The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-05 00:00:00

of the a literature of England from Alfred to Chaucer;
some Pleasant Rambles in Town and Country; and
a dissertation upon that thread-bare topic, Education.
Latterly we have observed a super-orthodox spirit of
a rather acrimonious character peeping out in the
pages of Hood. We would hint to the editor the
propriety of not deviating so far from the track of
his gentle, liberal, and noble hearted predecessor.

THE MAN IN THE MOON. Edited by Albert
Smith and Angus B. Reach. No IV.
Reader, art thou an anxious searcher after the
origin of things ? Dost thou delight to study
" Beckmann's History of Inventions," and, laying
down the book, regret that no one has undertaken a
supplement to it. Nast thou, when passing Lynn's,
ever cast a lingering look on the wells of oysters
fascinatingly arranged in his window, and wondered
within thyself who was the first man that ever eat
an oyster ? If thou hast purchase the fourth No.
of the Man in the Moon, satisfy thy thirst for know-
ledge, and hear " how eating oysters was invented."
Now don't imagine that we shall betray the mystery
by giving an extract from this supplement to Beck-
mann, we shall do no such thing. Such knowledge
as this is too precious to be imparted at second-hand.
We think, however, we may venture to extract the
Man in the Moon's account of—

" HOW THE FAST-DAY WAS SPENT.
("Collected from various statements.)
" Mn. STRAGGLES. Is a regular brick, and no mistake:
has been called a Gent: wasn't offended: why should he
be ? Didn't observe the Fast, although he looked for
it ; doesn't know anybody that did. Had a breakfast
party that day, and kept it up until the next morning ;
believed them—he did eat. Bought up all the kidneys
he could get, the night before. No end of half-and-half.
Bank shut up. Never had such a Fast-day in his life,
and don't care how soon he has another. Thinks the
Ministers are jolly bricks, and hopes they may never go
out. Politics and Ireland be Wowed.
" LUIGIA HERBERT. Is a coryphee; has been told she
is pretty, and believes it. Was invited to make one of
a party to Greenwich, for a fish dinner. Went. Rather.
Thinks the Fast great fun, only her salary was stopped
at the theatre—three and sixpence for the night.
Shouldn't care if another Fast happens when she's with
Beale, because he only opens Covent-garden three nights
a wtek, and she will have five-and-twenty shillings.
Went to a ball at night: never had such a polka. Didn't
know why it was a Fast-day, and didn't care.
" THE HONOURABLE NORMAN VAVASOUR. Has been
in Ireland. Saw a gentleman very much distressed in
the streets at two o'clock in the morning, trying to get
home. Didn't help him. Served him right. Begged
pardon: didn't hear the question. General Fast! Who's
he ? not seen his name in the army list: must be in the
militia. Oh! Wednesday! yes: recollects now: dined
at his club ; remembers -his bill of fare was much as
usual ; never touches salt-fish ; thinks it d—d insipid
stuff. The only advantage is that it provokes thirst ;
but devilled biscuit does better. Went to a party at
night—a dance—declines to say where. Not fair—'pon
his honour it isn't. Was obliged to go, because he had
promised the Monday before at Weippert's. Heard
nothing about the Fast there. Thought it had probably
something to do with Puseyism ; but hadn't read the
Tracts for the Times. Didn't know Jitney. Had heard
his sister talk about him, and, from what she said, didn't
want to.
" MR. RANT. Is doing the leading business at the
Bower Saloon. Had played once for the Irish, for
nothing: and thought it base ingratitude to be done out
of another night's salary, for the same purpose. Spent
the day in Battersea-fields, studying a new part. Saw
a great many people there, 'apparently enjoying them-
selves. Went to the Wrekin at night, and opened an
account there. ShOuldn't have done it if it hadn't been
for the Fast, which ululated him of his night's salary. -
" Many STUBBS. •Is a maid of all work in a lodging
house. Didn't know which way to turn on the Fast-
day. All the gentlemen in the house gave parties, from
Mr. Thompson in the parlour, to Mr. Barton on the
fourth floor. Never heard such a noise—never; thought
she should have been worrited out of her life by the
gentlemen ; they did eat and drink so. She never see
such a Fast. Missus was going to church, but wouldn't,
because she hadn't got her new bonnet; and what was
the use of going to church shabby ? Drats the Fast,
and all the Irish too. Never know'd no good of none of
'em, since she was engaged to Corporal Nowlan, who
borrowed five shillings of her, the day ho went away for
ever. Wishes she'd made him fast.
"M. PETITVERBE. A entendu parler d'un "Fast
demand 4 ce que eels voulait dire. L'on lui a
repondu que c' etait un jour maigre. Croit que 1' on
s'est tromre car tout le monde faisait bonne chair. A
passé la journ6e avec des gehtlemen riders, et n'a fait que
boire et manger. Croit que c est une bonne habitude
de traitor ainsi les ,ours solcnnels, et une qui fait
honneur aux Anglais."
This is the best number of this laughter-moving
little work that has yet appeared. The illustrations
are exceedingly rich.