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Beau Nash at Tunbridge Wells
orders, that he drank deep, fell asleep, and awoke to find himself at sea. He asserted that, while he was on board, the ship engaged in action, that a friend was killed at his side, and that he himself was wounded in the leg. Nash, years later, was telling this story to some ladies at Bath, when the Duchess of Marlborough expressed her conviction that the wound must be in the back, for she was sure he had too much modesty to look his enemies in the face. The Master of the Ceremonies particularly disliked any doubt to be cast on his yarns, and he effectually silenced her Grace. " I protest, Madam, it is true," he said; " and if it cannot be believed without further information, you may, if you please, feel the ball in my leg." There is nothing inherently improbable in the incident, but it would be a bold man who would believe any of Nash's yarns. He was, indeed, given, especially as he grew old, to drawing the long bow, and on one occasion a naval captain clearly showed his disbelief in the tale that the Beau had just unfolded. " And so you won't believe this ? " said the great man angrily. " Why, yes, I will, Nash, t© oblige you," said the seaman; "but I would not believe such
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