lady of the mansion, extols his host's taste and good fellowship at table, tells a smutty story to amuse the _bon vivants_ in their cups, or recites a nursery rhyme to send the children quietly to bed; and in this manner Crony manages to come in for a good dinner every day of his life. Call on him for a song, and he'll give you, what he calls, a free translation of a Latin ode, by old Walter de Mapes, Archdeacon of Oxford in the eleventh century, a true _gourmands_ prayer-- 1 Mihi est propositum in taberna mon.' I'll try and hum you Crony's English version of the CANTILENA. 'I'll in a tavern end my days, midst boon companions merry, Place at my lips a lusty flask replete with sparkling sherry, That angels, hov'ring round, may cry, when I lie dead as door-nail, 'Rise, genial deacon, rise, and drink of the well of life eternal.' ***** ~216~~ 'Various implements belong to ev'ry occupation; Give me an haunch of venison--and a fig for inspiration! Verses and odes without good cheer, I never could indite 'em; Sure he who meagre, days devised is d-----d ad infinitum! ***** 'Mysteries and prophetic truths, I never could unfold 'em Without a flagon of good wine and a slice of cold ham; But when I've drained my liquor out, and eat what's in the dish up, Though I am but an arch-deacon, I can preach like an arch- bishop.'" "A good orthodox ode," said Transit, "and admirably suited to the performer, who, after all, it must be allowed, is a very entertaining fellow, and well worthy of his dinner, from the additional amusement he affords. I remember meeting him in company with the late Lord Coleraine, the once celebrated Colonel George Hanger, when he related an anecdote of the humorist, which his lordship freely admitted to be founded on fact. As I have never seen it in print, or heard it related by any one since, you shall have it instanter: It is well known that our present laughter-loving monarch was, in earlier years, often surrounded, when in private, by a coruscation of wit and talent, which included not only the most distinguished persons in the state, but also some celebrated bon vivants and amateur vocalists, among whom the names of the Duke of Orleans, Earl of Derby, Charles James Fox, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the facetious poet laureat to the celebrated Beefsteak club, Tom Hewardine, Sir John Moore, Mr Brownlow, Captain Thompson, Bate Dudley, Captain Morris, and Colonel George Hanger, formed the most conspicuous characters at the princely anacreontic board. But 'Who would be grave--when wine can save The heaviest soul from thinking, And magic grapes give angel's shapes To every girl we're drinking!'