Salmagundi; or, The whim-whams and opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, esq. [pseud.] and others. By William Irving, James Kirke Paulding and Washington Irving. Printed from the original ed., with a preface and notes by Evert A. Duyckinck.

THE FAG-RAGS. 103
scarlet. Alexander himself could not have spurned the earth
more superbly. A host of ragged boys shout in his train, and
inflate the bosom of the warrior with tenfold self-complacency.
After he has rattled his kettle-drums through the town, and
swelled and swaggered like a turkey-cock before all the dingy
Floras, and Dianas, and Junoes, and Didoes of his acquaintance,
he repairs to his place of destination loaded with a rich booty of
smiles and approbation. Next comes the FAG-RAG, or captain,
at the head of his mighty band, consisting of one lieutenant, one
ensign, or mute, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer,
one fifer, and if he has any privates so much the better for himself. In marching to the regimental parade, he is sure to paddle through the street or lane which is honored with the residence of his mistress or intended, whom he resolutely lays under
a heavy contribution. Truly it is delectable to behold these
heroes, as they march, cast side glances at the upper windows;
to collect the smiles, the nods, and the winks, which the enraptured fair ones lavish profusely on the magnanimous defenders
of their country.
The Fag-rags having conducted their squads to their respective regiments, then comes the turn of the colonel, a bashaw with
no tails, for all eyes are now directed to him; and the fag-rags,
and the eunuchs, and the kettle-drummers, having had their hour
of notoriety, are confounded and lost in the military crowd.
The colonel sets his whole regiment in motion; and mounted on
a mettlesome charger, frisks and fidgets, and capers, and plunges
in front, to the great entertainment of the multitude, and the
great hazard of himself and his neighbors. Having displayed
himself, his trappings, his horse, and his horsemanship, he at
length arrives at the place of general rendezvous; blessed with
the universal admiration of his country women. I should per