The Retort Cutting

BISHOPS SHERLOCK and HOADLY were both freshmen of the same year, at

Catherine Hall, Cambridge. The classical subject in which they were

first lectured was Tully's Offices, and one morning Hoadly received a

compliment from the tutor for the excellence of his construing.

Sherlock, a little vexed at the preference shown to his rival, said,

when they left the lecture-room, Ben, you made good use of L'Estrange's

translation to-day.--Why, no, Tom, retorted Hoadly, I did not, for

I had not got one; and I forgot to borrow yours, which, I am told, is

the only one in the college.