The day when I to market hied,

In search of one with sprats to sell—

Sprats in which childhood might confide.

I bought them, and the savoury fish

On yonder gridiron then were broiled

Experience is a bitter dish,

I had it then—the sprats were spoiled!

Punch’s Almanac, 1846.

——:o:——

WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE.