* * *

THE GATHERER.

A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
SHAKSPEARE.

* * * * *

SHIP LAUNCH.

In a few months a new ship will be launched, called the _Reform_.
Admiral, _William the Fourth_--Chief Mate, _Grey_--Pilot,
_Brougham_--Purser, _Russell_--_Crew_, the people of England, Scotland,
and Ireland. Bound to Palace Yard, Westminster; freight uncommonly
cheap, with good stowage.

N.B. For further particulars inquire of Bob _Oldborough_, at the
sign of the _Tumble down_ Dick, _Borough_, Southwark.

P.T.W.

* * * * *

Gold coins (ix James I.) were raised by proclamation, 2s. in every 20s.

_Groat_.--In the Saxon time, we had no silver money bigger than
a penny, nor after the conquest, till Edward III. who about the year
1351, coined grosses (i.e. groats, or great pieces) which went for 4d.
a-piece; and so the matter stood till the reign of Henry VII. who in
1504 first coined shillings.

G.K.

* * * * *

TWO THOUSAND POUNDS REFUSED BY A BURGESS FOR HIS VOTE.

Oldfield, in his _History of Boroughs_, says, "On the death of
the late Lord Holmes, a very powerful attempt was made by Sir William
Oglander and some other neighbouring gentlemen, to deprive his
lordship's nephew and successor, the Rev. Mr. Troughear Holmes, of his
influence over the Corporation of Newport, Isle of Wight. The number of
that body was at that time _twenty-three_, there being one vacancy
amongst the aldermen, occasioned by the recent death of Lord Holmes.
Eleven of them continued firm to the interest of the nephew, and the
same number was equally eager to transfer that interest to Sir William
Oglander and the Worsley family. A Mr. Taylor of this town, one of the
burgesses, withheld his declaration, and as his vote would decide the
balance of future influence, it was imagined that he only suspended it
for the purpose of private advantage. Agreeably to that idea, he was
eagerly sought by the agents of each party. The first who applied is
said to have made him an offer of 2.000l. Mr. Taylor had actually made
up his mind to have voted with his party, but the moment his integrity
and independence were attacked, he reversed his determination, and
resolved to give his suffrage on the opposite side. That party, however,
like their opponents, being ignorant of the favour designed them,
and of the accident to which t