Cambridge jests, or, Witty alarums for melancholy spirits by a lover of ha, ha, he.

319.

A Fisherman having brought to shoar great store of Soles, gave notice by the Crier to the Town, that such Fish were come in, and were to be sold at such a place: Some bought of them, others said they stank, some said this, and some that. A Gentleman that had bought some, gave order to his Maid to dress them; which, as she was doing, the Cat eat one; which so incensed the Maid, that she took a great stick and knock'd her in the head. Her Master coming in, ask'd her, why she had done it? and when he knew and perceived there was no remedy, he took the Cat and threw it out into the street among the people, saying, See, there's a Cat that's

dead with eating a Sole. The people a∣larm'd with this, supposing the Cat to be poison'd, ran to the Fisherman, and threw all his Fish about the street, and carri••d him before the Judge, for intending to poison the Town. The poor man, igno∣rant of the cause of this dysaster, still pleaded his Fish were new and sound. The Judge, to know the certainty of the matter, sent for the Gentleman, who re∣l••ted the story with much mirth. But the poor Fisherman went away sorrowing for his loss.