The state of the weather, at all times an object of intense interest and general conversation amongst Englishmen, has latterly engaged much of our attention; and the observations which we have made on the extraordinary changes which have taken place in the weathercock during the last week warrant us in saying “there must be something in the wind.”  It has been remarked that Mr. Macready’s Hamlet and Mr. Dubourg’s chimneys have not drawn well of late.  A smart breeze sprung up between Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of Brixton, on last Monday afternoon, which increased during the night, and ended in a perfect storm.  Sir Peter Laurie on the same evening retired to bed rather misty, and was exceedingly foggy all the following morning.  At the Lord Mayor’s dinner the glass was observed to rise and fall several times in a most remarkable manner, and at last settled at “heavy wet.”  A flock of gulls were seen hovering near Crockford’s on Tuesday, and on that morning the milkman who goes the Russell-square walk was observed to blow the tips of his fingers at the areas of numerous houses.  Applications for food were made by some starving paupers to the Relieving Officers of different workhouses, but the hearts of those worthy individuals were found to be completely frozen.  Notwithstanding the severity of the weather, the nose of the beadle of St. Clement Danes has been seen for nearly the last fortnight in full blossom.  A heavy fall of blankets took place on Wednesday, and the fleecy covering still lies on several beds in and near the metropolis.  Expecting frost to set in, Sir Robert Peel has been busily employed on his sliding scale; in fact, affairs are becoming very slippery in the Cabinet, and Sir James Graham is already preparing to trim his sail to the next change of wind.  Watercresses, we understand, are likely to be scarce; there is a brisk demand for “bosom friends” amongst unmarried ladies; and it is feared that the intense cold which prevails at nights will drive some unprovided young men into the union.

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THE BANE AND ANTIDOTE.

We are requested to state that the insane person who lately attempted to obtain an entrance into Buckingham Palace was not the Finsbury renegade, Mr. Wakley.  We are somewhat surprised that the rumour should have obtained circulation, as the unfortunate man is described as being of respectable appearance.

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THE CORSAIR.

A POEM TO BE READ ON RAILROADS.

  The sky was dark—­the sea was rough;
  The Corsair’s heart was brave and tough;
  The wind was high—­the waves were steep;
  The moon was veil’d—­the ocean deep;
  The foam against the vessel dash’d: 
  The Corsair overboard was wash’d. 
  A rope in vain was thrown to save—­
  The brine is now the Corsair’s grave!