Charles Dickens

“ And when he was knocked down (which happened upon the average every third round) , it was the most invigorating sight that can possibly be imagined, to behold him gather up his hat, gloves, and handkerchief, with a glowing countenance, and resume his station in the rank, with an ardour and enthusiasm that nothing Could abate.
The sport was at its height, the sliding was at the quickest, the laughter was at the loudest, when a sharp smart crack was heard. ”

“ Pickwick, and then Sam, and then Mr. Winkle, and then Mr. Bob Sawyer, and then the fat boy, and then Mr. Snodgrass, following closely upon each other’s heels, and running after each other with as much eagerness as if their future prospects in life depended on their expedition. ”

“ Pickwick!’ cried all the ladies.
‘I should be very happy to afford you any amusement,’ replied Mr. Pickwick, ‘but I haven’t done such a thing these thirty years.’
‘Pooh! pooh! Nonsense!’ said Wardle, dragging off his skates with the impetuosity which characterised all his proceedings. ‘Here; I’ll keep you company; come along!’ And away went the good–tempered old fellow down the slide, with a rapidity which came very close upon Mr. Weller, and beat the fat boy all to nothing.
Mr. Pickwick paused, considered, pulled off his gloves and put them in his hat ”

“ Winkle. With an accuracy which no degree of dexterity or practice could have insured, that unfortunate gentleman bore swiftly down into the centre of the reel, at the very moment when Mr. Bob Sawyer was performing a flourish of unparalleled beauty. Mr. Winkle struck wildly against him, and with a loud crash they both fell heavily down. Mr. Pickwick ran to the spot. Bob Sawyer had risen to his feet, but Mr. Winkle was far too wise to do anything of the kind, in skates. He was seated on the ice, making spasmodic efforts to smile ”

“ Allen. ‘We’re clubbing for a subject, and the list is nearly full, only we can’t get hold of any fellow that wants a head. I wish you’d take it.’
‘No,’ replied ‘Bob Sawyer; ‘can’t afford expensive luxuries.’
‘Nonsense!’ said Allen.
‘Can’t, indeed,’ rejoined Bob Sawyer, ‘I wouldn’t mind a brain, but I couldn’t stand a whole head.’ ‘Hush, hush, gentlemen, pray,’ said Mr. Pickwick, ‘I hear the ladies.’
As Mr. Pickwick spoke, the ladies, gallantly escorted by Messrs. Snodgrass, Winkle, and Tupman, returned from an early walk. ”

“ Weller’s bore reference to a demonstration Mr. Winkle made at the instant, of a frantic desire to throw his feet in the air, and dash the back of his head on the ice.
‘These—these—are very awkward skates; ain’t they, Sam?’ inquired Mr. Winkle, staggering.
‘I’m afeerd there’s a orkard gen’l’m’n in ’em, Sir,’ replied Sam.
‘Now, Winkle,’ cried Mr. Pickwick, quite unconscious that there was anything the matter. ‘Come; the ladies are all anxiety.’
‘Yes, yes,’ replied Mr. Winkle, with a ghastly smile. ‘I’m coming.’
‘Just a–goin’ to begin,’ said Sam, endeavouring to disengage himself. ”

“ Pickwick was at length fairly extricated from his unpleasant position, and once more stood on dry land.
‘Oh, he’ll catch his death of cold,’ said Emily.
‘Dear old thing!’ said Arabella. ‘Let me wrap this shawl round you, Mr. Pickwick.’
‘Ah, that’s the best thing you can do,’ said Wardle; ‘and when you’ve got it on, run home as fast as your legs can carry you, and jump into bed directly.’ A dozen shawls were offered on the instant. Three or four of the thickest having been selected, Mr. ”