A Medmenham Orgie,

Otago Witness, Issue 1874, 21 October 1887, Page 35

A Medmenham Orgie,

Wilkes confined a baboon, dressed to represent the Eyil One, within a chest in the room which held the ornaments and utensils of the table over which he had charge. While the revellers were feasting and uttering impious jests, Wilkes let loose the animal by means of a cord attached to the cover of the box, the end of which was artfully concealed under his chair, at the rery moment when Lord Sandwich was invoking his master, the devil. The baboon, as terrified as the most awe-stricken of the party, bounded into the room, and by chance leaped on Lord Sandwich's shoulder. The consternation was indescribable; the company believed the devil in person had answered the summons. There was a general stampede among those who were not too drunk to rise to their feet. Fearing at the moment that the end was come, the wicked nobleman recanted his former utterance, protesting that he did not mean what he said, and praying to Heaven for mercy with all the fervency of a cowardly sinner. A window being open, the baboon escaped through it ; and the revellers recovered their spirits and resumed their orgie. But Sandwich never forgave Wilkes for the fright, and especially the ridicule it had procured him.— Eadical Pioneers.