B. WILLIAMS.

_Donkey_ (Vol. v., p. 78.).--C. W. G. asks, "What is the origin of

_donkey_?" Perhaps he may consider the following (from the great

authority) as satisfactory. Porson was introduced to a _Danish_

archæologist of celebrity, who, thinking it necessary to say something

to Porson, rather abruptly addressed him thus: "I dink, Mr. Porson, that

you vil agree wid me, that asses is derived from Asia." Porson eyed the

learned Dane, and observed: "Yes, Sir, about as much as that _donkey_ is

derived from Denmark: and that is a thought that never struck me till

now."

Notes and Queries, Vol. V, Number 120, February 14, 1852 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. · 第 125 / 152 题