Page:New winter evening's companion, of fun, mirth, and frolic.pdf/2

 THE

Winter Evening's Jester.

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Mother Pinchweight's Prayer.

GRANT that the Cheese that I now kneel on may cut up to good profit; and that Mr Firkin may have more patience, and wait till I can pay him.--And that those who buy my moist sugar may not see the sand at the bottom of their tea-cups. And grant my goods may not be weighed over again, that my spiteful neighbour may not have to reproach me withal. And if if it be thy good pleasure, do thou destroy the rats and mice that eat up my cakes and candles. And may Mrs. O'Leary pay me the ninepence she owe me for bacca, before she moves away, and it by thy pleasure. And do thou humble the pride of Mrs. Flounce, because she goes finer than the servant. And bring to punishment all those who serve my customers on Sundays. Preserve me milk, and butter, and small beer, from the sun and me from all my enemies this day and for ever Amen!

A man who lived very unhappily with his wife being in company with some friends, said, the bed was situated in such a way that it was impossible they could fall out: A person present marked, “I understand, Sir, that notwithstanding the situation of your bed, you sometimes have the misfortune to fall out. Which occasioned a loud laugh.