Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-08-25
THE FRoLICSoME DUKE.

|
THE FROLICSOME DUKE.
The late Duke of Montague was re-
markable for achievements Of wit and
humor. which he conducted with dex.
terity and address peculiar to himself. In
one Of his rambles he observed that mid
dle-aged man, in something like mill
tary dress, of which the lace was much
furnished and the cloth worn thread
bare, appeared at certain hour in the
Park, walking to and fro in the mall with
kind of mournful solemnity, orrumin-
ating by himself on one of the benches,
without taking any more notice Of the
gay crowd that was moving about hin,
than Of so many emmets Gu an ant-hih
or atoms dancing in the sun. Y
This man, the Duke singled out as a
fit object for frolic. He began, there /
fore, by making some inquiry concern
ing him, and soon learned that he was
an unfortunate, poor creature, who, bav-
ing laid out his whole stock of moGey In
the purchase of commission, fad be-
haVed with great bravery in the war, IN
hopes ofpreferment; but upon the con-
clusion of peace had been reduced to
starVe upon halfpay. This the Duke
thought favourable circumstance for
his purpose; but he learned upon fur
ther inquiry, that the captain, having a
wife and several children, had been re-
duced 10 the necessity of sending them
down to \ orkshire, whittier he constant
ly RENTED them one moiety of bis half.
pay, which would not subsist them near
er the metropolis, and reserved the 9TH
er mbiety to keep himselfupon the spot,
where alone he could look foran oppor-
tunity of obtaining more advantageous
situation. These particulars afforded
new scope for the Dukes genius, and
he Immediately began his operations.
After some time, when every thing
had been prepared, he watched an OPP
poriunity, as the captain was sitting a.
lone, buried in his speculalions, on
bench, TO send his gentleman to him
with bis compliments, and an invitation
to dinner the next day. The Duke hav-
ing placed himself at a. considerable dis
lance, saw his messenger approach with
out being perceived, and begin to speak
without being heard he saw his intend
ed guest start at length from his rever-
lie, like man frighted out of dream,
and gaze with foolish look of wonder
andperplexity at the person who accost-
ed him, without seeming to comprehend
what he said, or believe his senses, when
it was repeated till he did. In short, he
saw with infinite satisfaction all that
could be expected in the looks, behav-
Jour, and attitude of a man, addressed in
so abrupt and unaccountable manner
and as the sport depended upon the
mans sensibiIity, he discovered so much
of that quality in striking the first stroke,
that he promised himself success beyond
his former hopes. He was told, how
ever, that the captain returned thanks
for the honour intended him, and would
wait on his Grace at the time appointed.
When he came the Duke received
him with particular marks of civiIity,
and taking him aside with an air cfgreat
secrecy and Importance, told him that
he had desired the favor of. his compa-
ny to dine, chiefly on account of lady,
.who had long had particular regard
for him, and had expressed great de.
sire 10 be ia his company, which her sit
uation, made it impossible for her to &C.
J complish without the assistance Of a
friend; that having learned these par
ticulars by accident, he had taken the
liberty Of bringing them together; and
added that he thought such an act of CT
Witty, whatever might be the opinion Of
the world, could be no imputation upon
his honor. During this discourse the
Duke enjoyed the profound astonish-
ment and various changes of confusion
that appeared in the captains face, whe,
, after he had little recovered himself,
began speech with great solemnity, 10
: which the Duke perceived he was La
J bouring TO insinuate, in the best manner,
! that he doubted whether be was not inn
, posed upon, and whether he ought not
} to resent it. and therefore to PUTIN
r TO end his difficulties at once, the Duke