Page:Grinning made easy, or, Funny Dick's unrivalled collection of jests, jokes, bulls, epigrams &c. (1).pdf/18

 every secret with which she is intrusted, except one, and that is— her own age.

An Irish soldier, who came over with General Moore, being asked if he met with much hospitality in Holland ? O yes, replied he, too much : I was in the hospital almost all the time I was there.

The Duchess of York being in want of a laundres, desired the housekeeper to look out for some person to fill that situation. A decent looking woman was accordingly recommended ; but the housekeeper objected to her, and, in the Duke’s presence observed, that she was a soldier’s wife, and that these people were generally bad characters. What’s that you say, (replied the Duke) a soldier’s wife ! pray what is your mistress?—Engage the woman this instant.

In a great storm at sea, when the ships crew were all at prayers, a boy burst into a violent fit of laughter; being reproved for his ill-timed mirth, and asked the reason of it, Why, said he, I was laughing to think what a hissing the boatswain’s red nose will make when it comes into the water. This ludicrous remark set the crew a-laughing, inspired them with new spirits, and by a great exertion they brought the vessel safe into port.

The following curious paragraph, in honour of the Dutch physicians, was lately inserted in one of the London Paper:--- "The mortality in Groningen,