MDCX.—A WIDE-AWAKE MINISTER.
Lord North's good humor and readiness were of admirable service to him when the invectives of his opponents would have discomforted a graver minister. He frequently indulged in a real or seeming slumber. On one occasion, an opposition debater, supposing him to be napping, exclaimed, "Even now, in these perils, the noble lord is asleep!"—"I wish I was," suddenly interposed the weary minister.
MDCXI.—ON CARDINAL WOLSEY.
Begot by butchers, but by bishops bred,
How high his honor holds his haughty head!
MDCXII.—NOT FINDING HIMSELF.
"How do you find yourself to-day," said an old friend to Jack Reeve, as he met him going in dinner costume to the city. "Thank you," he replied, "the Lord Mayor finds me to-day."
MDCXIII.—A WITTY PROPOSITION.
Sheridan, being on a parliamentary committee, one day entered the room as all the members were seated and ready to commence business. Perceiving no empty seat, he bowed, and looking round the table with a droll expression of countenance, said: "Will any gentleman move that I may take the chair?"
MDCXIV.—A WARM MAN.
A man with a scolding wife, being asked what his occupation was, replied that he kept a hot-house.