JERRY immediately gave orders for a very handsome stone to be placed in the most conspicuous situation near to the spot where CORINTHIAN TOM lost his life, with the following inscription engraved upon it:--
Near to this Spot of Earth, Lost his Life by a Fall from his Horse while Hunting, CORINTHIAN TOM, One of the highest-bred creatures in the Universe, and who got over the ground like nothing else but A GOOD ONE: In the walks of fashion, he was a CORINTHIAN; Amongst the BLOODS, a _bon vivant_; On the TURF a real SPORTSMAN; in the Chase, an OUT and OUTER; And in his deportment to every person A PERFECT GENTLEMAN! If he could not put in a positive claim to the title of THE ROSE AND PILLAR OF THE STATE. No man in the world ever possessed the SUAVITER IN MODO and FORTITER, IN RE In a more eminent degree than Corinthian Tom.
This Remembrance has been erected by his Relative and sincere Friend JERRY HAWTHORN, ESQ., Under the hope, that when he hears the LAST VIEW HALLOO! His PEDIGREE may be found sound; his RACE complete, by Winning the HAPPY STAKES; and nothing against him Noted down in the Steward’s Book.
“I admit your loss has been great, and I also admire the tenour of your argument,” observed Mr. ROSEBUD, “but, nevertheless, ‘grieving’s a folly;’ there is a time for every thing, as my friend OLD JOLLYBOY would have observed, therefore, JERRY, having done every thing becoming the character of a sincere friend, I think you ought now to turn to a more pleasant view of the picture, and once more give your acquaintances the benefit of your company.” “Good!” exclaimed OLD JOLLYBOY; “for some time past, I have been holding myself in readiness to receive a summons to perform a certain ceremony, without SQUIRE HAWTHORN has given up the marriage altogether. All in good time perhaps!”
The trifling hint was quite sufficient, and JERRY, lest his conduct should be thought cold or neglectful, presented himself, in the course of the morning, “for better or for worse,” to Miss ROSEBUD, at the Cottage, anxiously soliciting her to name the wedding day. The disposition of MARY ROSEBUD was of the most ingenious nature, and her attachment to our hero too great to keep him long in suspense. “Perhaps, Sir,” said MARY, “I ought to say ‘No!’--and insist upon more time, to enable me to form a correct opinion of your conduct, whether you have duly considered the serious and important charge of martrimony, and the confinement also attendant on such a state; and, likewise, freely consenting, as it is termed, to surrender a part of your liberty, before I say ‘YES.’ But I prefer being frank on the present occasion; and, relying on your honour, generosity, and true love, I am content, whenever my father shall think proper to name the day.” “Generous, amiable girl,” replied JERRY, “I have well considered the subject, in every point of view; but I will make no professions: yet my endeavours throughout my life, shall be to _strengthen_, what the Poet has so beautifully described, the