To wonder now at Balaam's ass were weak;
Is there a night that asses do not speak?
MCXIV.—VALUE OF NOTHING.
Porson one day sent his gyp with a note to a certain Cantab, requesting him to find the value of nothing. Next day he met his friend walking, and stopping him, desired to know, "Whether he had succeeded?" His friend answered, "Yes!"—"And what may it be?" asked Porson. "Sixpence!" replied the Cantab, "which I gave the man for bringing the note."
MCXV.—THE RIGHT ORGAN.
Spurzheim was lecturing on phrenology. "What is to be conceived the organ of drunkenness?" said the professor. "The barrel-organ," interrupted an auditor.
MCXVI.—MIND YOUR POINTS.
A writer, in describing the last scene of "Othello," had this exquisite passage: "Upon which the Moor, seizing a bolster full of rage and jealousy, smothers her."
MCXVII.—REASONS FOR DRINKING.
Dr. Aldrich, of convivial memory, said there were five reasons for drinking:—
"Good wine, a friend, or being dry,
Or lest you should be by and by,
Or any other reason why."