MXXIX.—EPIGRAM.
(On Alderman Wood's being afraid to pledge himself even to the principles he has always professed.)
Sure in the House he'll do but little good
Who lets "I dare not, wait upon I Wood (I would)."
MXXX.—WILKES'S READY REPLY.
Luttrel and Wilkes were standing on the Brentford hustings, when Wilkes asked his adversary, privately, whether he thought there were more fools or rogues among the multitude of Wilkites spread out before them. "I'll tell them what you say, and put an end to you," said the Colonel. But, perceiving the threat gave Wilkes no alarm, he added, "Surely you don't mean to say you could stand here one hour after I did so?"—"Why (the answer was), you would not be alive one instant after."—"How so?"—"I should merely say it was a fabrication, and they would destroy you in the twinkling of an eye!"
MXXXI.—TOO GRATEFUL.
After O'Connell had obtained the acquittal of a horse-stealer, the thief, in the ecstasy of his gratitude, cried out, "Och, counsellor, I've no way here to thank your honor; but I wish't I saw you knocked down in me own parish,—wouldn't I bring a faction to the rescue?"
MXXXII.—THE POETS TO CERTAIN CRITICS.
Say, why erroneous vent your spite?
Your censure, friends, will raise us;
If you do wish to damn us quite,
Only begin to praise us!