they stand,--as firm as any rock,
I swear by ev'ry dish I ever broke, or platter."
Straight to the flock, flight, covey, (we've no name
In Albion, to designate _such_ game.)
Rush'd Ayala, whose hearty psho! psho! psho!
Took the cranes off _one_ leg,--discovering _two_,
As up they rose, on rustling, sullen wing:
"Well cook?" "Why, body of my soul, sir, there's the thing,
Had you said _psho! psho!_ to your _roasted_ crane,
Belike you'd seen its hidden leg again!"

M.L.B.

* * * * *

SPOONS.

(_For the Mirror_.)

Spoons are objects of great antiquity, and our forefathers bestowed
great pains in enriching them with masterly workmanship. So much
did _taste_ and fashion rule the time then, that spoons were
distinguished as it were by so many devices. It was, and is still with
some persons, a custom to present spoons at christenings, or on visiting
"the lady in the straw;" and in both cases they were adorned with
suitable imagery. A gentleman with whom I am acquainted, and who "keeps
a cabinet of curiosities," lately showed me two very curious silver
spoons, which he informed me had remained in his family many years; but
how they became possessed of them, he could only say that he attributed
it to the custom of presenting spoons on certain occasions. One was
beautifully wrought; the bowl was very large, and its edges carved with
exquisite workmanship. In the middle of the bowl was a representation
of "the nativity," carved in so masterly a manner, that, although it
was considerably defaced, it must have required the ablest artists to
accomplish. The handle, which was likewise superbly carved, ended in a
figure of the Virgin Mary, with our Saviour in her lap. The other spoon
was so much injured, that we could trace out nothing decisive; although
here and there we could perceive it had been richly ornamented.

The same gentleman also showed me a set of Apostle-spoons, which,
although objects of curiosity, had, in conformity with the prevailing
fashion, undergone the alteration of the silversmith. There were twelve
of them, each of which represented an Apostle, boldly carved on the
handle; a large round hat is placed on each of their heads, which was
probably to save the features from being injured. They are standing on
the stem of the spoon, which is carved somewhat like a Doric pillar. The
bowls are very large and deep, and are rather awkwardly turned in at th