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diff --git a/13491-h/13491-h.htm b/13491-h/13491-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..04d3a84 --- /dev/null +++ b/13491-h/13491-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1951 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>Punch, August 15, 1891.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + + .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + + .inline {border: none; vertical-align: middle;} + + p.author {text-align: right;} + + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13491 ***</div> + + <h1>PUNCH,<br /> + OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.</h1> + + <h2>Vol. 101.</h2> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>August 15, 1891.</h2> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" + id="page73"></a>[pg 73]</span> + + <h2>A TERRIBLE TALE.</h2> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:35%;"> + <a href="images/73-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/73-1.png" + alt="A Terrible Tale." /></a> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Alas! it had of course to be!</p> + + <p class="i2">For weeks I had not left my room,</p> + + <p>When one fell day there came on me</p> + + <p class="i8">An awful doom.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A burly rough, who drank and swore,</p> + + <p class="i2">Without a word—I could not + shout—</p> + + <p>Attacked me brutally, and tore</p> + + <p class="i8">My nails right out.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then, dragging me out to the air—</p> + + <p class="i2">No well-conducted conscience pricked + him—</p> + + <p>He mercilessly beat me there,</p> + + <p class="i8">His helpless victim.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>With cruel zest he beat me well,</p> + + <p class="i2">He beat me till in parts I + grew—</p> + + <p>I shudder as the tale I tell—</p> + + <p class="i8">All black and blue.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But what on earth he was about,</p> + + <p class="i2">I could not guess, do what I would;</p> + + <p>But when at length he cleaned me out</p> + + <p class="i8">I understood.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet do not shed a tear, because</p> + + <p class="i2">You've heard my story told in metre,</p> + + <p>For I'm a Carpet, and he was</p> + + <p class="i8">A Carpet-Beater.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>LEAVES FROM A CANDIDATE'S DIARY.</h2> + + <p><i>Thursday, June 12</i>.—Letters from Billsbury + arrive by every post, Horticultural Societies, sea-side + excursions, Sunday School pic-nics, cricket club <i>fêtes</i>, + all demand subscriptions, and, as a rule, get them. If this + goes on much longer I shall be wound up in the Bankruptcy + Court. Shall have to make a stand soon, but how to begin is the + difficulty. Pretty certain in any case to put my foot down in + the wrong place, and offend everybody. Amongst other letters + came this one:—</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><i>4, Stone Street, Billsbury, June 10.</i></p> + </blockquote> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:32%;"> + <a href="images/73-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/73-2.png" + alt="'I will give any security you like.'" /></a>"I + will give any security you like." + </div> + + <p>Sir,—I venture to appeal to your generosity in a + matter which I am sure you will recognise to be of the highest + importance. My services to the Conservative Party in Billsbury + are well-known. I can safely say that no man has, during the + last ten years, worked harder than I have to promote + Conservative interests, and for a smaller reward. My exertions + at the last election brought on a violent attack of malarial + fever, which laid me up for some months, and from which I still + suffer. The shaky character of my hand-writing attests the + sufferings I have gone through, and the shattered condition of + my bodily health at the present moment. I lost my situation as + head-clerk in the Export Department of the Ironmongers' + Association, and found myself, at the age of forty, compelled + to begin life again with a wife and three children. Everything + I have turned my hand to has failed, and I am in dire want. May + I ask you, under these circumstances, to be so good as to + advance me £500 for a few months. I will give any security you + like. Perhaps I might repay some part of the loan by doing work + for you during the election. This must be a small matter to a + wealthy and generous man like you. To me it is a matter of life + and death. Anxiously awaiting your early and favourable reply, + and begging you to keep this application a secret,</p> + + <p class="author">I remain, Sir, Yours, faithfully, HENRY + PIDGIN.</p> + + <p>That sounded heart-breaking, but I happened to know that Mr. + PIDGIN's "malarial fever" was nothing but <i>delirium + tremens</i>, brought on by a prolonged course of drunkenness. + Hence his shaky handwriting, &c. BLISSOP had warned me + against him. Wrote back that, in view of the Corrupt Practices + Act, it was impossible for me to relieve individual cases.</p> + + <p>Called on the PENFOLDS this afternoon. They are up from + Billsbury for their stay in London, and have got a house in + Eaton Square. To my surprise found Mrs. BELLAMY and MARY there. + That was awkward, especially as MARY looked at me, as I + thought, very meaningly, and asked me if I didn't think SOPHY + PENFOLD sweetly pretty. I muttered something about preferring a + darker type of beauty (MARY's hair is as black as my hat), to + which MARY replied that perhaps, after all, that kind of pink + and white beauty with hair like tow <i>was</i> rather insipid. + The BELLAMYS it seems met the PENFOLDS at a dinner last week, + and the girls struck up a friendship, this call being the + result. Young PENFOLD, whom I had never seen before, was there + and was infernally attentive to MARY. He's in the 24th Lancers, + and looks like a barber's block. Mrs. BELLAMY said to me, "I've + been hearing so much about you from dear Lady PENFOLD. They all + have the highest opinion of you. In fact, Lady PENFOLD said she + felt quite like a mother to you. And how kind of you to buy so + many things from Miss PENFOLD at the Bazaar. What are my + father's noble lines?</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"True kindness is no blustering rogue that + struts</p> + + <p>With empty mouthings on the stage of life,</p> + + <p>But, like a tender, timid plant that shuts</p> + + <p>At every touch, it shrinks from noisy strife."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>(And so forth, I've forgotten the rest.) "I love kindness," + continued Mrs. BELLAMY, "in young men. By the way, will you + excuse a short invitation, and dine with us the day after + to-morrow? All the PENFOLDS are coming." I said yes, and made + up my mind that I must settle matters with MARY one way or + another before complications got worse, or young PENFOLD made + any more progress. I felt all the afternoon as if I'd committed + a crime.</p> + + <p><i>Friday, June 13th</i>.—Three cheers. I've done it. + Called on the BELLAMYS to-day. Found MARY alone. She was very + sarcastic, but at last I could stand it no longer, and told her + I had never loved and never should love anybody but her. Then + she burst into tears, and I—anyhow she's promised to + marry me. Have to interview Mrs. BELLAMY to-morrow. No time to + do it to-day, as she was out till late. Chuck her up!</p> + + <p>Mother received the news very well. "Accepted you, my + darling boy?" she said. "Of course she did. How <i>could</i> + she do otherwise? Bring her to see me soon. She shall, of + course, have all the family jewels immediately, and the + dining-room furniture too. There'll be a few other trifles too, + I daresay, that you'll be glad of." Dear Mother, she's the + kindest soul in the world. <i>Carlo</i> has been informed of + the news, and is said to have manifested an extraordinarily + intelligent appreciation of it, by insisting on a second + helping for supper. He's a remarkable dog.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>"SEMPER EADEM."</h2> + + <blockquote class="note"> + <p>["The position of the Jews in Russia becomes daily more + terrible. An order that they are henceforth to work upon + their Sabbath and holy festivals is about to be issued and + put in force."—<i>Standard</i>.—"A most + pertinent illustration of the falsity of repeated rumours + and reports representing in some cases a strong + disposition, and in others an actual decision, on the part + of the CZAR and the Russian Government, to alleviate the + miseries of the Jews."—<i>Times</i>.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Who said the scourge should slacken? Who + foretold</p> + + <p>The goad should cease, the shackle loose its + hold?</p> + + <p>The wish, perchance, fathered once more the + thought,</p> + + <p>Though long experience against it fought.</p> + + <p>Not so! The CZAR's in Muscovy, and all</p> + + <p>Is well with—Tyranny! The harried thrall</p> + + <p>Shall still be harried, though, a little while,</p> + + <p>The Autocrat on the Republic smile;</p> + + <p>The Jew shall be robbed, banished, outraged + still,</p> + + <p>Although the tyrant, with a shuddering thrill</p> + + <p>Diplomacy scarce hides, for some brief days</p> + + <p>Must listen to the hated "<i>Marseillaise</i>!"</p> + + <p>Fear not, Fanatic! Despot do not doubt!</p> + + <p>The rule of Orthodoxy and the Knout</p> + + <p>Is not yet over wholly. France may woo,</p> + + <p>Columbia plead, the Jew is still the Jew;</p> + + <p>And, spite of weak humanitarian fuss,</p> + + <p>CÆSAR be praised, the Russ is still the Russ!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>A GROUSE OUTRAGE.—Shooting them before the + Twelfth.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" + id="page74"></a>[pg 74]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <h2>"WON'T WORK!"</h2> + + <h4>AIR—"<i>St. Patrick's Day in the Morning</i>." + <i>Irish Sportsman + sings</i>:—</h4><a href="images/74.