fine of twenty pounds is to be assessed on the corporation and
inhabitants of Westbury, for their scandalous attempt."

ABHBA.

_Richard Brinsley Sheridan._--In the "Life of Sheridan," by G. G. S.,
prefixed to his _Dramatic Works_, published by Bohn in 1848, is the
following passage (p. 90.):

"At the age of twenty-nine he had achieved a brilliant reputation, _had
gained an immense property_, and was apparently master of large
resources."

And in an essay lately published, entitled _Richard Brinsley Sheridan_, by
George Gilfillan, is this statement:

"Young Sheridan had no patrimony, _not a shilling_, indeed, _all his
life that he could call his own_."

Which of these two contradictory accounts is true?

In the _Life_ by G. G. S. are two glaring slips of the pen or of the press;
at p. 8. it is said that Sheridan was born in the year 1771 (1751?), and at
p. 44. that _The Duenna_ was brought out on the 21st of November, 1755
(1775?).

WILLIAM DUANE.

Philadelphia.

{448}

_Publican's Invitation._--Amongst various other ingenious contrivances
adopted by the proprietors of the _rosoglio_ houses (anglice, dram-shops)
in Valetta, to attract the custom and patronage of the gallant red-jackets
that swarm in our streets at this time, one individual has put forth and
distributed among the soldiers the following puzzle, which I send for the
amusement of your readers. A very little study will suffice to master the
mysterious document.

"THE PUBLICAN'S INVITATION.
Here's to Pand's Pen. DASOCI.
Alhou Rinha? R. M. (Les Smirt)
Ha! N. D. F. Unlet fri. Ends.
HIPRE! ign. Beju! Standk.
Indan! DEVIL'S PEAKO! F. N.
(One.)"

JOHN O' THE FORD.

Malta.

_Bishop Burnet again!_--The following anecdote occurs in Mrs.
Thistlethwaite's _Memoirs and Correspondence of Dr. Henry Bathurst, Lord
Bishop of Norwich_, p. 7.:

"I have heard my father mention the following anecdote of my
grandfather, Benjamin Bathurst, Esq., and the Duke of Gloucester (Queen
Anne's son), during their boyhood. My grandfather and the Duke were
playfellows; and the Duke's tutor was Dr. Burnet. One day, when the
Doctor went out of the room, the Duke having as usual courted him, and
treated him with obsequious civility, young Bathurst expressed his
surprise that his Royal Highness should treat a person, whom he
disliked as much as he did the Doctor, with so much courtesy and