Page:Grinning made easy, or, Funny Dick's unrivalled collection of jests, jokes, bulls, epigrams &c. (1).pdf/23

 A man in the last stage of destitution, came before the sitting Magistrate, at Lambeth Street, and and stated that having by the operation of the new Poor Laws, been suddenly deprived of parish assistance. he was reduced to such extremity, that if not instantly relieved he must be driven to do a deed that his soul abhorred. The worthy Magistrate instantly ordered him five shillings from the poor-box, and after a suitable admonition against giving way to despair, asked him what dreadful deed he would have been impelled to do, but for this seasonable relief; ‘ To work,' said the man, with a deep sigh, as he left the office.

One day, at the table of the late Dr. Pearse, (Dean of Ely,) just as the cloth was removing, the subject of discourse happened to be that of an extraordinary mortality amongst the lawyers. ‘ We have lost,’ said a gentleman, ‘ not less than six eminent barristers in as many months.’—The Dean, who was quiet deaf, rose as his friend finished his remark, and gave the company grace— 'For this, and every other mercy, the Lord’s name be praised!’

In Salem, Massachusets. after the heavy and deep snow fall, a man was discovered sticking sticks into a huge ‘ winter bank of snow.’ On being asked why he amused himself thus? ‘ Amuse!’ said he, with a voice which betrayed the deepest