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/74.png" + alt="'Won't Work!'" /></a> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6">St. Patrick, they say,</p> + + <p class="i6">Kicked the snakes in the say,</p> + + <p>But, ochone! if he'd had such a hound-pack as + mine,</p> + + <p class="i6">I fancy the Saint,</p> + + <p class="i6">(Without further complaint)</p> + + <p>Would have toed the whole troop of them into the + brine.</p> + + <p class="i6">Once they shivered and stared,</p> + + <p class="i6">At my whip-cracking scared;</p> + + <p>Now the clayrics with mitre and crosier and + book,</p> + + <p class="i6">Put the scumfish on me,</p> + + <p class="i6">And, so far as I see,</p> + + <p class="i6">There's scarce a dog-crayture</p> + + <p class="i6">But's changed in his nature.</p> + + <p>I must beat some game up by hook or by + crook,</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" + id="page75"></a>[pg 75]</span> + + <p class="i6">But my chances of Sport</p> + + <p class="i6">Are cut terribly short</p> + + <p>On St. Grouse's Day in the morning!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6">With a thundering polthogue,</p> + + <p class="i6">And the toe of my brogue,</p> + + <p>I'd like to kick both of 'em divil knows + where!</p> + + <p class="i6">Sure I broke 'em meself,</p> + + <p class="i6">And, so long "on the shelf"</p> + + <p>They ought to be docile, the dogs of my + care.</p> + + <p class="i6">O'BRIEN mongrel villin,</p> + + <p class="i6">And as for cur DILLON</p> + + <p>Just look at him ranging afar at his will!</p> + + <p class="i6">I thought, true as steel,</p> + + <p class="i6">They would both come to heel,</p> + + <p class="i6">Making up for the pack</p> + + <p class="i6">Whistled off by false MAC,</p> + + <p>As though <i>he'd</i> ever shoot with <i>my</i> + patience and skill!</p> + + <p class="i6">To me ye'll not stick, Sirs?</p> + + <p class="i6">What divil's elixirs</p> + + <p>Tempt <i>ye</i> on the Twelfth in the + morning?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6">Plague on ye, come back!</p> + + <p class="i6">Och! ye villainous pack,</p> + + <p>Ye slaves of the Saxon, ye blind bastard + bunch!</p> + + <p class="i6">Whelps weak and unstable,</p> + + <p class="i6"><i>I</i> only am able</p> + + <p>The Celt-hating Sassenach wholly to + s-c-rr-unch!</p> + + <p class="i6">Yet for me ye won't work,</p> + + <p class="i6">But sneak homeward and shirk,</p> + + <p>Ye've an eye on the ould spider, GLADSTONE, a + Saxon!</p> + + <p class="i6">He'll sell ye, no doubt.</p> + + <p class="i6">Sure, a pig with ring'd snout</p> + + <p class="i6">Is a far boulder baste</p> + + <p class="i6">Than such mongrels! The taste</p> + + <p>Of the triple-plied thong BULL will lay your + base backs on</p> + + <p class="i6">Will soon make ye moan</p> + + <p class="i6">That ye left <i>me</i> alone</p> + + <p>On St. Grouse's Day in the morning!</p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>TO LORD TENNYSON.</h2> + + <h4><i>On His Eighty-second Birthday, August 6, 1891.</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ay! "After many a summer dies the + Swan."<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + <p class="i2">But singing dies, if we may trust the + Muse.</p> + + <p>And sweet thou singest as when fully ran</p> + + <p class="i2">Youth's flood-tide. Not to thee did Dawn + refuse</p> + + <p>The dual gift. Our new Tithonus thou,</p> + + <p class="i2">On whom the indignant Hours work not + their will,</p> + + <p>Seeing that, though old age may trench thy brow,</p> + + <p class="i2">It cannot chill thy soul, or mar thy + skill.</p> + + <p>Aurora's rosy shadows bathe thee yet,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor coldy. "Give me immortality!"</p> + + <p>Tithonus cried, and lingered to regret</p> + + <p class="i2">The careless given boon. Not so with + thee.</p> + + <p>Such immortality is thine as clings</p> + + <p class="i2">To "happy men that have the power to + die."</p> + + <p>The Singer lives on whilst the Song he sings</p> + + <p class="i2">Charms the world's heart. Such + immortality</p> + + <p>Is better than unending lapse of years.</p> + + <p class="i2">For that the great god-gift, Eternal + Youth,</p> + + <p>Accompanies it; the failures, the chill fears</p> + + <p class="i2">Tithonus knew thou may'st be spared in + truth,</p> + + <p>Seeing that thine Aurora's quickening breath</p> + + <p class="i2">Lives in thee whilst thou livest, so that + thou</p> + + <p>Needst neither dread nor pray for kindly Death,</p> + + <p class="i2">Like "that grey shadow once a man." And + now,</p> + + <p>Great Singer, still we wish thee length of days,</p> + + <p>Song-power unslackened, and unfading bays!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" + name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <p>"<i>Tithonus</i>."</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:65%;"> + <a href="images/75.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/75.png" + alt="VICISSITUDES OF A RISING PERIODICAL." /></a> + + <h3>VICISSITUDES OF A RISING PERIODICAL.