BY CHARLES KNIGHT. IN TWO VOLUMES. •,, VOL. II. SHAKSPERE: Lucrece, “The old bees die, the young possess their hive." ONCE UPON A TIME. THE FIRST NEWSPAPER STAMP. It is the evening of Monday, the 28th of July, in the year of 1712. Two middle-aged men come out of Will's Coffee-House, and slowly walk through the close lanes that lead to the heart of the City. The one has a brisk and alert step, with an air of frank hilarity in his face, which is somewhat lighted up in the evening sun by the magnum of generous claret which he has been sharing with his friend. The other moves a little unsteadily, with a hesitating step, which is not improved by the wine he has taken; but a placid smile plays on his features, and, in connection with the dignified repose of his whole manner, gives assurance of the gentleman. As they pass along they encounter a bevy of newsvenders, known as hawkers or Mercuries, who are bawling at the top of their lungs, "Here you have the last number of the Observator-the last number -no other number will ever be published, on account of the stamp." "Here you have the Flying Post, which will go on in spite of the stamp." "Here you have the Spectator, this day's Spectator, all writ by the greatest wits of the age." The more hilarious of VOL. II. B |