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  so long without bread, they could not reconcile themselves to the use of it, and complained that it filled them with wind. Nor could they bear any spirituous liquors, and therefore drank nothing but water.

Droll Story of a Fisherman.

HE Marquis Della Scalas, in Italy, once invited the neighbouring gentry to a grand entertainment, and all the delicacies of the season were accordingly provided. Some of the company had already arrived, in order to pay their very early respects to his excellency ; when the major-domo, all in a hurry, came into the dining-room : ' My Lord, said he, here is a most wonderful fisherman below, who has brought one of the finest fish I believe in all Italy ; but then he demands such a price for it ! Regard not the price, (cried the marquis.) pay it him down directly. ' ' So I would please your highness, but he refuses to to take money. ' ' Why, what would the fellow have?' ' A hundred strokes of the strappado on the bare shoulders,