Odd proverbs and aphorisms, curious facts, and epigram- matic verses
are drawn upon for the small anthology, Treasure Trove, by John o' London (Newnes). There is Montaigne's wicked jest; "Man is Certainly stark mad, he cannot make -a ilea, and yet he will be making gods by dozens." A valuable small collection of "The Last Words of Great Men" is in- cluded: it might serve as a nucleus for a bigger anthology. Rabelais and Swift are not included ; but we have the anecdote of Goldsmith's death :—" It then occurred to Dr. Turton to put a very pregnant question to his patient. 'Your pulse,' he said, 'is in greater disorder than it should be, from the degree of the fever you have. Is your mind at ease?' ' No, it is not,' was Goldsmith's melancholy answer. They are the last words we are to hear him utter in this world." There is Lord Thurlow :—" I'm shot if I don't believe I'm dying !" and George IV. :—" Watty, what is this ? It is death, my boy—they have deceived me."
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