Page:Annals of horsemanship (1792).djvu/17

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

and feeling, I do not hesitate to foresee. From his answers to some of the following letters it appears, that Mr. Gambado was somewhat irritable, as in a postscript, page 7, he rather snubs his correspondent for asking his advice. It should likewise seem that he was at this time rather short of cash, for he appears to have given advice for a fee; and once, if I recollect, treats of bad shillings. This, indeed, might a little sour his natural disposition, which I have reason to believe, from his physiognomy, was placid and amiable. I am told he seldom rode himself; and the only time he went six miles on horseback, he wore a pair of Diaculum drawers. That such an author should be no rider may appear marvellous at first, but, on reflection, we must acknowledge that we daily find people speaking and writing on what they know nothing at all about. Herein Geoffrey exceeds all I ever heard of: for such a book of knowledge as his Academy for Grown Horsemen, never yet made an appearance in the world.