SHAKSPEARE.
THE REFORM BILL.
(For the Mirror.)
The debate relating to the Reform Bill lasted seven nights. There are many curious circumstances attached to the number seven—viz. the seven golden candlesticks, the seven wise men of the east, the seven colours, the seven sounds, the seven stars, the seven wonders of the world. Ancient Rome was built upon seven hills, &c. The gift of prophecy and the power of healing is attributed to the seventh son of a seventh son. When the several members rose late, or rather early in the morning on the seventh night's debate on the Reform Bill, the House caught the idea of Macbeth, and exclaimed, "Another yet! a seventh! I'll see no more'!"—and the House of Russell dispersed the House of Commons.
P.T.W.
EPITAPH.
The following lines were written by my father, on the death of his first child, who died in infancy:—W.H.H.
Nipt in the bud, the father's hope here sleeps,