Ingenious, by a Society of Gentlemen_. The
_British Apollo_ invited and professed to answer questions upon all
subjects of wit, morality, science, and even religion; and two out of its
four pages are filled with queries and replies much like some of the
oracular penny prints of the present time.

One of the first querists, referring to the passage that a bishop should
be the husband of one wife, argues that polygamy is justifiable in the
laity. The society of gentlemen conducting the _British Apollo_ are posed
by this casuist, and promise to give him an answer. Celinda then wishes to
know from "the gentlemen", concerning the souls of the dead, whether they
shall have the satisfaction to know those whom they most valued in this
transitory life. The gentlemen of the _Apollo_ give but cold comfort to
poor Celinda. They are inclined to think not: for, say they, since every
inhabitant of those regions will be infinitely dearer than here are our
nearest relatives--what have we to do with a partial friendship in that
happy place? Poor Celinda! it may have been a child or a lover whom she
had lost, and was pining after, when the oracle of _British Apollo_ gave
her this dismal answer. She has solved the question for herself by this
time, and knows quite as well as the society of gentlemen.

From theology we come to physics, and Q. asks, "Why does hot water freeze
sooner than cold?" Apollo replies, "Hot water cannot be said to freeze
sooner than cold, but water once heated and cold, may be subject to freeze
by the evaporation of the spirituous parts of the water, which renders it
less able to withstand the power of frosty weather."

The next query is rather a delicate one. "You, Mr. Apollo, who are said to
be the God of Wisdom, pray give us the reason why kissing is so much in
fashion: what benefit one receives by it, and who was the inventor, and
you will oblige Corinna." To this queer demand the lips of Phoebus,
smiling, answer: "Pretty, innocent Corinna! Apollo owns that he was a
little surprised by your kissing question, particularly at that part of it
where you desire to know the benefit you receive by it. Ah! madam, had you
a lover, you would not come to Apollo for a solution; since there is no
dispute but the kisses of mutual lovers give infinite satisfaction. As to
its invention, 'tis certain nature was its author, and it began with the
first courtship."

After a column more of questions, follow nearly two pages of poem