Note 43 — Chapter VI
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Did for hangman, etc.] How the Doctor ever came to stumble on this unhappy idea, we are at a loss to imagine—it is an odd “whimwham” for a fellow to dub himself with the humorous epithet of hangman. “We would not have his enemies say so.” Whether the Doctor has a hanging look or no, we leave others to determine. We are certain he is in no danger of the gallows himself; but we warn him to take care how he visits Connecticut—he may chance to be burnt for a witch. We give the Doctor’s own claim to his Tyburn title.
“Now since ye are a ruffian crew,
As honest Jack Ketch ever knew;
No threats nor growling shall prohibit
My hanging you on satire’s gibbet.” Vide Costive.