</h3> + + <p><i>The Proprietor</i>. "I'LL TELL YOU WHAT IT IS, + SHARDSON, I'M GETTING SICK OF THE 'OLE BLOOMIN' SHOW! + <i>THE KNACKER</i> AIN'T SELLING A SCRAP—NO NOTICE + TOOK OF US ANYWHERE—NOT A BLOOMIN' ADVERTISEMENT! AND + YET THERE AIN'T 'ARDLY A LIVIN' ENGLISHMAN OF MARK, FROM + TENNYSON DOWNWARDS, AS WE 'AVEN'T SHOWN UP AND PITCHED + INTO, AND DRAGGED 'IS NAME IN THE MUD!"</p> + + <p><i>The Editor</i>. "DON'T LET'S THROW UP THE SPONGE YET, + OLD MAN! LET'S GIVE THE DEAD 'UNS A TURN—LET'S HAVE A + SHY AT THACKERAY, BROWNING, GEORGE ELIOT, OR, BETTER STILL, + LET'S BESPATTER GENERAL GORDON AND CARDINAL NEWMAN A + BIT,—<i>THAT</i> OUGHT TO FETCH 'EM A FEW, AND BRING + US INTO NOTICE!"</p> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>WHAT HOE! RAIKES!—When King RICHARD—no, beg his + pardon, Mr. RICHARD KING—says, as quoted in the + <i>Times</i>, "That he can only assume that Mr. RAIKES + purposely availed himself of a technicality to cover a + statement which was a palpable <i>suggestio falsi</i>," he + throws something unpleasant into the teeth of RAIKES. It is as + well to remember that rakes have teeth.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>"LATINÉ DOCTUS."—A Cantab, neither a first-rate sailor + nor a first-class classic, arrived at Calais after a rough + passage, looking, as his friend, who met him on the + <i>quai</i>, observed, "so changed he would hardly have known + him." "That's it," replied the staggering graduate, "<i>quantum + mutatus ab billow!</i>" Oh! he must have been bad!</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE SONG THAT BROKE MY HEART.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">I paused in a crowded street,</p> + + <p class="i2">I only desired to ride—</p> + + <p>Only to wait for a Hammersmith 'bus</p> + + <p class="i2">With room for myself outside;</p> + + <p class="i2">When I caught the nastiest tune</p> + + <p class="i2">My ear had ever heard,</p> + + <p>And asked the Police to take it away,</p> + + <p class="i2">But never a man of them stirred.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">So the singer still sang on;</p> + + <p class="i2">She would not, would not go;</p> + + <p>She sang a song of the year before last</p> + + <p class="i2">That struck me as rather low.</p> + + <p class="i2">She followed with one that was high,</p> + + <p class="i2">That made the tear-drops start,</p> + + <p>That was "<i>Hi-tiddly-i-ti! Hi!-ti!-hi!</i>"</p> + + <p class="i2">The song that broke my heart!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>WHAT is A "DEMOGRAPHER"?—Those Londoners who ask this + question will have already obtained a practical answer, as, + this week, London is full of Demographers, to whom <i>Mr. + Punch</i>, Grand Master of all Demographers (or "writers for + the people"), gives a hearty welcome. All hail to "The New + Demogracy!"</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page76" + id="page76"></a>[pg 76]</span> + + <h2>'ARRY ON A 'OUSE-BOAT.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><a href="images/76-1.png"><img class="inline" + src="images/76-1.png" + width="40%" + alt="D" /></a>ear CHARLIE,—It's 'ot, and no + error! Summer on us, at last, with a bust;</p> + + <p>Ninety odd in the shade as I write, I've a 'ed, and + a thunderin' thust.</p> + + <p>Can't go on the trot at this tempryture, though I'm + on 'oliday still;</p> + + <p>So I'll pull out my <i>eskrytor</i>, CHARLIE, and + give you a touch of my quill.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>If you find as my fist runs to size, set it down to + that quill, dear old pal;</p> + + <p>Correspondents is on to me lately, complains as I + write like a gal.</p> + + <p>Sixteen words to the page, and slopscrawly, all + dashes and blobs. Well, it's true;</p> + + <p>But a quill and big sprawl is the fashion, so wot is + a feller to do?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Didn't spot you at 'Enley, old oyster—I did + 'ope you'd shove in your oar.</p> + + <p>We 'ad a rare barney, I tell you, although a bit + spiled by the pour.</p> + + <p>'Ad a invite to 'OPKINS's 'Ouse-boat, prime pitch, + and swell party, yer know,</p> + + <p>Pooty girls, first-class lotion, and music. I tell + yer we did let things go.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Who sez 'Enley ain't up to old form, that Society + gives it the slip?</p> + + <p>Wish you could 'ave seen us—and heard + us—old boy, when aboard of our ship.</p> + + <p>Peonies and poppies ain't in it for colour with our + little lot,</p> + + <p>And with larfter and banjos permiskus we managed to + mix it up 'ot.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>My blazer was claret and mustard, my "stror" was a + rainbow gone wrong;</p> + + <p>I ain't one who's ashamed of his colours, but likes + 'em mixed middlingish strong.</p> + + <p>'EMMY 'OPKINS, the fluffy-'aired daughter, a dab at + a punt or canoe,</p> + + <p>Said I looked like a garden of dahlias, and showed + up her neat navy blue.