It is truly delightful to a philanthropic mind to see these gallant men staggering along under the influence of an overflow both of animal and ardent spirits; more especially when we remember that the following them about, and jesting with them, affords a cheap and innocent amusement for the boy population.

Nothing,' adds Mr.
Pickwick, 'can exceed their good-humour.

It was but the day before my arrival that one of them had been most grossly insulted in the house of a publican.

The barmaid had positively refused to draw him any more liquor; in return for which he had (merely in playfulness) drawn his bayonet, and wounded the girl in the shoulder.

And yet this fine fellow was the very first to go down to the house next morning and express his readiness to overlook the matter, and forget what had occurred! 'The consumption of tobacco in these towns,' continues Mr.Pickwick, 'must be very great, and the smell which pervades the streets must be exceedingly delicious to those who are extremely fond of smoking.