The Virginian

Says neighbor Sly, sitting by,
"This world is given to foolery."

Last evening, about 5 o'clock, "our good town of Gotham" was put into a terrible commotion, by a very trivial circumstance; and we were never before so forcibly struck with "the true intent and meaning" of that sublime couplet of the poet, which every one of us have in our school boy days mechanically repeated, to wit:

"Large streams from little fountains flow.
"Tall oaks from little acorns grow!"

But to the point. We saw a general rush in the streets, of every size, age, sex and condition, their eyes eagerly bent all in one direction, and curiosity if not anxiety strongly depicted in their countenances. We joined in the throng, and our pressing enquiries as to the cause of the tumult, received no other answer than a burst of enthusiasm from a by-stander, with an exclamation half-smothered in his joy, "Prince Ypsilanti! Prince Ypsi-lanti! arrived from the Isle of Scio, to beat up for recruits in the Grecian cause!" Another loudly vociferated that this was not the fact—but that the object of attraction was an agent sent forth by General Swift and Dr. Mitchell to ascertain of what material the Grecian wreath of victory was composed, that they might surmount it on the Cross recently erected by the ladies of New York on the heights of Brooklyn. But the commotion soon subsided, when the truth leaked out—It was discovered that the elegantly caparisoned rider of an ambling nag was not an agent from New York, nor a princely ambassador from Scio, soliciting assistance for his oppressed countrymen—but Mons. Charles, aid-de-camp of Mons. Dumelieu, "the prince of conjurors," calling upon the lovers of the black art to attend the midnight orgies of his patron saint! We regret to learn that the corpulent gentleman who so lustily bawled "Prince Ypsilanti!" has not spoken since the mistake was discovered.

A HOAX.—About the time that it was discovered Mons. Charles was not Prince Ypsilanti, a bellman was dispatched about town, notifying the citizens that a balloon was about to ascend from an adjacent hill. But 'twas discovered to be the trick of some would-be wag, or the intentional deception of a man lately discharged by Messrs. Danelieu & Charles. Messrs. D. & C. inform us that they intend to raise one before they leave town, and that they will give regular notice of the time and place.