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Fair mashed on yours truly, Miss EMMY; but that's + only jest by the way,</p> + + <p>'ARRY ain't one to brag of <i>bong four tunes</i>; + but wot I wos wanting to say</p> + + <p>Is about this here "spiling the River" which + snarlers set down to our sort.</p> + + <p>Bosh! CHARLIE, extreme Tommy rot! It's these + sniffers as want to spile sport.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Want things all to theirselves, these old jossers, + and all on the strictest Q.T.</p> + + <p>Their idea of the Thames being "spiled" by the + smallest suggestion of spree,</p> + + <p>Wy it's right down rediklus, old pal, gives a feller + the ditherums, it do.</p> + + <p>I mean going for them a rare bat, and I'm game to + wire in till all's blue.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Who are they, these stuckuppy snipsters, as jaw + about quiet and peace,</p> + + <p>Who would silence the gay "constant-screamer" and + line the Thames banks with perlice;</p> + + <p>Who sneer about "'ARRY at 'Enley," and sniff about + "cads on the course,"</p> + + <p>As though it meant "Satan in Eden"? I'll 'owl at + sich oafs till I'm 'oarse!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Scrap o'sandwich-greased paper'll shock 'em, a + ginger-beer bottle or "Bass,"</p> + + <p>Wot 'appens to drop 'mong the lilies, or gets + chucked aside on the grass,</p> + + <p>Makes 'em gasp like a frog in a frying-pan. + Br-r-r-r! Wot old mivvies they are!</p> + + <p>Got nerves like a cobweb, I reckon, a smart + Banjo-twang makes 'em jar.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I'm Toffy, you know, and no flies, CHARLIE; swim + with the Swells, and all that,</p> + + <p>But I'm blowed if this bunkum don't make me inclined + to turn Radical rat.</p> + + <p>"Riparian Rights," too! Oh Scissors! They'd block + the Backwaters and Broads,</p> + + <p>Because me and my pals likes a lark! Serve 'em right + if old BURNS busts their 'oards!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rum blokes, these here Sosherlist spouters! There's + DANNEL, the Dosser, old chap.</p> + + <p>As you've 'eard me elude to afore. Fair + stone-broker, not wuth 'arf a rap,—</p> + + <p>Knows it's all Cooper's ducks with <i>him</i>, + CHARLIE; won't run to a pint o' four 'arf,</p> + + <p>And yet he will slate me like sugar, and give me + cold beans with his charf.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/76-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/76-2.png" + alt="" /></a> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Sez DANNEL—and dash his darned cheek, + CHARLIE!—"Monkeys like you"—meaning + <i>Me</i>!—</p> + + <p>"Give the latter-day Mammon his chance. Your idea of + a lark or a spree</p> + + <p>Is all Noise, Noodle-Nonsense, and Nastiness! Dives, + who wants an excuse</p> + + <p>For exclusiveness, finds it in <i>you</i>, you + contemptible coarse-cackling goose!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Riparian rights? That's the patter of Ahab to + Naboth, of course;</p> + + <p>But 'tis pickles like you make it plausible, louts + such as you give it force.</p> + + <p>You make sweet Thames reaches Gehennas, the fair + Norfolk Broads you befoul;</p> + + <p>You—<i>you</i>, who'd make Beulah a hell with + your blatant Bank Holiday howl!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Decent property-owners abhor you; you spread your + coarse feasts on their lawns,</p> + + <p>And 'ARRY's a hog when he feeds, and an ugly Yahoo + when he yawns;</p> + + <p>You litter, and ravage, and cock-sky; you romp like + a satyr obscene,</p> + + <p>And the noise of you rises to heaven till earth + might blush red through her green.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"You are moneyed, sometimes, and well-tailored; but + come you from Oxford or Bow,</p> + + <p>You're a flaring offence when you lounge, and a + blundering pest when you row;</p> + + <p>Your 'monkeyings' mar every pageant, your shindyings + spoil every sport,</p> + + <p>And there isn't an Eden on earth but's destroyed + when it's 'ARRY's resort.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Then monopolist Mammon may chuckle, Riparian Ahabs + rejoice;</p> + + <p>There's excuse in your Caliban aspect, your hoarse + and ear-torturing voice,</p> + + <p>You pitiful Cockney-born Cloten, you slum-bred + Silenus, 'tis you</p> + + <p>Spoil the silver-streamed Thames for Pan-lovers, and + all the nymph-worshipping crew!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I've "reported" as near as no matter! I don't + hunderstand more than arf</p> + + <p>Of his patter; he's preciously given to potry and + classical + charf.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page77" + id="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span> + + <p>But the cheek on it, CHARLIE! A Stone-broke! I + <i>should</i> like to give him wot for,</p> + + <p>Only DANNEL the Dosser's a dab orf of whom t'ain't + so easy to score.