237. _Metrical History of England._--I am nearly an octogenarian,
consequently I ought to have something better, and humbly hope I have
something better, to employ my thoughts than relics of old ditties and
forgotten rhymes. Still the recurring questions of numerous
grandchildren compel one to resort to long forgotten lore, and to
request those whose memory still survives to compensate for the
deficiencies of my own. I am particularly anxious to recover my lapsis
in the following metrical, yet _logical_, history of England, which I
have long ago forgotten:
"William and William, and Henry and Stephen,
And Henry the Second, _to make the First even_."
If either MR. HALLIWELL, or DR. RIMBAULT, will favour me, they will
confer a great obligation, and add much to the hilarity of my ensuing
Christmas table.