ld be ved_u_to; and in the
seventh line, "difender_ai_" difender_vi_.

F. C. B.

* * * * *

THE BELLMAN AND HIS HISTORY.

(Vol. iii., p. 324.)

The Bellman's songs may be found in the _Bellman's Treasury, containing
above a Hundred several Verses, fitted for all Humours and Fancies, and
suited to all Times and Seasons_. London: 8vo. 1707. Extracts from this
book are given in Hone's _Every Day Book_, vol. ii. p. 1594.

I have now before me a broadside thus entitled: "A copy of verses, humbly
presented to the Right Worshipful the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common
Councilmen, and the rest of my worthy Masters and Mistresses, dwelling in
Cambridge. By Thomas Adams, Bellman, 1810." There is a large engraving,
from a wood-block, apparently a century old, representing a bellman, in a
flowing wig and a three-cornered hat, holding, in his right hand a bell,
and in his left a javelin and lantern; his dog is behind him.

The verses are:

1. Prologue.
2. To the Right Worshipful the Mayor.
3. To the Aldermen.
4. To the Common Councilmen.
5. To the Town Clerk.
6. To the Members for the Town.
7. On the King.
8. On the Queen.
9. On Christmas Day.
10. On New Year's Day.
11. To the Young Men.
12. To the Young Maids.
13. On Charity.
14. On Religion.
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.

* * *