(Vol. iv., p. 226.)
I know not whether the art of composing anagrams was much practised in
the days of Swift; the description, however, of one of the employments
at the Academy of Lagado--the "project for improving speculative
knowledge by practical mechanical operations," which was carried into
operation by covering the superficies of a large frame with wooden
letters, which, by the turning of a handle, were constantly shifted into
new places--so aptly satirises this practice, that it seems likely that
it was to this he alluded, the more so as the one employment would be as
profitable as the other. MR. BREEN, however (Vol. iv., p. 226.) having
challenged the production of half a dozen good specimens of the art,
perhaps you will afford him an opportunity of amending his judgment. The
following twelve, whether new or not, will at least stand the test he
has propounded:--
Who will deny that _Old England_ is a _golden land_; or that _lawyers_
are _sly ware_?
There are many who deem _radical reform_ a _rare mad frolic_; and when
asked to _guess a fearful ruin_, would reply _universal suffrage_.
Every one will admit that _astronomers_ are _moon-starers_; and that a
_telegraph_ is a _great help_.
We have long been accustomed to consider that a _revolution_ is _to love
ruin_; and that _nine thumps_ constitute a _punishment_.
What answer more fitting in the _penitentiary_ than _Nay, I repent it_?
Is there a more _comical trade_ than the _democratical_? and what is
more likely to make _bakers fat_ than a good _breakfast_.
But, in conclusion, I am compelled to confess that I can see no affinity
between _potentates_ and _ten tea pots_.