DLXXXV.—SEEING A CORONATION.
A sad mistake was once made at court by the beautiful and celebrated Duchess of Hamilton. Shortly before the death of George II., and whilst he was greatly indisposed, Miss Gunning, upon becoming Duchess of Hamilton, was presented to his majesty. The king, who was particularly pleased with the natural elegance and artlessness of her manner, indulged in a long conversation with her grace. In the course of this tête-à-tête the duchess said, with great animation, "I have seen everything! There is only one thing in this world I wish to see, and I do long so much to see that!" The curiosity of the monarch was so greatly excited to know what this wonderful thing could be, that he eagerly asked her what it was. "A coronation," replied the thoughtless duchess; nor was she at all conscious of the mistake she had made, till the king took her hand with a sigh, and with a melancholy expression replied, "I apprehend you have not long to wait; you will soon have your wish." Her grace was overwhelmed with confusion.
DLXXXVI.—HOOK'S POLITENESS.
Hook was once observed, during dinner, nodding like a Chinese mandarin in a tea-shop. On being asked the reason, he replied, "Why when no one else asks me to take champagne, I take sherry with the épergne, and bow to the flowers."
DLXXXVII.—ON NAPOLEON'S STATUE AT Boulogne TURNED, BY DESIGN OR ACCIDENT, WITH ITS BACK TO ENGLAND.
Upon its lofty column's stand
Napoleon takes his place:
His back still turned upon that land
That never saw his face.
DLXXXVIII.—OLD TIMES.
A gentleman in company with Foote, took up a newspaper, saying, "He wanted to see what the ministry were about." Foote, with a smile, replied, "Look among the robberies."
DLXXXIX.—AN ARCADIAN.
A lazy fellow lying down on the grass said, "O, how I do wish that this was called work, and well paid!"