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/77-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/77-1.png" + alt="" /></a> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But it's time that this bunkum was bunnicked, bin + fur too much on it of late—</p> + + <p>Us on 'OPKINS's 'Ouse-boat, I tell yer, cared nix + for the ink-spiller's "slate."</p> + + <p><i>I</i> mean doin' them Broads later on, for free + fishing and shooting, that's flat.</p> + + <p>If I don't give them dash'd Norfolk Dumplings a + doing, I'll 'eat my old 'at.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Rooral quiet, and rest, and refinement? Oh, let 'em + go home and eat coke.</p> + + <p>These fussy old footlers whose 'air stands on hend + at a row-de-dow joke,</p> + + <p>The song of the skylark sounds pooty, but + "skylarking" song's better fun,</p> + + <p>And you carn't do the rooral to-rights on a tract + and a tuppenny bun.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>As to colour, and kick-up, and sing-song, our party + was fair to the front;</p> + + <p>But we wosn't alone; lots of toppers, in 'Ouse-Boat, + or four-oar, or punt,</p> + + <p>Wos a doin' the rorty and rosy as lively as + 'OPKINS's lot,</p> + + <p>Ah! the swells sling it out pooty thick; <i>they</i> + ain't stashed by no ink-spiller's rot.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bright blazers, and twingle-twang banjoes, and + bottles of Bass, my dear boy,</p> + + <p>Lots of dashing, and splashing, and "mashing" are + things every man must enjoy,</p> + + <p>And the petticoats ain't fur behind 'em, you bet. + While top-ropes I can carry,</p> + + <p>It ain't soap-board slop about "Quiet" will put the + clear kibosh on</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="author">'ARRY.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>HOW TO SPEND A HOLIDAY ON SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES.</h2> + + <h4>(<i>A Page from the Diary of an Enthusiast in search of + Rest.</i>)</h4> + + <blockquote class="note"> + <p>["It is a good rule of practice to devote one portion of + a short vacation to the serious and necessary business of + doing nothing, and doing it very thoroughly + too."—<i>Letter to the Times.</i>]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>At last my time for rest has arrived. Musn't be idle, + though. Dr. MORTIMER GRANVILLE says it would be most injurious + to my health. Must hunt up precedents for leisure leading to no + results. Let me see—why not try the British Museum? Sure + to find something useful there—and useless, which will be + more appropriate.</p> + + <p>Take an omnibus. See one in the distance. Hail it. Conductor + takes no notice! Shout and hurry after it. Try to attract + attention of the driver. Failure. Capital commencement to my + labours. Had my run for nothing!</p> + + <p>Victory! Stopped one partially occupied. No room outside. + Enter interior. Six passengers on one seat. Five on the other. + The half dozen regard me with contemptuous indifference. The + five make no room. Explain that I want a seat. Remark received + in silence. Sit down on knee of small boy. Mother (next him) + expostulates—angrily. Chorus of indignant beholders. + Conductor is impertinent. Ask for his number, he asks for my + fare. Pay him. While this is going on, young woman has entered + omnibus, and taken vacant seat. Conductor counts places, says + there is no room. Can't carry me. Won't give back + fare—has torn off ticket. Says I must get out. Say I will + report him. Impudent again. Getting out drop ticket. Incident + subsequently (to my later satisfaction) leads to nothing!</p> + + <p>Won't have anything more to do with the omnibuses. Enter + hansom—old man (the driver) smiles civilly when I say + "British Museum." Now, I must seriously rest. Go to sleep. + Slumber until awakened by a jolt. Look out. Find myself near + the river. Strikes me that the Thames is not close to the + Museum. Appeal to cabman through the hole in the roof. + Difficulty in attracting his attention. Stop him at last. Ask + him why he did not take me to the Museum. He smiles and says he + didn't hear me—he is deaf! Very angry. He expostulates, + civilly. He saw I was asleep and didn't wish to disturb me! He + has been driving up and down the Thames Embankment for the last + three hours—charge seven and sixpence. Don't see my way + out of the difficulty, except by payment. He thanks me, and + suggests that he shall now drive me to the Museum for + eighteen-pence. Very angry and refuse. He is hailed by someone + else, and is off to pick up his new fare. On consideration it + seems to me that my anger has led to nothing. + Nothing—just what I wanted, but not exactly at the right + moment.