During a rural ramble, the ex-premier was diverted from the mental Shakesperian sustenance derived from “chewing the cud of sweet and bitter fancy,” by an importunate appeal from a reckless disorderly, who was doing penance for his anti-teetotal propensities, by performing a two hours’ quarantine in the village stocks.  So far from sympathising with the fast-bound sufferer, his lordship, in a tone of the deepest regret, deplored, that he had himself not been so tightly secured in his place, as, had that been the case, he would still have been provided with

[Illustration:  BOARD AND LODGING FOR A SINGLE MAN.]

* * * * *

THE LINEN-DRAPER OF LUDGATE.

  Shop fronts are daily “higher” raised. 
    Our master’s “ire” as often;
  Would they but raise our “hire” a bit,
    ’Twould much our mis’ries soften!

THE SHOPMEN—­POOR DEVILS

* * * * *

SPANISH POLITICS.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

“Pampeluna, Oct. 1.

“An event has just occurred which will doubtless change the dynasty of the Spanish succession before I have finished my letter.  At eleven o’clock this morning, several officers were amusing themselves at picquet in a coffee-house.  One having played the king, another cried out, ’Ay, the king! Vivat!  Down with the Queen!  Don Carlos for ever!’ This caused a frightful sensation, and the National Guards are now on their way to blockade the house.

“One o’clock, P.M.—­The National Guards have joined the Carlists, and the regulars are at this moment flying to arms.

“Two o’clock.—­The royal troops are defeated, and Don Carlos is now being proclaimed King of Spain, &c.”

(FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.)

“Madrid, Oct. 2.

“The nominal reign of Don Carlos, commenced at Pampeluna, has been but of short duration.  A diversion has taken place in favour of the husband of the Queen Regent—­Munos, who, having been a private soldier, is thought by his rank and file camaradoes to have a prior claim to Don Carlos.  They have revolted to a man, and the Carlists tremble in their boots.

“Six o’clock, A.M.—­The young Queen has fled the capital—­Munos is our new King, and his throne will no doubt be consolidated by a vigorous ministry.

“Seven o’clock, A.M.—­News has just arrived from Pampeluna that the Carlists are so disgusted with the counter-revolution, that a counter-counter-revolution having taken place amongst the shopkeepers, in favour of the Queen Regent, the Carlists have joined it.  After all, the Queen Mother will doubtless permanently occupy the throne—­at least for a day or two.

“Eight o’clock.—­News has just arrived from Biscay of a new revolt, extending through all the Basque provinces; and they are only waiting for some eligible pretender to come forward to give to this happy country another ruler.  Advices from all parts are indeed crowded with reports of a rebellious spirit, so that a dozen revolutions a-week may be assuredly anticipated during the next twelvemonth.”