The Power of Conscience ... and other works

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THE POWER OF CONSCIENCE ; OR, THE MONOPOLIST AND OTHER WORKS. BY THOMAS LATTER 'London : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO- LIMITED. 1891. LONDON : SHEPPARD AND ST. JOHN, PRINTERS, ST. BRIDE STREET, E.C. St. John's Wood, London. Dear Sib, As your tender and hospitable conduct has ever convinced me of the purity of your friendship, I will not risk its continuance through sentiments con tained in a book, for want of a few explanations as to its formation ; and these I feel the more disposed to give as you live remote from the influence of generous society, being situated in the midst of people with scarcely one of whom not so much as the resemblance of a refined sentiment is to be found. But the nearly unlimited resources of your exalted mind which has been cherished in contemplation, almost renders this precaution need less ; nay quite but for that loneliness which may admit of misconception ; and my anxiety that such should not occur.

On perusing the principal poem, you will readily per ceive my aim has been to exemplify the disposition and pursuits of two individuals, maintaining opposite principles ; the one caressed by a class of society for tractableness, and for his fortunate advancement ; the other as much avoided for perseverance in liberal pre cepts, and for his rigid manners. The particulars of the former person's progress may be considered as too prolix up to the seventh book, it is done to show the trifles (that make the sum of life) by which he obtained a fortune ; but chiefly to show the instability of his moral conduct during the favourable season of his life ; when the warmth of his nature gives utterance to expressions a which may seem as intemperate ; but their value will be fully appreciated when in the prospect of death Con science does its bitter work.

It is written "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." By this truth whoever writes from the heart shall seem to touch the faults of many, and shall scarcely escape offence, particularly in a work where it is needful to introduce characters supposed to be in connection with the principal — but it may be fairly conjectured that no one can think ill of another whose object is good ; for the sake of improvement the benevolent write, otherwise no one of them would be hazardous enough to attempt the mischievous, wilful, avaricious, and overbearing, save for the good of all, which good I apprehend is one of the chief businesses of life to per form : and that is one reason for not deceptively seeking any other age than the present to place these characters in. Most easy it is to avoid notoriety of a culpable con duct and censure by amendment, as every wise and honest person does (in preference to persecution, which at once self-exposes a man to the world in his true colors, of a nature convenient to serve the hatred of malicious superiors).

Book I

The class of readers whom it is hoped this story will please. — A general Intro duction to the work, with a brief description of Marteel and Laretta, two principal characters in it. — On their accidentally meeting, an appointment is made to see each other on the following day, which is interrupted by a noble man, whom Marteel despises for his extravagance ; but is won by the hope of gain on a loan which Arno solicits, to attend an entertainment given by him, in his villa, at the hour agreed upon to meet Laretta. — While revelling in wine, the miser exposes his avaricious disposition and manner of advancing his fortune. — Depending on his word, Laretta arrives at the place exactly to the time named by him, where melancholy, in all the bitterness of degradation, enters the soul of the deceived.

Book II

The effects of unceasing care in the merchant. — His partiality for the fair sex induces jealousy, which is fed by an artful matron. — His w-ife discovers his intrigues with one of her servant girls. — His footman he puts into business for the convenience of his own sensual enjoyment. — A rural scene, in which innocence is bred ; and which is ruined by Marteel. — The hard-heartedness of such conduct censured. — The means which the higher order of lewd characters take to prevent exposure. — Marteel's passion for accumulating wealth exceeds the ardour of an artful lover, and he falls ill. — The tricks and subterfuge of a quack surgeon. — The influence of appearance, and the pernicious consequences of it.

Book III

Marteel convalescent, purchases Blenpenen, and to reimburse himself in the cost, resorts to several petty tricks. — Observing the reverence paid to the clas-ics, he embellishes his mansion and grounds ; excusing himself for copying from Arno. — The character of a mechanic, whom he employs to supply him with plans, &c, and who carries out his ideas of building. — The patronage of the Koyal Academy attracts his attentiou, and he forms acquaintance with artists : purchases numerous paintings, and takes a pride in pointing out their several beauties. — His conduct towards engravers. — He also purchases sculpture for the sole purpose of enriching his house. — His notion of books and reading.

