Note 453 — NOTES ON ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL. PART II. (continued 2)

In Villiers Duke of Buckingham's works, Vol. II., is a little squib, called "The Battle," in which Feversham is introduced, giving, in broken English, a very ludicrous account of his campaign. It is in dialogue, and concludes thus:

Lord. I suppose, my lord, that your lordship was posted in a very strong place?

General. O begarra, very strong, vid de great river between me and de rebella, calla de Brooka de Gutter.

Lady. But they say, my lord, there was no water in that brook of the gutter?

General. Begar, madama, but dat no be my faulta; begar me no hinder de water from coma; if no will rain, begar me no can make de rain.

Lady. But did you not go to some other place?

General. O pardon me, madama, you no understand de ting.

Lord. And so your lordship, it seems, encamped with your horse and foot?

General. Ay vid de foota, no vid de horsa; begar me go vid de horsa on de gentlemen-officera, to one very good villash, where begar, be very good quartera, very good meta, very good drinka, and very good bedda.

Lady. But pray, my lord, why did you not stay with the foot?

General. Begarra, madama, because dire be great differentia between de gentlemen-officera and de rogua de sogiera; begarra de rogua de sogiera lye upon the grounda; but begar de gentlemen-officera go to bedda.