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
Though, touching Comets, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Halley, Sir Isaac Newton,
and others of that stamp, do deny their malign influence on mundane
affairs, yet I, RIGDUM FUNNIDOS, holding in far greater reverence the
wisdom of our ancestors, and the sage opinion of my renowned defunct
predecessor, FRANCIS MOORE, do maintain, that they cast a sinister
aspect on this terrestrial globe; yea, and do mightily, in a most
adverse fashion, affect the same. Where-fore, I say, look, when the
_Great Comet_ cometh, for a sufficient reason, in the coming thereof,
for every thing which shall happen contrariwise; whether it be the
falling of kings, or the falling of stocks; the quarrels of nations, or
the squabbles of matrimony; the crash of empires, or the smash of
crockery; the tyranny of despots, or the scolding of wives:—yea, I do
say again, place them all to the account of the _Great Comet_.
* * * * *
Hereafter do follow sundry matters, both pleasant and profitable.
ADVERTISEMENT EXTRAORDINARY.
MATRIMONY.—A highly respectable Gentleman, who has, for many years,
distinguished himself as an important Public Functionary, is desirous of
_haltering_ his condition, and tying the _knot_ of wedlock with a Lady
of congenial sentiments. Having, himself, a very tender disposition, he
stipulates for the same on the part of the object of his attachment; and
as he is partial to _good spirits_, he hopes she will always have a
stock. She must be duly impressed with a regard for the dignity of her
husband's station, and must never associate with her inferiors, and
whatever _pledges_ she makes, she must be careful to _redeem_. The
Advertiser is not very particular as to personal attractions; and with
regard to money, he has seen so many people in a state of _dependence_,
that he merely trusts she will come provided against such an unpleasant
contingency. On these conditions, which are the _gaol_ of his wishes, he
will give the fair object of his affections her _full swing_, and be
perfectly _resigned to his fate_. He anxiously looks for a _line_,
addressed "JOHN KETCH, Esq., opposite the Debtors' Door, Old Bailey."
N.B. The _Schoolmaster in Newgate_, who drew up the above advertisement,
for his respected friend, Mr. Ketch, takes this opportunity of
contradicting a report, which has been current for some time past,—that
the Schoolmaster is _abroad_, which is quite _foreign_ from the fact.
Arrangements were certainly made to that effect, which, had they been
carried into execution, he would have been quite _transported_; but he
regrets to state, that he is under the necessity of remaining at his old
abode, the large stone house in the Old Bailey.
[Illustration:
FEBRUARY.
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