as was needed, is given by the continuity of the characters.


Instances of different forms of wit, taken largely:

1. "Why are you reading romances at your age?"--"Why, I used to be fond
of history, but I have given it up,--it was so grossly improbable."

2. "Pray, sir, do it!--although you have promised me."

3. The Spartan mother's--


"Return with, or on, thy shield."

"My sword is too short!"--"Take a step forwarder."


4. The Gasconade:--


"I believe you, Sir! but you will excuse my repeating it on account of
my provincial accent."


5. Pasquil on Pope Urban, who had employed a committee to rip up the old
errors of his predecessors.

Some one placed a pair of spurs on the heels of the statue of St. Peter,
and a label from the opposite statue of St. Paul, on the same bridge;--