the 'Ring'--where its proprietor was liable to be elbowed by their
highnesses of grease and soot, and to be hemmed in by knights of the
post and canditates for Tyburn tree--when this motley group alike were
fixed in eager attention, alike betted on and enjoyed each blood-drawing
stroke of the artificial spur, or blow of the fist well laid in--what
distinction was to be made between peer and plebeian, except in
derogation of the former?

The race-course at Newmarket always presented a rare assemblage of
grooms, gamblers, and greatness.

'See, side by side, the jockey and Sir John Discuss the important point
of six to one; For, O my Muse! the deep-felt bliss how dear--How great
the pride to gain a jockey's ear!'(76)

(76) Wharton's Newmarket.

Newmarket fame was an object of ambition sought by the most
distinguished personages.

'Go on, brave youths, till in some future age Whips shall become the
senatorial badge; Till England see her thronging senators Meet all at
Westminster in boots and spurs; See the whole House with mutual phrensy
mad, Her patriots all in leathern breeches clad; Of bets for taxes
learnedly debate, And guide with equal reins a steed or state.'(77)

(77) Ibid.

And then at the winning-post what motley confusion.

--------------------'A thousand tongues
Jabber harsh jargon from a thousand lungs.
****
Dire was the din--as when in caverns pent,
Hoarse Boreas storms and Eurus works for vent,
The aeolian brethren heave the labouring earth,
And roar with elemental strife for birth.'(78)

(78) 'The Gamblers.' Horace had said long before--Tanto cum strepitu
ludi spectantur, 'So great a noise attends the games!

The frauds and stratagems of wily craft which once passed current at
Newmarket, surpassed everything that can be imagined at the present
day. The intruding light of the morning was execrated by the nightly
gamblers. 'Grant us but to perish in the light,' was the prayer of the
warlike Ajax:--'Grant us black night for ever,' exclaimed the gambler;
and his wishes were consistent with the place and the foul deeds
perpetrated therein.(79)

(79) The principal gambling-room at Newmarket was called the 'Little
Hell.'

Sit mihi fas audita loqui--sit numine vestro,
Pandere res alta terra et caligine mersas.

The turf-events of every succeeding year verify the lament of the late
Lor