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 glad of de merry maid; but de butler be de odd fish, and he swim in de bowl de ponch. Ah! ah! I do recollect de leetle-a song:—"About fair maids, and about fair maids, and about my merry maids all." (Fatout reeled out, singing.)

I am overwhelmed: I never saw the rascal in such a condition before. But will you allow me, Mr. Asterias, to inquire into the cui bono of all the pains and expense you have incurred to discover a mermaid? The cui bono, Sir, is the question I always take the liberty to ask, when I see any one taking much trouble for any object. I am myself a sort of Signor Pococurante, and should like to know if there be any thing better or pleasanter than the state of existing and doing nothing?