and wear
rings in their ears, are American captains, and traders from the shores
of the Atlantic. That jolly-looking ruby-faced old gentleman in black,
who is laughing at the puritanical tale of his lank brother, Alderman
Shaw, is the celebrated grand city admiral, Sir W. Curtis, a genuine
John Bull, considered worth a _plum_ at least, and the author of a
million of good jokes. Observe that quiet-looking pale-faced gentleman
now crossing the arena: from the smartness of his figure and the agility
with which he bustles among the crowd, you would suppose him an active
young man of about five-and-twenty, while, in fact, about sixty summers
have rolled over his head; such are the good effects of temperance,
system, and attention to diet. Here he is known by the designation of
Mr. Evergreen; a name, perhaps, affixed to him with a double meaning,
combining in view the freshness of his age and his known attachment to
theatricals, of which pursuits, as a recreation, he is devotedly fond.
As a broker, lottery contractor, and a man of business, Mr. D-----1
stands No. One for promptitude, probity, and the strictest sense of
honour; wealthy without pride, and learned without affectation, his
company is eagerly sought for by a large circle of the literati of the
day, with whom, from his anecdotal powers, he is in high repute:
on stage affairs he is a living 'Biographia Dramatica,' and Charles
Mathews, it is said, owes much of his present celebrity to the early
advice and persevering friendship of this worthy man. The pair ~120~~of
tall good-looking gentlemen on the French Walk are Messrs. J. and
H------S***h, merchants in the city, and authors at the west end of the
town: here they have recently been designated by the title of their
last whimsical production, and now figure as Messrs. Gaiety and Gravity,
cognomens by no means inapplicable to the temper, feeling, and talent
of the witty brothers. But come," said Principal, "the 'Change is now
becoming too full to particularize, and as this is _settling_ day at the
Stock Exchange, suppose we just walk across to the Alley, take a look
at the market, and see how the _account_ stands."--In passing down
Saint Bartholomew Lane, accident threw in our way the respected
chief magistrate of the city, John Garrett, Esq. of whose sire little
Principal favoured us with some entertaining anecdotes.--"Old Francis
Garrett, who began business in the tea trade without cash, but with
great perseverance