ADVERTISEMENT. THE object of this volume is to convey to the reader the derivation of many old and curious sayings, that are repeatedly occurring to us, as well as the origin of names given to most of the principal streets in London. It is hoped, that it will be found to contain whatever is most worthy of notice, its intent being both to amuse and instruct. The Editor has, in some instances, referred those works from whence extracts have been made; by which method individuals, should they think proper, may have recourse to the originals. For the greater facility in finding any particular article, an index is affixed to the volume. WHEN the Danes were masters of England, and lorded it over the natives of the island, the inhabitants of a certain great city, grown weary of their slavery, had formed a secret conspiracy to murder their masters in one bloody night, and twelve men had undertaken to enter the town-house by a stratagem, and seizing the arms, were to surprise the guard which kept it; at which time their fellow comrades upon a signal given were to come out of their houses, and murder all opposers. But when they were putting their plan in execution, the unusual crowing and fluttering of the cocks, about the place they at B |