An idle man of wit and pleasure, who little thought that his buffoonery would ever be cited to illustrate the history of his times, complained that, in this year, wine ceased to be put on many hospitable tables where he had been accustomed to see it, and that its place was supplied by punch.

[325] A symptom of public distress much more alarming than the substitution of brandy and lemons for claret was the increase of crime.

During the autumn of 1692 and the following winter, the capital was kept in constant terror by housebreakers.

One gang, thirteen strong, entered the mansion of the Duke of Ormond in Saint James's Square, and all but succeeded in carrying off his magnificent plate and jewels.

Another gang made an attempt on Lambeth Palace.