An author having shown a portion of a manuscript, which he was preparing
for the press, to a friend, the latter suggested some improvements, and
pointed out some errors; but instead of receiving his suggestions, the
irritable man of letters plainly showed that he did not intend to adopt
them. A short time after, he submitted the remainder of his work to the
same judge, who having perused it, exclaimed, it could not possibly be
better. "Indeed, you really think so?" "Yes," returned the other, "I
really do; for how can it possibly be better when you are resolved to
adopt no improvements?"

* * * * *


GLORY.


During the war in the Peninsula, two British soldiers were regaling
themselves after a long fast, on a crust of mouldy bread. "This is but
sorry fare, Tom," observed one of them, "especially after the hardships
and dangers we have suffered." "What do you mean by sorry fare," exclaimed
his comrade, with philosophical composure, at the same time holding up a
piece of the mouldy bread; "this is what the good people in England, who
sit down to a comfortable hot dinner every day, call military _glory_!"

* * * * *


TORTURE QUINTUPLE.