Joe Miller's Jests, with Copious Additions — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Joe Miller's Jests, with Copious Additions
John Stuart Mill · en
1133. A gentleman who had had several wives, paid his addresses to a
widow lady at Bath; and it being remarked that he was a great duellist,
Derrick replied, the match would be more apropos, for the lady has
killed her man.
1134. Two gentlemen going very hungry into the White Lion at Bath,
ordered a couple of chickens to be roasted for supper, which were
brought upon table just as Mr. Derrick came in to speak to one of them
upon business. They went out together, and while they were absent, the
remaining person fairly ate up all the supper. When they returned, the
other gentleman was astonished, and asked Mr. Derrick what he thought of
his companion? Why, I think, said Derrick, that he is a very fowl
feeder.
1135. A man being brought before a magistrate, when Mr. Derrick was
present, for defamation, in calling his neighbour a scavenger. Pray,
sir, (said Derrick to the justice,) attend seriously to this charge, for
to me it appears that there is some very dirty work going forward.
1136. A gentleman having written an epitaph on a deceased friend, showed
it to Mr. Derrick for his opinion: Sir, said he, I never read anything
better suited to the mournful occasion―they are the saddest verses that
ever were penned.
1137. A lady of fashion and beauty inveighing against smugglers, Mr.
Derrick interrupted her: Hold, madam, be not too severe; I believe it
will be found that the blackness of your crimes far exceeds theirs: the
people you are railing against, smuggle only a few common goods, for
which, they run the risk of losing their lives; but you, without any
danger to yourself, absolutely have smuggled the affections of every
person in Bath.
1138. Mr. Derrick being in a company, among whom there was a gentleman
remarkable for a rude kind of satirical wit, and who, having levelled
his jeers at almost all present, chiefly by mimicking their voices,
gestures, or taking them off, as it is commonly called, Mr. Derrick,
expecting it would presently come to his turn, got up, and was going
away. When being asked the reason of his leaving the company so soon, he
replied, In order to save the gentleman the trouble of taking me off, I
think it best to take myself off.
1139. At a private masquerade, Derrick appeared in the character of a
cook, and being met by Lord ―, was desired to dress a couple of pork
chops. Sir, replied Derrick, as you are the only hog in company, I must
then beg leave to cut them from your carcase.
1140. Mr. Derrick going through the Strand one evening, detected a boy
picking his pocket, and seizing him, had determined to have him
committed, when the boy begged heartily for mercy, For indeed, sir, said
he, it is my first offence; here’s your own handkerchief again, and take
any of these five you like best.