Such, Simon, if I were a Parliament man,
The basis would be, and the scope, of my plan!
But my rushlight is drooping--so trusting diurnally,
To hear your opinion--believe me eternally
(Whilst swearing affection, best swear in the lump)
Your obedient,
devoted,
admiring,
JOHN STUMP.

[1] The exact tune of this interesting song it has not been in
our power to discover--it is, however, undoubtedly a truly
national melody.

[2] After due inquiry we have satisfied ourselves that the
individual here mentioned is _not_ H.M.'s late
Solicitor-General, but one Jonathan Wilde, touching whose
history _vide_ Jack Sheppard.

* * * * *


PROSPECTUS FOR A NEW HAND-BOOK OF JESTERS;

OR, YOUNG JOKER'S BEST COMPANION.

"All the world's a joke, and all the men and women merely
jokers."--_Shakspeare_. From the text of Joseph Miller.