The "Forlorn Hope" (Vol. viii., p. 411.).—This is no quotation; but the expression arose in the army from its leader or captain, who, being often a disappointed man, or one indifferent to consequences, now ran the "forlorn hope" either of ending his days or obtaining a tomb in Westminster Abbey. From the captain, after a time, the term descended to all the little gallant band. In no part of our community will you find such
meaning expressions (often very slang ones) used as in the army. A lady, without hearing anything to shock "ears polite," might listen to the talk of a mess table, and be unable to understand clearly in what the conversation consisted. "He is gone to the bad"—meaning, he is ruined. "A wigging from the office" (a very favourite expression)—a reprimand from the colonel. "Wigging" naturally arising from tearing the hair in anger or sorrow, and the office of course substituting the place from whence it comes for the person who sent it. Besides may others, quæ nunc, &c.
A Dragoon.
Nightingale and Thorn (Vol. iv., p. 175., &c.).—
"If I had but a pottle of sack, like a sharp prickle,
To knock my nose against when I am nodding,
I should sing like a nightingale."—Fletcher, The Lover's Progress, Act III. Sc. 2.
W. J. Bernhard Smith.
Temple.
Burial in Unconsecrated Ground (Vol. vi., p. 448.; Vol. viii., p. 43.).—The following curious entry occurs in the parish register of Pimperne, Dorset: