"they are seducing follies,
just invented by Satan to lead the young astray, and no good ever came
to those who have frequented such places. I would I were the chief
magistrate, to put them all down; but the Evil One must have his way,
I'm afraid, though it will be a happy day when he is driven out of the
world."

The magistrates' booth held an important position in the array of lath
and canvas, which had been erected as soon as the harvest had been got
off the ground. Here a regular court of justice was held as long as the
fair lasted. The magistrates wore their gowns and gold chains of
office, and arrived every day in some considerable state by water from
Cambridge, when they were generally followed by a crowd of gaily-painted
barges and passenger-wherries, which had, as has been said, been brought
from London. All disputes arising out of the traffic of the fair were
settled at the magistrates' booth, which was also duly attended by
constables and several officials, to preserve order and bring up
culprits.

The liveliness and brilliancy of the scene were greatly increased by the
dresses of the many-coloured crowd: the gay cloth jackets and gold and
silver lace, the bright ribbons in the head-dresses of the women, and
the feathers in those of the men. These were the days when stockings of
the brightest hue were worn by the women, with silver and variously
coloured clocks, and high-heeled shoes; while the habits of the men were
varied and many-coloured. No one seemed at rest. Men, women, and
children were moving about in all directions; now stopping before the
mercers' shops, or the sempsters from Cheapside, or looking into those
of the goldsmiths: while the vintners were never without a crowd inside
or out of their booths. Here was a quack doctor selling his infallible
specifics from his cart, promising an unfailing cure for all manner of
diseases. There was a mountebank conjurer seated on a table, performing
all sorts of wonders before a gaping crowd. Here stood a seeming orator
on a barrel, vociferating at the top of his voice, generally, however,
inviting purchasers for some article of which his partner, who sat below
him, had to dispose. The venerable town itself was of course
overflowing with visitors of every degree, and one-half the guests at
the inns were accommodated in the stables or lofts, where travellers of
higher degree than Brinsmead and Deane were thankful to sleep on straw.

Their first b