Page:Mirror of wit.pdf/19

( 19 ) 54. The captain of an Engliſh frigate, had a natural antipathy to a cat. One of his ſailors, who, for ſome miſconduct had been ordared a flogging, ſaved his back, by preſenting to the captain we following petition.

By your honour's command, A culprit I ſtand, An example to all the ſhip's crew; I am pin on'd and ſtript. And condemn'd to be whept. And if I am flogg'd-tis my due. A cat, I am told In abhorrerce you hold; Your honours averſion is mine: If a car with one tail. Makes your ſtout heart fail, O ſave me from one that has nine!

55. Fletcher of Saltown was poſſeſſed of a moſt rritable temper. His footman deſiring to be diſmiſſed, Why do you leave me? ſaid he. Becauſe; to ſpeak the truth, I cannot bear your, temper.- To be ſure I am paſſionate, but my paſſion is no ſooner on than it is off-Yes, replied the ſervant, but then it is no ſooner off than it is on.

36. A ſailor lately got on horſeback at Mile-end, and out being accuſtomed to equeſtrian feats, ſeized the horſe by the neck, to the great diverſion of the beholders. But a wag obſerved that nothing could be more natural than for a tar to ride on the main.

57. Two comedians belonging to Covent-Gardens Theatre, having a wager about which of them ſung beſt, they agreed to refer it to Dr. Anne, who undertook to be arbitrator on this occaſion. A day was accordingly agreed on, and both the parties executed to the beſt of their abilities before him. As ſoon as they