It is affirmed of sir William Blackstone, that so often as he sat down
to the composition of his Commentaries on the Laws of England, he always
ordered a bottle of wine wherewith to moisten the dryness of his
studies; and in proof that other professional men sometimes solace their
cares by otherwise disporting themselves, there is a kind of catch, the
words of which, having reference to their art or mystery, do so
marvellously inspire them, that they chant it with more glee than
gravity, to a right merry tune:--
A woman having settlement,
Married a man with none;
The question was, he being dead
If that she _had_ was gone?
Quoth sir John Pratt, her settlement
_Suspended_ did remain,
Living the husband--but, him dead,
It doth _revive again_.
CHORUS OF PUISNE JUDGES.
Living the husband--but, him dead,
It doth revive again.
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