The Comic Almanack, Volume 2: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Comic Almanack, Volume 2: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities
David Hume · en
No league about them did declaim;
The only league, linked with their name,
Was that which oft their audience came.
We hope to see them back again,
Fresh flowers and _bonbons_ to obtain,
Those charming little rogues in grain.
And all the world will be there too,
The stage with fresh bouquets to strew,
And their "corn-rigs so bonnie" view.
THINGS TO BE BORNE IN MIND IN DECEMBER.
That you should this month keep "in the house," by which, unlike the
Andover paupers, you will escape _dripping_.
That managers rely upon boxing night for making a hit; and that orders
are always to be procured for the dress-circle in any quantity on that
evening; "Christmas boxes" being seldom given, and as seldom taken in
the theatres.
That Christmas comes but once a year, which, looking to the bills that
generally accompany it, must be a great comfort to fathers of families.
That the Christmas log is now disused, but the wood of it is found in
large quantities in the wine used in negus at Christmas parties.
Hares will now stand on end with terror at the approach of the shooter,
and may be knocked on the head without expense of ammunition.
That if you go out to a party, and, to save cab-hire, walk in shiny
boots, you will probably bring your "light catarrh" with you, as you
will find out if asked to sing.
[Illustration]
JUDICIUM ASTROLOGICUM.
THE PRIZE PROPHECY FOR 1846.
COURTEOUS READER,
THE expense of keeping a prophet having increased with the diminution of
the species, towards which those mundane authorities, termed police, are
in deadly opposition, my prognostics have lately fallen in arrear. But
the prize prophecy, which was thrown open to competition last year, has
come to hand; and, fully convinced that everything put down in it will
happen, sooner or later—or, if it does not, that it ought to have done
so; and would, but for some unforeseen zodiacal altercation which threw
the signs into confusion—I now offer it to you. And I beg to inform you
that if you want cabalistic information upon any subject: to know the
railway likeliest to pay, the definite intentions of the Prime Minister,
the duration of the Income-tax, the fortune or expectations of any young
lady you may meet at a party, or the winner of the next Derby—the fee of
five sovereigns, enclosed to our Prophet at the publisher's, will ensure
an answer by the return of post; containing, in addition to all he knows
upon the subject, a great deal more that he does not. My limits forbid
further observations; but keep these remarks in mind, and look out for
the fulfilment of what is to happen in
JANUARY.