ial gentlemen of the Fleece gave
Blackstrap another opportunity of showing off, which he did not fail
to avail himself of in no very measured paces, by ridiculing the rival
house, and extending his remarks to the taste of the frequenters. To
which one of them replied, "Mine host of the fleece is no 'wolf in
sheep's clothing,' but a right careful good shepherd, who provides well
for his flock; and although the fleece hangs over his door, it is not
symbolical of any fleecing practices within." "Ay," said the other,
defending his hotel; "then, sir, we live like farmers at a harvest-home,
and sleep on beds of down beneath coverings of lamb's wool; and our
attendant nymphs of the chamber are as beautiful and lively as Arcadian
shepherdesses, and chaste as the goddess Diana." "Very good," retorted
Blackstrap; "but you know, gentlemen, that the beaux of this house must
be better off for the belle. We will allow you of the Fleece your rustic
enjoyments, seeing that you are country gentlemen, for your hotel is
certainly out of the town." A good-natured sally that quickly restored
harmony, and called forth another song from the muse of Blackstrap.

HEALTH, COMPETENCE, AND GOOD-HUMOUR.

Let titles and fame on ambition be shed,
Or history's page of great heroes relate;
The motto I'd choose to encircle my head
Is competence, health, and good-humour elate.

~265~~

The chaplet of virtue, by friendship entwined,
Sheds a lustre that rarely encircles the great;
While health and good-humour eternally find
A competence smiling on every state.

No luxuries seeking my board to encumber,
Contented receiving what Providence sends;
Age brightens with pleasure, while virtue may number
Competence, health, and good-humour as friends.

Then, neighbours, let's smile at old Chronos and care;
Still shielded with honour, we're fearless of fate:
With the sports of the field and the joys of the fair,
We've competence, health, and good-humour elate.

At the conclusion of this fresh specimen of our chairman's original
talent, it was proposed we should adjourn to the theatre, where certain
fashionable amateurs were amusing themselves at the expense of the
public. "Sir, I dislike these half and half vagabonds," said Blackstrap,
with one of his original gestures, "who play with an a