HODGE AND THE VICAR.* Hodge, a poor honest country lout, "Ah! master Hodge," the vicar cried, The people in the village say 66 That you are wond'rous clever." Why, measter parson, as to that A thing or two, believe me." "We'll try your skill," the parson cried, "Noah, of old, three babies had, Or grown-up children rather: Shem, Ham, and Japhet they were called :- "Rat it! cried Hodge, and scratched his head, "That does my wits belabour : But howsomede'er, I'll homeward run, To Giles he went and put the case, "Thou fool," cried Giles, "I'll make it clear To thy dull comprehension. "Three children has Tom Long, the smith, Or cattle-doctor rather; Tom, Dick, and Harry, they are called: Now who is Harry's father?" In this piece the Vicar is kind, condescending, and gentlemanly; Hodge is awkward and clownish, with a strong rustic dialect, while Giles is a plain spoken man. "Adzooks, I have it," Hodge replied, "Noah of old three babies had, "I have it now," Hodge grinning cried, Who's Japhet's father? now I know; THE COLLEGIAN AND THE PORTER.* At Trin. Coll. Cam.—which means, in proper spelling. That is he understood computing The odds at any race or match; Was a dead hand at pigeon shooting; Could kick up rows-knock down the watch— Play truant and the rake at random Drink-tie cravats and drive a tandem. Remonstrance, fine, and rustication, So far from working reformation, *The tone and manner of the Narrator should be lively and humoursome. The Porter may be supposed to be a gruff old man, with a thick voice, while the Collegian is a gay youth, fond of tricks and merriment; but while endeavouring to attain his object, uses a supplicatory, insinuating manner. Seem'd but to make his lapses greater, One need not be a necromancer Home as the midnight chimes were tolling, The second peal was vain-the third Rousing and growling in his den. "Who's there?-I s'pose young Harum-scarum." ""Tis I, my worthy Ben-'tis Harry." 66 Ay, so I thought—and there you'll tarry, 'Tis past the hour-the gates are closed- 66 And I," (young Hopeful interposed,) "Shall be expell'd if you refuse, So pr'ythee"- -Ben began to snore. "I'm wet," cried Harry, "to the skin, Hip! hallo! Ben-don't be a ninney ; Beneath the gate I've thrust a guinea, So tumble out and let me in." "Humph!" growl'd the greedy old Curmudgeon, Half overjoy'd and half in dudgeon, "Now you may pass, but make no fuss, On tiptoe walk and hold your prate." "Look on the stones, old Cerberus," Cried Harry as he pass'd the gate, "I've dropp'd a shilling-take the light, You'll find it just outside-good night." Behold the porter in his shirt, Cursing the rain which never stopp'd, Groping and raking in the dirt, |