A professional gentleman, who, during his pupilage, was recommended by a distinguished barrister to commit the following verses to memory, duly availed himself of that advantage, and obligingly communicates them.
For the Table Book.
CANONS OF DESCENT.
By an Apprentice of the Law.
Canon I.
Estates go to the issue (item)
Of him last seized in infinitum;
like cow-tails, downward, straight they tend,
But never, lineally, ascend:
Cannon II.
This gives that preference to males,
At which a lady justly rails.
Canon III.
Of two males, in the same degree,
The eldest, only, heir shall be:
With females we this order break,
And let them all together take.