into the maw of those who have become wealthy on Government sinecures, or by gambling in the public stocks; and the sight so arouses his indignation that he cannot contain his wrath, but pours it out, hot and scalding, on those who he believes are robbing and destroying his poor countrymen!
Towards noon he approaches where a market is being held. A perfect specimen of an old-fashioned English farmer in his dress, manners, and language, he is hail-fellow-well-met with all in the market-place. He talks with every one, and at last, when the farmers are all turning into the inn, he goes with them too, and dines at their table. Dinner over, some one proposes his health; this gives him an opportunity of making a speech on the miseries of the country, the folly of the Government, and the burden of the "Dead Weight," as he calls the National Debt; and he rarely concludes without having a fling at Jews, Quakers, Unitarians, Parsons, and Stockjobbers—classes of men to whom he specially objects.
On other occasions when the company is very numerous, his appearance is sure to be the cause of disturbance, for he has made himself many enemies by his strong language.
Some one will rise and read a paragraph from the Register, in which its Editor appears to exult over the ruin of the farmers. There is a great hubbub, and another opponent moves that Mr Cobbett be put out of the room. He rises that they may all see the man they have to put out. His robust figure and obstinate, rosy-cheeked, imperturbable face make them think it prudent to give up the project; so, instead, the opposition demonstrate their antipathy by a general stampede to the door. But Cobbett has begun to speak, and ready as they were a moment ago to expel him, they have an Englishman's love of a good speech, well seasoned with personalities; and the whole body of dissentients turn back and crowd about the -doorway, just to hear what "the mountebank" has to say for himself. His case is clear; the person who read from the Register only gave portions of the article, and in this way a man may be made to say anything.
All these things—his enjoyment of the country, his agricultural notes, his political and social reflections, his evening speeches, and
