Dominico, the harlequin, going to see Louis XIV. at supper, which was served in gold, fixed his eyes on a dish of partridges. The king, of whom he was a favourite, said, "Give that dish to Dominico." "And the partridges too, Sire?" said the actor. The king repeated, smiling, "And the partridges too."
IF THE CAP FITS.
The following advertisement was some years ago posted up at North Shields:
"Whereas several idle and disorderly persons have lately made a practice of riding on an ass belonging to Mr. ——, the head of the Ropery stairs; now, lest any accident should happen, he takes this method of informing the public, that he has determined to shoot his said ass, and cautions any person who may be riding on it at the time, to take care of himself, lest by some unfortunate mistake he should shoot the wrong one."
A PRIVILEGED PLACE.
A beau highwayman and a miserable chimney sweeper were to be hanged together at Newgate for their respective deserts. When the ordinary was exhorting them, previously to the execution, the latter brushed rather rudely against the former, to hear what the parson was saying. "You black rascal!" said the highwayman, "what do you mean by pressing on me so?" Poor sweep, whimpering, said, "I am sure I have as good a right here as you have."
ADVANTAGE OF SPECTACLES.
Dr. Franklin always wore spectacles. One day, on Ludgate hill, a porter passing him was nearly pushed off the pavement by an unintentional motion of the doctor. The fellow, with characteristic insolence, exclaimed, "Damn your spectacles!" Franklin, smiling, observed, "It is not the first time they have saved my eyes."
A RARE BIT.
The following extract from the inimitable "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table," is a fair specimen of the author's genius for humor: