A New Idea
ONE of Mrs. Montague's blue-stocking ladies fastened upon Foote, at one
of the routs in Portman Square, with her views of Locke On the
Understanding, which she protested she admired above all things; only
there was one particular word, very often repeated, which she could not
distinctly make out, and that was the word (pronouncing it very long)
ide-a. But I suppose, said she, it comes from a Greek
derivation.--You are perfectly right, madam, said Foote; it comes
from the word ideaowski.--And pray, sir, what does that mean?--It
is the feminine of idiot, madam!
MCCCXLVII--THE POOR CURATE.
FOR the Rector in vain through the parish you'll search,
But the Curate you'll find living hard by the church.