The sketch-book of Geoffrey Crayon, gent[pseud.] together with Abbotsford and other selections from the writings of Washington Irving .. . o Eastcheap, said I, closing the book, and seeif the old Boars Head Tavern still exists. Who knows butI may light upon some legendary traces of Dame Quicklyand her guests; at any rate, there will be a kindred pleasure,in treading the halls once vocal with their mirth, to that thetoper enjoys in smelling to the emjDty cask once filled withgenerous wine. 7. The resolution was no sooner formed than put in exe-cution. I forbear to treat of the various adventure
The sketch-book of Geoffrey Crayon, gent[pseud.] together with Abbotsford and other selections from the writings of Washington Irving .. . o Eastcheap, said I, closing the book, and seeif the old Boars Head Tavern still exists. Who knows butI may light upon some legendary traces of Dame Quicklyand her guests; at any rate, there will be a kindred pleasure,in treading the halls once vocal with their mirth, to that thetoper enjoys in smelling to the emjDty cask once filled withgenerous wine. 7. The resolution was no sooner formed than put in exe-cution. I forbear to treat of the various adventures andwonders I encountered in my travels; of the haunted regionsof Cock Lane, of the faded glories of Little Britain, and theparts adjacent; what perils I ran in Cateaton Street and oldJewry; of the renowned Guildhall and its two stunted giants,the pride and wonder of the city, and the terror of all un-lucky urchins; and how I visited London Stone, and struckmy staff upon it, in imitation of that arch-rebel, Jack Cade. 8. Let it suffice to say, that I at length arrived in merryEastcheap, that ancient region of wit and wassail, where. Birds-eye view of Eastcheap 126 THE SKETCH-BOOK the very names of the streets rehshed of good cheer,as Pudding Lane bears testimony even at the presentday. For Eastcheap, says old Stowe, was ahvays famousfor its convivial doings. The cookes cried hot ribbes of beefroasted, pies well baked, and other victuals: there was clat-tering of pewter pots, harpe, pipe, and sawtrie. Alas ! howsadly is the scene changed since the roaring days of Falstaffand old Stowe! The madcap roister has given place to theplodding tradesman; the clattering of pots and the sound ofharpe and sawtrie, to the din of carts and the accurseddinging of the dustmans bell; and no song is heard save,haply, the strain of some siren from Billingsgate chantingthe eulogy of deceased mackerel. 9. I sought, in vain, for the ancient abode of Dame only relic of it is a boars head,
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