The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-03-24 00:00:00

A GOOD JOKE ON A JESTER

Our readers have occasionally seen the name of Popjoy in
our columns, as the author of an occasional first-rate joke.
Having missed him for some time, we made inquiry, and
found that he had been on the wing—travelling to " parts
unknown." The cause of his absence we learn to have been
the following, which, having come to the knowledge of his
acquaintance, has been subject of too hard jesting for the wag
to withstand.

Some time ago a masquerade was given at the Amphi-
theatre, where ladies of uneasy virtue formed the major part
of the " softer sex" present ; the male portion being consti-
tuted of roues, debauchees, and gentlemanly vagabonds, who
delight in such assemblies, where vulgarity passes for wit
and coarseness for humour.

A queer fellow in his way is Popjoy. He had frequently
heard of these masquerades, but never felt much curiosity to
be present at any of them. However, he determined to be
present at the first that took place ; and, on one being an-
nounced, purchased a ticket. Popjoy's costume was that of
a Grand Turk, and he flattered himself he looked every inch
a turbaned infidel. He amused himself for an hour in looking
on, when a domino took his arm.
" Do you know me ?" asked Popjoy, highly flattered with
the chance of an adventure.

" No," replied the domino; "and I know you are not
acquainted with me : that is the reason I have ventured to
address you. I love the unforseen, the impossible, and the
romantic. A masked ball is a place where we wish to remain
unknown."

Popjoy made up his mind that the lady by his side must be
a princess of the blood royal, or, at least, somebody of
eminence.

" I should faint," said the domino, " if I were to be recog-
nised, and go into hysterics if I were to find you out ; so,
take care of your false nose, I beg of you."
" That is to say," said Popjoy, •• you have a sad opinion
of my real nose. 1 flatter myself that it is not so ugly as
my false one."
The domino sighed.
The domino and Popjoy danced all night together, and be-
came mutually charmed with each other.
" Do you wish to depart," said Popjoy, at length, as the
domino evinced some signs of weariness. "It is too soon
for that : now is the time to sup. Perhaps you will not ob-
ject to sacrifice a few oysters—a glass of wine ?"
" To refresh my dried up throat, I will take an oyster,
perhaps two, but not more."
Popjoy and the domino sat down to supper. The domino
eat an oyster—then another; by dint of persuasion, she
managed to swallow three—when, as if " appetite had grown
by what it fed on," three dozen, at least, found their way
down her ivory, swan-like throat; then followed a pasty, a
lobster salad, and the best portion of a dish of jelly. De-
cidedly, thought Popjoy, this must be a princess—no lady
of the common sort could possess such a royal appetite.
Popjoy kept on his false nose and his turban. The domino
would not remove her mask. Popjoy thought both might
now be laid aside. They had nearly finished a bottle of cham-
pagne, when four o'clock struck.
" I must really retire," said the domino.
" Permit to escort you," said Popjoy; " I beg you will."
"Oh ! I cannot, indeed. I live a long way from here—in
the Park.
Hold, thought Popjoy—my own place of residence—l may
be known. The champagne had made Popjoy reckless.
" That is the direction of my own house."
The domino accepted his arm. When they had reached
a certain street, the dimino stopped.
"I am now at home ;—permit me to thank you. I shall
never forget the pleasure of the past evening."
"We must not part yet," said Popjoy. " I must see you