A few riddles from a mid 19th century joke book Tom Brown's Jest Book. Purchased from the amazing library of Jeremy Beadle MBE (1948 -2008) British entertainer, television star, hoaxer, quizmaster, book collector and philanthropist. He had a dozen shelves of joke books, mostly modern and the family kept a lot but this one escaped. Most are slightly groan-making to modern ears, some slightly smutty and several by coincidence concerned with sheets...
Why is an unbound book like a lady in bed ?
Because it is in sheets.
Why is a lady in her shift like the Hague ? Be-
cause she is in Holland.
Why is a drunkard with a fiery face like a Chris-
tian Monitor ? Because he puts in mind of Hell
fire.
Why is a Prime Minister like a May pole ? Be- .
cause it is a high post.
Why is a grave-digger like a waterman ? Because
he handles skulls.
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