There was an amusing police case at the Mansion House on September 21st, when an old woman was charged with having presented a poetical begging petition at a bank in Lombard Street. She was very poor, and the alderman gave her two shillings.
"Alderman Kelly: What can you do besides writing poetry?
"Defendant: Besides writing poetry! Do you call that nothing? I can do more. I can teach people to write poetry.
"Alderman Kelly: Well, whatever you do, you must not annoy people of business. If you are in necessity, you have a claim upon your parish, whatever people may say to you, and I advise you to act accordingly.
"Defendant:
When beggars apply for parochial relief,
The welcome they meet is, 'You rascally thief,
Why don't you go work, or beg, borrow, or steal,
Of those who are able to pay for your meal?
Only pass by the parish; the devil may care
If you feed with a bishop, or feed with a bear.'
"Alderman Kelly: You had better give me back those two shillings for some more deserving person.
"Defendant: I'd willingly do so, but that I think people would never forgive me for being such a fool (laughter).
"Mr. Hobler (chief clerk): I'd have you try the Press, now that the stamp is reduced. I've known some people paid for worse stuff at the enormous rate of a penny a line.
"Defendant: God bless you, Mr. Hobler, you always give me good advice, as well as something to keep the wolf from the door.