the markets in the way of food was bought at the highest prices by workmen or their wives; and although the champagne was not perhaps so very freely indulged in, nor so pure as might be wished, yet, that the working men indulged themselves in more drink than was good for their stomachs, and in more expensive drinks than was good for their purses, no man can doubt.

If this increase of luxury is observable in the lower classes, how much more easily can it be discerned in the middle classes. Take for instance the pleasures of the table. I do not speak of great entertainments or life in palaces or great houses, which do not so much vary from one age to another, but of the ordinary life of people like ourselves. Spenser says:—

CONTENTS

“The antique world excess and pryde did hate, Such proud luxurious pomp is swollen up of late.”

How many more dishes and how many more wines do p. 38we put on the table than our ancestors afforded. Pope writes of Balaam’s housekeeping:—

p. 38

CONTENTS

“A single dish the week day meal affords, An added pudding solemnized the Lord’s.”

Then when he became rich:—

CONTENTS

“Live like yourself was soon my lady’s word, And lo, two puddings smoked upon the board!”

Then his description of his own table is worth noting:—

CONTENTS

“Content with little, I can manage here On brocoli and mutton round the year, ’Tis true no turbots dignify my boards, But gudgeons, flounders, what my Thames affords.

To Hounslow Heath I point, and Banstead Down; Thence comes your mutton, and these chicks my own, From yon old walnut tree a show’r shall fall, And grapes, long lingering on my only wall, And figs from standard and espalier join— The deuce is in you if you cannot dine.”

Now, 

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