The case of Mr. Chapman, the ingenious painter, who died lately, was as singular as it was dreadful.
About a fortnight ago he was overtaken in the park by a fellow, who asked him if he had any money. Mr. Chapman said, "'Tis an odd question, but I have four or five shilling." "Shillings! (said the other) If you had said guineas, it might have done." "What do you mean?" (said Chapman) "Why (cried the villain) you have attempted an unnatural crime, and I shall swear it."
This he did before a magistrate, and Mr. Chapman was obliged to give bail to answer the complaint; which so affected him that he lost all memory and recollection, being reduced to the condition of an idiot; and dying suddenly, a jury sat on the body, and brought in their verdict "died of a fright!"
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