Book IV

The merchant is dazzled with the lustre of titles. — Walking in the fields, his associates extol the healthful amusements of Held sports. — He expresses his opinions of them. — They next advise him to become a Member of Parliament. — An opportunity occurring in the neighbouring town, he canvasses the voters. — The corruption of the existing system of electioneering. — The chairing of the new M.P. — and the revelling to which it gives rise.

Book V

The desire, and expensive pride which some noble families entertain of legis lating. — Marteel directs his chief clerk to frame his maiden speech for the House of Commons, and gives him hints respecting its formation. — The clerk's reply, which gives rise to reflection on the word obey. — Marteel assumes a consequential deportment in the country, of which he is unable to divest himself in town, until he meets with contempt. — His tractability to the will of the Prime Minister. — His general submissivene-.s obtains for him several favours. — The conduct of his sons in office. — The character of a sailor. — The merchant descants on the present system of government. — Laretta replies, and offends Marteel by his liberal principles.

Book VI

The influence of thought. — Marteel on reflection partly dissuades himself from the pursuits of titles ; and disconcerts his friends. — Luno, his second son, by showing the advantages of titles, wins him back to his original purpose. — The temptation to which the higher ranks are liable. — The fortitude of some, and the CONTENTS. frailty of others.— The terrible effect of a despised knight's imprudence. — Marteel sends costly presents to the Prime Minister : the delicacy of the Premier's situation, and his reflections on the caprices of fortune, and on the disposition of the merchant (enumerating his riches) — whom he inadvertently betrays to their acquaintance ; and these indignantly deride the miser, upbraiding him of his birth and pursuits. — Marteel's reply provokes them to challenge him to a duel. — A noble baron, who was engaged on the trial of Queen Caroline, expatiates on their recrimination ; and figuratively pourtrays the character of a practical duellist.

Book VII

Marteel disconsolate, inveighs against those that upbraided him of his pursuits and birth. — The apprehension of the coming duel drives him mad. — The Reverend Luno, listening at the room-door, where his father has secluded him self, overhears him relate the whole source of his annoyance : he remarks on the conduct of his parent, which threatens to mar his own happiness, he being in love. — He proceeds to his brother, Captain Dierney. — The northern philosophers notions of love. — The waryness of most clergymen in love affairs. — Their prudence and exclusiveness compared with professional men.

Book VIII

The lover and the poet's mind similar. — Luno in search of Dierney strays to the abode of her whom he loves ; and from thence to his brother — to whom he relates the insulting threats which oppress their father. — He particularises the conduct of the familiarly cherished Woodforth, the ingratitude of whom aggra vates Dierney ; and he demands of Laretta in what manner an insult should be redressed ; and is advised by him to suppress the rigour of his disposition ; but if he will be revenged, to proceed at law, which counsel is despised. — Dierney's friend and brother officer more delicately questions Laretta. — Laretta relates the actions of some of the clergy, and of those in Ireland in particular, to divert Dierney's mind. — Dierney rallies and provokes Laretta to reply, which he does by Michael Angelo's picture of the shades ; also by the conduct of the clergy in George the Third's reign, and a few incidents of that king. — Dierney's friend at the mention of Burke takes occasion to censure Laretta ; and to advise with him on the society of ladies, whose tenderness he conjectures would soften his stern nature. — Dierney argues he should reverence the powers that are. — To whom Laretta replies of powers in general. — Dierney returns to his father, and his friend throws away the portion of his dress which has been touched by Laretta.

Book IX

Laretta reflects on the conversation between himself and Dierney ; — which leads him to expatiate on the fate of poets, and of the present prevalence of prose. — Poets and architects compared, and both pursuits it is shewn may be consistently pursued by one individual. — An exposition on Laretta's contempt of duelling, describing the persons most likely to be actuated by it. — The pernicious effects of gambling. — Marteel's escape from the duel.

Book X

The precariousness of life, or the fickleness of fortune ; seen conspicuously in Napoleon. — That great man's policy. — The figure of Achilles placed in Hyde Park an inadequate symbol of British valour. — The defeat of Buonaparte at Moscow, and the hand of Providence seen therein. — Marteel denounces the interference of supernatural agency. — His initiation into business, progress, and fall. — Laretta at his house dreams of him, and while walking in sleep gives utterance to ominous expressions, which terrify the merchant, who, with Foster, had been sifting his affairs. — Marteel tokens this companion away, and then speaks his troubled mind. — He is overheard by Whipstal, who relates the whole of the miser's soliloquy to his wife, and they converse on his creed. — The prevailing course of Marteel's life is likened to Icarus, and to a man of pleasure in a sailing boat. — Marteel's anguish, anxiety, and death ; also the death of the impious Luno. THE MONOPOLIST.

