777. Some sailors, who had made a great deal of prize-money, once
determined on purchasing a horse for the use of the mess; accordingly,
one of them was pitched upon to buy the horse. As soon as this honest
tar got on shore, he went to a noted horse-dealer, who brought out a
very clever-looking horse for the sailor’s inspection, which he
particularly recommended to him, as being a nice, short-backed horse.
Ay, that may be, said the sailor, and that is the very reason he won’t
do, for there is seven of us.
778. The late Dr. Glover, well known for being one of the best
companions in the world, was returning from a tavern one morning early,
across Covent Garden, when a chairman cried out, A chair! your honour, a
chair! Glover took no notice, but called his dog, who was a good way
behind, Scrub, Scrub, Scrub! Och, indeed! says the chairman, there goes
a pair o’ ye! The facetious doctor gave his countryman half-a-crown for
the merry witticism.
779. A nabob, in a severe fit of the gout, told his physician that he
suffered the pains of the damned. The doctor coolly answered, What,
already!
780. A surgeon aboard a ship of war used to prescribe salt water for his
patients in all disorders. Having sailed one evening, on a party of
pleasure, he happened, by some mischance, to be drowned. The captain,
who had not heard of the disaster, asked one of the tars next day if he
had heard anything of the doctor. Yes, answered Jack, after a turn of
his quid, he was drowned last night in his medicine chest.
781. The celebrated Daniel Burgess, dining with a gentleman of his
congregation, a large Cheshire cheese, uncut, was brought to table.
Where shall I cut it? asked Daniel. Anywhere you please, Mr. Burgess,
answered the gentleman. Upon which Daniel handed it to the servant,
desiring him to carry it to his house, and he would cut it at home.
782. How does your new purchased horse answer? said the late Duke of
Cumberland to George Selwyn. I really don’t know, replied George, for I
never asked him a question.
783. A young fellow once came dancing, whistling, and singing into a
room where old Colley Cibber sat coughing and spitting; and, cutting a
caper, triumphantly exclaimed, There, you old put, what would you give
to be as young as I am? Why, young man, replied he, I would agree to be
almost as foolish.
784. A recruiting serjeant addressing an honest country bumpkin in one
of the streets in Manchester, with Come my lad, thou’lt fight for thy
king, won’t thou? Voight for my king, answered Hodge, why, has he fawn
out wi’ ony body?
785. After a battle lately between two celebrated pugilists, an Irishman
made his way to the chaise, where the one who had lost the battle had
been conveyed, and said to him, How are you, my good fellow? can you see
at all with the eye that’s knocked out?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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