And to tranquilize thy mind.
Soon after the publication of this, the overseers of the parish of Saint John’s, (in which parish Billy resided) had him conveyed to their Poor House, without the walls of Newcastle, where he was kept confined until the turbulence of his spirit was reduced.
Several persons have felt the power of Billy’s wit, which on some occasions has been very severe. Once, when a person of the name of —— (not one of the wisest beings of the world) came swaggering out of a tavern, while Bill was haranguing the mob at the door. “Stand out of the way!” cries this would-be great man, shaking his cane in the air, “Stand out of the way! I never give way to fools!” “But I do,” cries Billy, bowing, and instantly stept on the pavement: Mr —— felt the severity of this remark, and instantly made off, leaving the spectators of the transaction almost convulsed with laughter.
CANNY NEWCASSEL.
By T.T. of Newcastle.
’Bout Lunnun aw’d heard sec wonderful spokes,
That the streets were a’ cover’d wi’ guineas:
The houses se fine, sec grandees the folks,