Book I. Argument

The class of readers whom it is hoped this story will please. — A general introduction to the work, with a brief description of Marteel and Laretta, two principal characters in it. — On their accidentally meeting, an appointment is made to see each other on the following day, which is interrupted by a nobleman, whom Marteel despises for his extravagance, but is won, by the hope of gain on a loan which Arno solicits, to attend an entertainment given by him, in his villa, at the hour agreed to meet Laretta. — While revelling in wine, the miser exposes his avaricious disposition and manner of advancing his fortune. — Depending on his word, Laretta arrives at the place exactly to the time named by him, where melancholy, in all the bitterness of degradation, enters the soul of the deceived. THE MONOPOLIST.

BOOK I.

The various men I fain would bring to view Are of most ranks, and to this age are true. Why should we rove to Greece, or distant time, When now in Britain tamp'ring faults are prime ? Nor need of dukes, discerning thousands read, And do reward a meritorious deed In high or low ; nor cringing to the great, To sing of all but England's present state ; These oft encourage crafty copiest ; The most unmeaning are the most caress'd. Not so the gen'rous thinking men of truth, These still delight to trace out native proof Glorying in correcting rude abuse, Pleas'd less with empty pomp than moral use ; Yet wise observing lawful rights of place, But chiefly worth their peaceful hearts embrace. Did these just men glean pleasure from my song, Glad I should sing amidst th' impartial throng. The novelist may tell his love-lorn dream, And slavish pension sly reward his theme ; Nay all the host of sycophants may creep The golden grain of royal place to reap : Far apter than the alchymist, though bold, To turn the grossest substance into gold. [

BOOK I THE MONOPOLIST.

j Prone to alarm, and run in dubious ways, With specious arts to court the public gaze, The bane of British faith and wholesome state, Their deeds deserve the keen reproach of hate : Satire such men affectedly despise, Declaring " vice it will familiarize ! " Satire is rapid as a raging flood, And purifies although it casts up mud ; Sincerity rides on its fulsome course, Alone the guilty dread its searching force, The flow'ry banks, and scenes, cheer on its way ; It lingers not with vice in trifling play, But onward rolls, a kindly stream in truth, To cleanse the crafty old, and thoughtless youth. Benev'lent friends would rather risk offence Than see th' impatient mar each happy sense ; Diverse men's minds in magnitude of ills, In public most complaisant con their wills. Him singing " hating vice we hate mankind," Was to our erring race the most unkind ; Such deep alluring phrases win the blind.

We should shun vice as we would shun the devil We do befriend most when we plead and civil ; Nor interfere in private feuds or wealth, But picture so that Vice may loathe herself. Then like a traveller, when lost his way, By dark deception led, and wide astray, Sudden conviction starts at error's charms, The dismal night pours down her dire alarms ; The guileful road so pleasing run at morn, Sore irritates and palls the soul forlorn ; From the way board he turns, and seeks a guide, Nor longer trust self-confidence and pride. I sing the av'rice of Marteel, who rose Amidst connived frauds, and stubborn foes,

BOOK I.

] 5 THE MONOPOLIST. From poverty's hard-beaten walks of life, Up to the highest scenes of wealth and strife ; And these so worn that honesty shall sing, Content with gains, which from pure virtues spring ; While the ambitious man for power and state Provokes swift censure, and reproachful hate. Here broken toils begin, from deeds so mean, Through loftier words to shew the humbler scene, Till stiring strife, and fiery passions strong, Shall on unwearied wings bear us along, Through happy views of virtue and chaste love, To gaze on these below and heav'n above. As urgent nature in Marteel dictates, So slights he men's regards, their loves or hates ; Intent so they obstruct not his pursuits, Or mar his labors of their choicest fruits : His sole desire is to indulge each sense, Unheeding aught of future recompense.

Thus vague he argues on the darkest deeds, As Nature wills, precarious are our needs. So lock'd in self, his kindred friends may starve, E'en those who would for him their fortunes carve. (What man is there but greets a helping hand ? — Full oft the worst the kindest aid command ; Artful and mean, some win by deeds of shew ; For bread, the just would scorn to stoop so low ; These a respectful mien do always bear, While vagrant knaves wear pride as fortune wear.) His heart he feigns denies a will his own, On circumstances his worst act is thrown, — " In earth the seeds spring up as they are sown," He cries, " and by the tree the fruit is known." Laretta young, a man whose rising fame, Seems to presage a lasting peaceful name, [

BOOK 1 THE MONOPOLIST.

Faithful to all engagements, sans pretence, Th' austerest rarely fears he, or repents ; Whatever views to him they deign to give, He follows them as all imperative, Through seasons of tempest'ous rain or fair, Consuming toils, or funds, he will not spare. Reserve abides him as the nightingale, From chilly winter wrapt till warmths prevail. So he in diffidence is bashful strange, Nor pride, as seems it, falls within his range. As from a spark a blazing fire ascends, So he at heart enkindles worthy friends ; E'en while his silence doubts of words to win, With red'ning face he would the joy begin : Delighting most to see each one at ease, And on himself the gen'rous task to please, Nor rude restrain'd by hapless help of birth, He dwells on deeds of cultivated worth. Nor is it strange discernment should adorn, As in a rosy morn, some lowly born.

(Active pursuits far more expand the mind Than college lore, with all th' antique combin'd. These read and studied o'er, and ev'ry deed Fall short of what in living men we read. Improvement strides with giant pace o'er earth, Leaving antiquity to ease and mirth : As worn-out flint, exhausted these refuse Beyond debate to strengthen us with use.) High in the realms of rev'lling thought he soars, Above all else a triune God adores ; Sans aiding friends, he wends his way alone, Observing Providence, despising none. As cheerful birds pour out the song of praise, When the glad sun, soft smiling, spreads his rays

BOOK I.

] THE .MONOPOLIST. 7 Across the dewy mead and tangled wood : — Ere man recruits his strength, they seek their food, And with the setting sun proclaim their joy, Buxom as air, in gratitude's employ. And to such freedom is Laretta prone, That buoys the heart above to heav'n's high throne Disputing most the flatter'd acts his own. Wary and watchful in each step he takes, Like a determin'd prince, who ne'er forsakes His arduous task when once the fight's begun, Till the last sand of dubious doubt is run. And such is his firm mind, in peace or war, Of caution chief t' avoid the strife afar. With him all things on earth are mutable, Nought certain for the hopeful mind to dwell. Unpromis'd pleasures rise, in him unsought, Nor rest he on to-morrow's joys a thought, If aught the days too swiftly pass away, And he too far in rigid actions stray.

So diverse are the chief of those I bring, Their natures not unlike, their deeds I sing — As in the ground the genial grain we sow Declare of cultivation as they grow, The martial'd clouds may drop down softest rain, And quicken in the womb of earth the grain ; Yet Winter's shiv'ring winds, storm's tempest showers, Fly o'er the lands ere spring comes deck'd with flowers And such the fate of those we have to trace, Nor further trust we irksome dull preface. These persons meet by active duty led, Where Chandos frowning lolls his brazen head, When Sol shot swift his steepest dart to warn Accountant mortals of the full-blown morn. _ r 8 "hi ::: : :i:st. : The common topic, health and weather spoke, (Nor idly ask'd in London's fogs and smoke), Jostled the while, and then by twelve next day Marteel appoints to meet ten miles away.

Scarce has he travers'd o'er the spacious boands Of his lone toilsome business morning rounds, And read the orders writ with studied art, The utmost pride of his grey-headed clerk, When at his door a load astounding knock An it would wake to life the merchant's stock Of household goods ; such an electric shock Made the poor maid ran trembling through the hall, She thought the house about her head would fall. Such is the peal a brawny footman gives T announce the rank of those with whom he lives. The rattle of the coach's tumbling steps Draws gaping mouths and straining eyes in troops ; Before the throng the dashing Arno strolls, Wrapt in a shroud of staffs of softest folds ; The man of sense he whispers, sans delay. To his suburban seat by twelve next day. Scarce does he breathe his words in open air, For fear his longs the churlish smoke should wear ; With choicest scents his person is permm'd, And all he lisps escapes him as presum'd ; Trippingly to his coach he quick retreats, All shndd'ring at the vulgar in the streets.

