They heard him, and began. All hurry-scurry, But presently they slackened from their hurry The surgeon, who had had his fill Of stench, and trembled for his bill, Saw day by day, with aggravated loathing, And helping one another to do nothing; Why," quoth the honest man, scratching his nob, The surgeon stormed and swore, but took the hint, And to his patients at the "Plough" dispenses, And will not answer for the consequences, 66 No, no," he mutters, "they shall be "Served as the painters treated me; "And, if my slowness they reproach, "I'll tell them they shall leave the place Two honest tradesmen, meeting in the Strand, Hark ye," said he, 'tis an odd story this "I dont know what it is," Replied his friend. "No! I'm surprised at that, Where I come from it is the common chat: R "But you shall hear an odd affair indeed! "A gentleman who lives not far from 'Change, 66 66 66 From whose, I pray?" So, having named the man, Straight to enquire, his curious comrade ran. 66 66 Sir, did you tell?" relating the affair. Yes, sir, I did; and, if 'tis worth your care "Twas Mr.-such an one-who told it me; "But by the bye, 'twas two black crows, not three!" Resolved to trace so wond'rous an event, Quick to the third the virtuoso went. 'Sir," and so forth. 66 Why yes; the thing is fact, "Though in regard to number not exact: 66 It was not two black crows, 'twas only one; "The truth of that you may depend upon; 66 The gentleman himself told me the case." Where may I find him ?" "Why, in"—such a place. Away he went, and having found him out, 66 Sir, be so good as to resolve a doubt." Then to his last informant he referred, And begged to know if true what he had heard : "Did you, sir, throw up a black crow?" Bless me! how people propagate a lie! Black crows have been thrown up, three, two, and one; And here, I find, all comes at last to none! Did you say nothing of a crow at all ?" Crow-crow-perhaps I might; now I recall The matter over." 66 And pray, sir, what was't?" Why I was horrid sick, and at the last I did throw up, and told my neighbour so, Something that was—as black, sir, as a crow." DR. BYROM. THE TINKER AND THE GLAZIER. SINCE gratitude, 'tis said, is not o'er common, And friendly acts are pretty near as few ; With high and low, with man, and eke with woman, One Glazier Dick, the other Tom the Tinker; And hard it were to name the sturdiest drinker. And as they swigg'd the nappy, They both agreed 'tis said, That trade was wondrous dead; They joked, sung, laughed, And were completely happy. Now Dick, the glazier, feels his bosom burn The kettle gaily singing on the fire, Gives Dick a hint just to his heart's desire; And while to draw more ale the landlord goes, Dick in the ashes all the water throws; Then puts the kettle on the fire again, As" trade's success!" he drinks; Nor doubts the wish'd success Tom will obtain. His friendship, too, display'd And drank 66 success to trade!" But O. how pleasure vanish'd from his eye, “Come, come," says Dick, "fetch us, my friend, more ale, "All trades, you know, must live ; ** Let's drink, ' may trade with none of us e'er fail,’ “The job to Tom, then give; And, for the ale he drinks, our lad of metal, - Take my word for it, soon will mend the kettle.” Thought Tom, to serve my friend I know a trick, But not a word he said, The plot was in his head, Swift to a neighbouring church his way he takes ; Nor in the dark, Misses his mark, But every pane of glass he quickly breaks. Back as he goes, His bosom glows To think how great will be his friend Dick's joy Return'd, he beckoning, draws his friend aside— And to Dick's ear his mouth applied, 66 Thus briefly states the case: "I've done your business most complete, my friend; Each window in the church you've got to mend"Ingratitude's worst curse my head befall, 66 If for your sake I have not broke them all." H Tom with surprise sêes Dick turn pale, And all his powers of utterance fail; You have, indeed, my business done! "And I, as well as you, must run; For let me act the best I can, "Tom, Tom, I am a ruin'd man. "Zounds! zounds! this piece of friendship costs me dear, 66 'I always mend church windows-by the year!" ANON. THE TOWN AND COUNTRY MICE. ONCE on a time (so runs the fable), He brought him bacon, nothing lean; And cried,—“ I vow you're mighty neat : 66 66 But, my dear friend, this savage scene! For Heaven's sake, come and live with men : Both small and great, both you and I; |