The Comic Almanack, Volume 1: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Comic Almanack, Volume 1: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities
David Hume · en
Mr. Serjeant Talfourd will read a paper on the wrongs of authors, and
instance many affecting cases in which, after having been allowed to
live in splendour for a few years, they have been so reduced, by the
illiberality of the trade and the ingratitude of the public, as to
actually want a bottle of Champagne. He will illustrate the state of
civil degradation to which they are reduced by the fact that at one of
his literary dinners, a gentleman who had laboured in the Grub Street
line all his life, actually did not know the names of some of the dishes
set before him. Mr. Babbage will follow, with calculations produced by
his machine, proving that every book is profitable, and that booksellers
have neither rent, taxes, stock, nor bad debts to trouble them. He will
allude to the fact of a West-end publisher having lately retired with a
competence, and will suggest the propriety of a special meeting to
inquire into the circumstances of such an atrocity. He will be supported
by Captain Ross, who, however, will _not_ state that author-ship is the
worst vessel in which he ever put to sea.
Professor Fang, of Manchester, will present an interesting series of
tests for ascertaining the existence of the vital principle in Factory
children after they drop; and will suggest various novel stimulants when
the billy roller has ceased to be effective. He will point out the evil
of legislating on the subject of their ages, of which he will show the
impossibility of obtaining the requisite proofs, arising from that
beautiful economy of nature which bestows nothing in vain, and,
therefore, withholds from them the usual supply of teeth, seeing that
they have no time to use them.
Dr. Doubledose will communicate some interesting discoveries in the
science of taw-tology, illustrated with real marbles. All the town's
boys will be allowed to stand at this sitting.
Many other elaborate papers will be read to the various sections; but,
as they will generally be about nothing, it is considered that they need
trouble nobody.
Mrs. Williams, of the Old Bailey, will attend, for the accommodation of
the visitors, with a copious supply of pewter plates, two-pronged forks,
and handsome waiting maids; and a constant succession of buttocks and
flanks, hot and hot, will be received by every train from Euston Square.
The inhabitants of the town are determined to shew their hospitality to
the illustrious strangers they expect, and all the bachelors of arts and
unmarried professors will be warmly welcomed at the houses of the single
ladies.
[Illustration]
1839.] AUGUST.
1. Abolition of Negro Slavery, 1834; of Negro Apprenticeship, 1838.
[Illustration:
St. Swithin at his post.
]
CHESS.—"BLACK MOVES AND WINS."
Dozing in his easy chair,
Round his nose mosquitoes flitting,
Sweltering in the sunny air,
Was Nine-tail Joe of Kingston sitting.