236. Derivation of Prog.
—In Vol. iv., p. 175., Pirog is stated to be the Russian custom of the mistress of a family distributing on certain occasions bread or cake to her guests.
Query, Is this the origin of our slang word prog, meaning provisions?
J. SS.
237. Metrical History of England.
—I am nearly an octogenarian, consequently I ought to have something better, and humbly hope I have something better, to employ my thoughts than relics of old ditties and forgotten rhymes. Still the recurring questions of numerous grandchildren compel one to resort to long forgotten lore, and to request those whose memory still survives to compensate for the deficiencies of my own. I am particularly anxious to recover my lapsis in the following metrical, yet logical, history of England, which I have long ago forgotten:
"William and William, and Henry and Stephen,
And Henry the Second, to make the First even."
If either MR. HALLIWELL, or DR. RIMBAULT, will favour me, they will confer a great obligation, and add much to the hilarity of my ensuing Christmas table.
MÆRIS.