Page:Manners and customs of ye Englyshe.djvu/78

MR. PIPS HIS DIARY. learn to play Cricket without loſing his front Teeth is a Wonder. The Spectators fitting on Benches in a Circle, at a Diſtance, and out of the Way of the Ball, which was wife; but ſome on a raiſed Stand, and others aſide at Tables, under a Row of Trees near a Tavern within the Grounds, with Pipes and Beer; and many in the Circle alſo Smoking and Drinking, and the Drawers continually going the Round of them to ſerve them Liquor and Tobacco. But all as quiet as a Quaker's Meeting, except when a good Hit made, or a Player bowled out, and ſtrange to ſee how grave and ſolemn they looked, as if the Sight of Men in white Clothes, knocking a Ball about, were Something ſerious to think on. Did hear that many had Wagers on the Game, but doubt it, for methinks there had been more Livelineſs if much Betting, and Chance of winning or loſing Money. The Company very numerous, and among them ſome in Carriages, and was glad to ſee ſo many People diverted, although at what I could not tell. But they enjoyed themſelves in their Way, whatever that was, and I in mine, thinking how droll they looked, ſo earneſtly attending to a mere Show of Dexterity. I, for my Part, ſoon out of Patience with the Length of the Innings, and the Stopping and Interruption after each Run, and ſo away, more tired, I am ſure, than any of the Cricketers. Yet I do take Pride, as an Engliſhman, in our Country Sport of Cricket, albeit I do not care to watch it playing; and certainly it is a manly Game, throwing open the Cheſt, and ſtrengthening the Limbs, and the Player ſo often in Danger of being hit by the Ball.