We have in our possession a "copy of verses," coming down to our own time. It is a folio broadside, and contains in addition to a portrait of the Bellman of the Parish and his dog on their rounds, fifteen smaller cuts, mostly Scriptural. It is entitled:-- [Illustration: A COPY OF VERSES FOR 1839, HUMBLY PRESENTED TO ALL MY WORTHY MASTERS AND MISTRESSES, OF THE PARISH OF SAINT JAMES, WESTMINSTER, By Richard Mugeridge, 20, Marshall Street, Golden Square.] The "Verses" all contain allusions to the prominent events of the past year, and have various headings--first we have the:-- PROLOGUE. My Masters and Mistresses, pray lend an ear, While your Bellman recounts some events of the year; For altho' its commencement was rather distressing, We've had reason to thank it for more than one blessing, 'Tis true that Canadian proceedings were strange, And a very sad fire was the Royal Exchange; Yet the first, let us hope, is no serious matter, And we'll soon have a new one in lieu of the latter. Our rulers have grappled with one of our crosses, While for beauty and fitness the other no loss is. And still more to make up for these drawbacks vexatious, Dame Fortune has been on the whole, pretty gracious. We've had peace to get wealth, which of war is the sinews. Grant us wit to make hay while the sunshine continues. Then, the Bear of the North, that insatiate beast, Has been check'd in his wily attempts on the East; And his further insidious advances forbidden By the broadsword of Auckland, which warns him from Eden. While our rulers, in earnest, apply to the work, And a treaty concludes with the Austrian and Turk, Which, when next the fell Monster is tempted to roam, May provide him some pleasant employment at home. TO THE QUEEN. Whilst the high and the noble in gallant array, Assemble around her, their homage to pay; While the proud Peers of Britain with rapture, I ween, Place her crown on the brow of their peerless young Queen; While by prince and by peasant her sceptre is blest; Why may not the Bellman chime in with the rest? Tho' alas! my poor muse would long labour in vain, To express our delight in Victoria's reign, Long may we exult in her merciful sway, May her moments speed blithely and sweetly as May, And her days be prolonged till her glories efface The last maiden lady's, who sate in her place. THE GREAT WESTERN.