</p> + + <p>Rather hungry. Enter a restaurant. Crowded with gentlemen + wearing hats—who seem to be on intimate terms with the + waiters. Get a bill of fare which is thrust into my hands by an + attendant loaded with dishes. Let me see—what shall I + have? "Lamb's head and peas." Have never tried this dish. Might + be good. Waiter (who seems to be revolving, like the planetary + system, in an orbit) reaches me, and I shout what I want. He + replies, "Sorry, Sir, just off," and vanishes. Look up + something else. "Liver and bacon." Not had it for years! Used + to like it. On reappearance of the planetary waiter, give my + order. He nods and vanishes. Wait patiently. Rather annoyed + that my nearest neighbour has used my part of the table for a + dish containing broad beans. Glare at him. No result. Planetary + waiter has passed me twice—stop him angrily the third + time. He is less busy now—he pauses. He thrusts bill of + fare before me, and asks me "what I would please to want." + Explode and shout in tones of thunder, "Liver and bacon!" He + disappears, and comes back a few minutes later, saying, "Very + sorry, but when I first ordered it, liver and bacon <i>was</i> + on—now it's off. Will I have a chop?" Reply angrily, + "No." Same answer to "Steak," "Duck and green peas," "A cut off + the beef joint," and "Irish stew." Waiter asks (with forced + civility), "What <i>will</i> I have!" I return, as I leave the + restaurant, "Nothing!" On regaining the street (although + hungry) I am pleased to think that I am still obeying Dr. + MORTIMER GRANVILLE's directions!</p> + + <p>No use trying cab or omnibus. Both failures. Why not walk? + Good way of wasting time, so begin to go northward, and in due + course get to Bloomsbury. Enter Museum. Umbrella seized. + Approach Reading Room. Civil attendant informs me that the + Library is closed—taking stock, or something! Then I have + come all this way for nothing! Angry, but inwardly contented. + Doing nothing "very thoroughly!"</p> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:30%;"> + <a href="images/77-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/77-2.png" + alt="" /></a> + </div> + + <p>Turn back. Why not go to a theatre? Certainly. Go to four in + succession, and find them all closed! Well, good way of wasting + time, Shall I visit one of the Exhibitions? Chelsea or Earl's + Court? After consideration, come to the conclusion that this + would be worse than doing nothing. Must draw the line + somewhere!</p> + + <p>After all, there is no place like home. Or shall I go to my + Club? Yes. Get there. Find it is being repaired, and that the + members are taken in somewhere else. Hate new scenes and new + faces. Return to my first idea, and make for my private + address; but feel that it may be rather dull, as my wife and + the children are at the seaside. Still, somebody can get me a + little supper. At least, I hope so. Find my latch-key is of no + use, on account of the chain being up. Ring angrily, when a + charwoman in a bonnet appears, and explains that the servants, + not expecting me home so early, have gone to the play, having + locked up the larder. Charwoman agrees with me that it is + disgraceful—especially the locking up of the larder.</p> + + <p>However, it can't be helped. Make up my mind to go to bed, + and get fast asleep, thoroughly tired out with the labours of a + day spent in doing absolutely nothing! Hope (in my dreams) that + Dr. MORTIMER GRANVILLE will be satisfied!</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>"Our Children's Ears."</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Whether they'll be as long as those of Midas,</p> + + <p>Or stand out salient from either side as</p> + + <p>A close-cropped ARRY's, at right angles set</p> + + <p>To his flat jowl, we cannot settle, yet;</p> + + <p>But in one thing, at least, a score they'll + chalk—</p> + + <p>They will not hear the stuff their fathers talk!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>DEFINITION.—"<i>La haute Cuisine</i>"—the + kitchen on the top flat of a ten-storey'd mansion.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page78" + id="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/78.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/78.png" + alt="AN INSINUATING WHISPER." /></a> + + <h3>AN INSINUATING WHISPER.</h3>'JUST LOOK, LAURA! WHAT A + LOVELY LITTLE DOG THAT OLD GENTLEMAN'S GOT! HOW I WISH HE + WAS MINE!" 'SHALL OI <i>GIT</i> 'IM FOR YER, LYDY? + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>"HAVE WE FORGOTTEN GORDON?"</h2> + + <blockquote class="note"> + <p>[Lord TENNYSON, under this heading, writes appealing to + Englishmen for subscriptions to the funds of the "Gordon + Boys' Home" at Woking, which is in want of £40,000. + Contributions should be sent to the Treasurer, General Sir + DIGHTON PROBYN, V.C., Marlborough House, Pall Mall.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Are we sleeping? "<i>Have</i> we forgotten?" Like + the thrust of an Arab spear</p> + + <p>Comes that conscience-piercing-question from the + Singer of Haslemere.</p> + + <p>Have we indeed forgotten the hero we so be-sang,</p> + + <p>When across the far south sand-wastes the news of + his murder rang?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Forgotten? So it had seemed to him, as alone afar he + lay,</p> + + <p>With the Nile to watch for laggard friends, fierce + foes to hold at bay;</p> + + <p>Though the tired red lines toiled onward up the + Cataracts, and we</p> + + <p>Dreamed of the shout of the rescuing host <i>his</i> + eyes should never see.