THE GATHERER.


A clergyman preaching in the neighbourhood of Wapping, observing that most
part of his audience were in the seafaring way, very naturally embellished
his discourse with several nautical tropes and figures. Amongst other
things, he advised them "to be ever on the watch, so that on whatsoever
tack the evil one should bear down on them, he might be crippled in
action." "Ay, master," said a son of Neptune, "but let me tell you, that
will depend upon your having the weather gage of him."

* * * * *

A poacher escaping one morn with his pillage,
Unexpectedly met with the lord of the village;
Who seeing a hare o'er his shoulder was thrown,
Hail'd him quickly, "You fellow is that hare your own."
"My own!" he replied, "you inquisitive prig,
Gad's curse, pompous sir, do you think I've a wig?"

* * * * *


ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE "TO BOOT."


_Bote_ or _Bota_, in our old law books, signifies recompense, repentance,
or fine paid by way of expiation, and is derived from the Saxon. Hence our
common phrase "to boot," speaking of something given by way of