Page:Brief relation of the adventures of Bamfylde Moore Carew (2).pdf/4

 4 grounds, whose owners, together with Colonel Nut- combe, to whom the deer belonged, came and com- plained to the schoolmaster of the injuries they had suffered by his scholars: they were very severely reprimanded, and hard threatened for the same. 'The resentment of the present reproof, and the fear of future chastisement, made them abscond from the school ; and going into a brick alehouse, about half a mile from Tiverton, there they accidentally fell in company with some gypsies, who were then feasting and carousing. This company consisted of seventeen, who were met on purpose for festivity and jollity; which, by plenty of meat, fowl, flowing cups of beer, cider, &c., they seemed to enjoy to their hearts' content. In short, the freedom, mirth, and pleasure that appeared among them, invited our youngsters to enlist into their company; which ou communicating to the gypsies, they would not believe them, as thinking they jested; but on tar- rying with them all night, and continuing in the same mind next morning, they at length thought them serious, and encouraged them; and, after going through the requisite ceremonials, and admin- istering to them the proper oath, they admitted them into their number. The reader will no doubt wonder to hear of the ceremonials and oaths among gypsies and beggars, but that will cease on being informed, that these people are subject to a form of government and laws peculiar to themselves, and pay due obedience to one who is styled their king; to which honour Carew in a short time arrived, after having by many acts proved himself worthy of it. The substance of them is this:-strong love and mutual regard for each member in particular, and the whole com. munity in general ; which being taught them in