By woman, not by man.
A handsome maid did undertake,
And into the bed she leap'd;
And to allay the spirit's power,
Full close to him she crept;
She having such a guardian care
Her office to discharge,
She open'd wide her conjuring book,
And laid her leaves at large.
Her office she did well perform,
Within a little space;
Then up she rose, and down he lay,
And durst not show his face.
She took her leave, and away she went,
When she had done the deed;
Saying, "If it chance to come again,
Then send for me with speed."
EPIGRAM
The sovereign Midas, once 'tis said of old, Whate'er he touch'd, could instant change to gold;
Now German Monarchs view their legions dead, And boast their art to draw their gold from lead.
ECCENTRICITIES
The Duke de R- saw a beautiful girl at a ball at Paris, he sent his aide-de-camp to tell her he would give her fifty guineas for a single hair beneath her eyebrows (meaning her eyelashes, it is presumed). The girl sent her compliments to the Duke, and gave him to understand that she was not a retail merchant, but if his Grace chose to purchase the whole at that price, they were at his service.
Not long ago, a very worthy curate, asking for a living, and as simple as need be, finding that a neighbouring living was vacant, wrote to a gentleman who he thought could forward his pretensions. As his wife was going into that part of the country, he entrusted the letter to her care. The letter was in these words:
"Most worthy Sir,
"Through the 'channel of my wife,' I entreat your endeavour to oblige me. The living of…….. is become vacant, and if you could put me in, I should, God willing, never forget the obligation. My wife will return in two days, and any good wishes and endeavours to serve me, may be communicated, by the blessing of Providence, through her means. I am, amp;c."