Th' ennobled Arno gone, Marteel speaks oat His thoughts, big with disgust and wary doubt, And thus to him long since his confidant. •• That scented bean is in eternal want — His wants will ruin him ; unable he To care for self, how shall he care for me r Affected shape of man, blind Fortune's sport, Shadow of power, guil'd in her flattring court ;

BOOK I.

] C" THE MONOPOLIST. 9 Had his brave fathers known his nauseous whims, His vicious disguise, his sick'ninssins, They had not travers'd distant lands and seas Such a fastidious fop as he to please ; Nor night and day strain'd their vast faculties, To seat a jay in state and slothful ease ; His shallow head now needs no intellect, His prodigality will win respect ; A very dolt in ev'ry sense and deed, Sly feasted knaves for wit in him will plead, For his delight lust fire both child and mother, His saving pomp all infamies will cover ; E'en I may slight acquaintance him to serve, But richly I'll be paid for all I swerve, As when too late e'en his dark self will find. When all his rich possessions are to me assign'd." True to the time Marteel on Arno waits, Through rows of menials, the badge of state.

Along the hall with arts profusely stored, The beauties whom great Jupiter once whored, As feign'd in songs of heathen poets' mirth, Whose teeming fancies to loose faiths gave birth, And guiled the multitude, while princes wise From them attachments strongly realized. Sad plaintive Niobe here makes her moan, And slumb'ring lions frown in Irish stone ; Slaves in the midst, with massive burdens groan ; On the Greek ceiling, richly charg'd in gold, The daring battles of the Black Prince are told ; And glitt'ring gild the marble floor below, The gold capp'd column'd walls reflective glow. Around the triglyph frieze in order rang'd Parthenon's chastest figures stand estrang'd ; Full fring'd blue curtains, gold and silver wrought, Exclude the sun's full glare with dazzling fraught; B [book 10 ] THE MONOPOLIST.

Wing'd smiling boys with torches, doves, and darts, (Love's simple emblems of her subtile arts) Support the polish'd inlaid marble seats And burnish'd slabs ; these, as the eye retreats, The airy trifles on its bosom kissing greet. And so Marteel thrown by his slipp'ry feet, Unhurt he rises, 'midst the stifled laugh Of those in whom gay wantons praise the calf, Thro' all this shew the man of sterling sense Is shewn to him who bears the dread expense. The setting sun in splendour paints the clouds, Increasing beautiful as ocean shrouds Him from our view ; the purple sky then glows In ardent tints, till dreary dark enclose The color'd canopy of borrow'd light, And one deep grov'lling shade steeps all in night. Such Amo's lavishing, unbounded diet, With bribes he keeps the money'd miser quiet ; Impatient that no man pass him in state, He will not wait the fruits of his estate : On lands, and crops, and houses scarce his own He borrows gold, till all is overthrown ; Afraid to die, but most to live where known.

To lazy Spain he hies in hopes to save The means to gain from him he calls a knave, Th' estates consign'd while he was splendour's slave The title deeds convey'd, and business at an end, A moment's joy each party's breast extend : For present money makes the spendthrift glad — Of lender's loan the honest one is sad. Than lend to dash he'd try a thousand arts, And suffer shame and insults, coarse remarks, For well he knows the squand'rer's ruin he aids, He struggles till the wretch's woe persuades.

BOOK I.

] 11 THE MONOPOLIST. Oh cruel pest in youthful friendship's fate, Harrowing hag, infusing doubt and hate : In gloomy volumes dark revolving round The gay one, till nowhere the friends are found ; Though face to face they silent stand in view, To all around and each reflects the gazer's hue : As when the light falls on the green, or blue, Or yellow polish'd plate the walls are tinged too. The broad loud gongs most musical resound, Distinctly heard full thirteen furlongs round, To warn those in th' adjoining quiet room To a late dinner serv'd up by Van Troom : Delicious dainties, fifty at the least, Rich to provoke the taste e'en of a priest ; Green greasy soups of ev'ry flesh and herb, High flavor'd by a cook of manly nerve. Strange set, fresh fish which many seas have cross'd Scarce weighing down the silver which they cost ; Delicate meat, and viands passing rare, And blooming fruits, forced by unceasing care.

