7 APRIL 1877, Page 15

EPIGRAMS.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.1 SIR,—In your article on " Epigrams" you remark that it has been disputed how far a play upon words is permissible in an epigram, and within due limits, it unquestionably is permissible, but you would absolutely exclude all play upon proper names. If so, then we should lose from the list of witty epigrams that well- known one made when the late Sir George Drinkwater was knighted. " Rise, Sir George," said the Sovereign, with a pause, and significant glance at the worthy gentleman's rubicund countenance, " Drinkwater."

B. G. JENKINS.