The learned Dr. Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed
the inside of it by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on
this occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir
Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the country, in his
younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his mother from the
university. I observed the shelves were of his own making, being
pieces of deal boxes, which probably he sent his books and clothes
down in upon these occasions."
Halbert H.
* * * * *
The Gatherer.
"A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles."
SHAKSPEARE.
* * * * *
When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards married, he
told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he had no money; and
that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by way of reducing herself, to
an equality with the doctor, replied, "that she had no more money than
himself; and that, though she had not a relation hanged, she had
_fifty who deserved hanging_." And thus was accomplished this very
curious amour.
W.G.C.
* * * * *
On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house called the
"King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a gold collar around its
neck, and underneath are the following lines:--
When Julius Caesar landed here,
I was then a little deer;
When Julius Caesar reigned king,
Round my neck he put this ring;
Whoever shall me overtake,
Spare my life for Caesar's sake.
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