Most beautiful amidst the burnish'd gold The dinner service hugest sideboards hold ; The brilliant-lighted room displays the boast, And here is seen the riches of mine host ; Profusely set in wondrous art of age, So great that wealth his taste may not assuage ; The massive ceiling's crowded ornaments In costliest bright metals glow intense, And all around fierce blazing back the fire, Which like a furnace dazzles down desire. But chiefest set the broad cast deep recess, Where gilded lacqueys point the rare excess ; And in excuse not so, still feigning to Be seen in gorgeous attitude of shew, b [book THE MONOPOLIST. I (For proudest men in pomp seem not so proud) They hand the treasures to the serving crowd ; The active butler, grooms, and footmen these, Who in apprenticeship are taught to please, As their high masters are to eat with grace, To carve and praise each course's parts and place.

Amidst this sumptuous feasting, game is brought Upon the table, with fat maggots fraught ; And strange to sing, 'tis purely prized for stink, For Fashion wills, nor need her vot'ries think. The offspring of a ruin'd man of taste, Patron of self-denying pain and waste, (Yet Nash, the king of Bath, 'tis said was chaste,) So peevish she affected loathes the light, She tortures with her whims each fickle wight ; Far heavier burden'd than the lab 'ring man, Or he who drew the nation's solvent plan ; Her surfeited heart despises reason's sight Contemning loud the peasant appetite : To ev'ning she has changed the mid-day meal, And prudent here ; by candlelight the reel Of stagg'ring men enclosed rooms conceal. For foreign drinks above all else she seeks, And through a drunkard to a lover speaks. The princely Arno to his feast invites, A man in orders, whom his soul delights To banter for amusement 'twixt each course, When jesty humour fails in higher source.

The little soul no ignominy knows, The rich man's cuffs he answers with low bows : Before the guest in humble suit such wait, Eschewing sneers of the vindictive great ; Proud of vain self, a thousand times more proud Of Arno's notice 'midst the feast-struck crowd,

BOOK I.

] 13 THE MONOPOLIST. He loudest shouts the wit of loftiest throne, Extolling virtue in the dullest drone, The first to scoff where indigence is known. As full-charg'd purple gilded cups pass round Marteel's close heart the wine unlocks, though bound In steel. Each soul convivially plies, And sympathy gush streaming at their eyes ; Most ardent they profess fair love to each, Above the kindred tie of brother's reach. Each teeming brain in airy revel glows, The injur'd mind discharges all its woes, His secrets e'en the man of sense disclose. Not bees intent do gather honey from Each sweetest flower, and presevering roam, Than miser's thoughts and haunts do ceaseless strain Their aching hearts and legs for golden gain ; All hours, on land, in storms, and on the main ; In crowds, in place, in war, in love, in hate, Amidst the living, dead, the small and great.

As constant rolls the mighty waters deep, So constant seek they wealth, awake, asleep. The miser's schemes glad wine has overcome, No longer now would they be troublesome ; The head they burden'd unobserv'd grew weak, In it arch spirits sit of boastful freak ; The dearest thoughts of gold, restrain'd at first, Come creeping out as wine augments the thirst : The wily tricks of artless men in trade Marteel is proud to set off on parade ; And thus — " On my establishment I sound The thoughtless youths, some have a hundred pounds, To these indulg'd, I lend a hundred more, In faded stock, the dregs of last year's store, A sealed bond secures in thirteen months, The total payment of the debt at once. [book 14 THE MONOPOLIST. I Young shewy men, whose doting parents give Nought else than money, carelessly will live, Like silly fish they're caught by treach'rous bait, Nor have they patience for safe skill to wait.

Splendid domains, and pleasures gayest joy, Acquaintance high their giddy heads employ. T' obtain a rapid fortune, madly they Begin, the pretty color'd bauble of a day : Nor reason know, nor prudence may assist, In fifteen months their names are in the list Of bankrupts. Thus my lagging stock is sold, But previous comes to me the youngster's gold. What if I had it not ? the publican, Tailor, or bawd, had introduced each man To the stern jailor ; roughly he would shew Such heads of happiness, sad scenes of woe. With me their money is productive spread, And they are sav'd a prison's gloomy dread, Derision too, — perchance the regions of the dead, My business house throughout the isle is known, For ready cash the surest mart in town ; Some operatives, when insolvent strain Their energies, and all resources drain, Out of a gaol awhile to live at large, Than freedom some their treasures would enlarge ; Buoy'd up by hope till they no longer may Their well-wrought goods from my fam'd house delay, Instant receiv'd, examined, the hard cash I pay.