MCDXXXVI.—A GOOD REASON FOR A BAD CAUSE.
An eminent counsellor asked another why he so often undertook bad causes. "Sir," answered the lawyer, "I have lost so many good ones, that I am quite at a loss which to take."
MCDXXXVII.—SELF-APPLAUSE.
Some persons can neither stir hand nor foot without making it clear they are thinking of themselves, and laying little traps for approbation.—S.S.
MCDXXXVIII.—A WOODEN JOKE.
Burke said of Lord Thurlow, "He was a sturdy oak at Westminster, and a willow at St James's."
MCDXXXIX.—AN OLD ADAGE REFUTED.
A scholar having fallen into the hands of robbers was fastened to a tree, and left so nearly a whole day, till one came and unloosed him. "Now," says he, "the old adage must be false, which saith that the tide tarrieth for no man."
MCDXL.—THEATRICAL PURGATIONS.
A dramatic author once observed that he knew nothing so terrible as reading his piece before a critical audience. "I know but one more terrible," said Compton, the actor, "to be obliged to sit and hear it."