most of his opportunities on shore; he is surrounded by the delights
which constitute the sailor's elysium; punch and grog galore, a brace
of fiddlers, and a bevy of beauties, florid Pollies of Portsmouth,
towards whom he is making tipsy demonstrations of affection. In those
days, when prize-money fell in golden showers, the valiant sea-dogs
who defended our shores, and made John Bull's name redoubtable on
the ocean, were able to command, in their short intervals on shore,
luxuries after their own hearts, for which, after the dangers and
hardships of active service, they threw away their 'yellow boys' with
the recklessness which characterised their habits, and proved a rich
harvest to the plunderers who were on the watch for seamen just 'paid
off.'