When Delphini first came to England, his company was much sought after by the great; he was invited to the most fashionable parties in town; this greatly impaired his health; he therefore resolved to lead a more retired life; but invitation upon invitation pouring in upon him, and he not speaking English very well, asked a friend, “Vat he say, ven de people ax him come tea and sup?” “Say? why say you have got other fish to fry.” In a day or two after this he was met in the street by Lord C——, who told him he was going to have a party that evening, and would be glad if he would favour him with his company. “No,” replied Delphini, “I no come.” “No! why not?” said his lordship. “Cause I go fry my oder fish.”
The same, when he was discharged from Covent Garden, was met one day by his present majesty, then Prince of Wales, who inquired after his health. “My health very bad, Mr. Prince, I get no vine now.” “No wine! that’s bad indeed,” said the Prince; “well, go to my cellarman, and tell him to send you some.” “Yes, I go; God bless you, Mr. Prince.” He accordingly went to the cellarman, and having informed him of the Prince’s orders, he was asked how much he would have, and what sort. He replied, “Only twelve dozen, and all sort.”
A CHEMIST’S DIFFICULTY.
A lady, when asked in marriage by a certain chemist, said, “that she had no dislike for him, only she thought that his head was composed of too volatile particles.”
A MAN OF LETTERS.
In a certain literary society where the question was, whether the merchant or the man of letters was of the greatest use to society, one of the members asked if by the man of letters was meant a postman?
GOOD LORD, DELIVER US.
“They say you’re now become a laird,” said Dr. A. to Dr. B., an eminent accoucheur, as he met him on the street and shook him by the hand. “What would they say,” replied the other, “were I to become a lord?” “They would undoubtedly say, Good lord, deliver us,” answered the other.
LEARNING LATIN.
A boy when asked if he understood Latin, replied that he did not know, as he had never tried.