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When chivalrous BURNABY lay slain, with a smile in + the face of death,</p> + + <p>And for happy news from the hungry wastes men + yearned with bated breath;</p> + + <p>When WILSON pushed his eager way past torrent-swirl + and crag,</p> + + <p>Till they saw o'er GORDON's citadel wave + high—the MAHDI's flag.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That shame was surely enough, enough, that sorrow + had a sting</p> + + <p>Our England should not court again. The Laureate's + accents ring</p> + + <p>With scorn suppressed, a scorn deserved indeed, if + still our part</p> + + <p>Is to forget a purpose high that was dear to + GORDON's heart.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"This earth has borne no simpler, nobler man." So + then sang he</p> + + <p>Who sounds a keen reveille now. "Can you help us?" + What say we?</p> + + <p>Oh, out on words, that come like WOLSELEY's host too + late—too late!</p> + + <p>Do—<i>do</i>, in the simple silent way that + made lost GORDON great.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Surely these Boys that GORDON loved in the Home with + GORDON's name</p> + + <p>Should speak to every English heart that cares for + our England's fame;</p> + + <p>And what be forty thousand pounds as an offering + made to him</p> + + <p>Who held so high that same bright fame some do their + worst to dim!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Fit task for patriot poet, this! TYRTÆUS never + stood</p> + + <p>More worthily for heroic hearts or his home-land's + highest good.</p> + + <p>Give! give! and with free hands! His spirit's poor, + his soul is hard,</p> + + <p>Who heeds not our noblest Hero's appeal through the + lips of our noblest Bard!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>A REMINISCENCE AND A QUOTATION.—It is reported that + two Gaiety burlesque-writers are about to re-do <i>Black-Eye'd + Susan</i> "up to date," of course, as is now the fashion. As + the typical melodramatic tragedian observes, "'Tis now some + twenty-five years ago" that FRED DEWAR strutted the first of + his five hundred nights or so on the stage as <i>Captain + Crosstree</i>, that PATTY OLIVER sang with trilling effect her + "<i>Pretty Seeusan</i>," and that DANVERS, as <i>Dame + Hatly</i>, danced like a rag-doll in a fantoccini-show. To + quote the Poet CRABBE, and to go some way back in doing + so,—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I see no more within our borough's bound</p> + + <p>The name of DANVERS!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Which lines will be found in No. XVII. of the Poet's + "Posthumous Tales."</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>The Modern Traveller.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In a restaurant-Pullman he books</p> + + <p class="i2">His seat, a luxurious craze.</p> + + <p>Most travellers now take their Cooks,</p> + + <p class="i2">And everyone's going to Gaze.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>IBERIAN-HIBERNIAN.—Sir,—In Ireland since the + time when the Armada came to grief on its coasts, there have + always existed Spanish names, either pure, as in the instance + of Valencia, or slightly mixed. In Spain the Celtic names are + found in the same way, and an instance occurs on the + border-land of Spain and Southern France, in the name of the + place to which the Spanish Premier has gone for his holiday, + viz., Bagnères-de-Bigorre. If "Bigorre" isn't "Begorra," what + is it? DON PATRICK DE CORQUEZ.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page79" + id="page79"></a>[pg 79]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/79.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/79.png" + alt="'HAVE WE FORGOTTEN GORDON?'" /></a> + + <h3>"HAVE WE FORGOTTEN GORDON?"</h3> + </div> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page81" + id="page81"></a>[pg 81]</span> + + <h2>A LOVER'S COMPLAINT.</h2> + + <h4>(<i>Thoroughly New Style.</i>)</h4> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:21%;"> + <a href="images/81-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/81-1.png" + alt="Belinda." /></a> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Belinda dear, once on a time</p> + + <p class="i2">I doted on your every feature,</p> + + <p>I wrote you <i>billets doux</i> in rhyme</p> + + <p class="i2">In which I called you "charming + creature."</p> + + <p>No lover half so keen as I,</p> + + <p class="i2">Than mine no ardent passion stronger,</p> + + <p>So I should like to tell you why</p> + + <p class="i2">I cannot love you any longer.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When I was yours and you were mine,</p> + + <p class="i2">Your hair, I thought, was most + delightful,</p> + + <p>But now, through Fashion's last design,</p> + + <p class="i2">It looks, to my taste, simply + frightful!</p> + + <p>Though why this should be I don't know,</p> + + <p class="i2">For I can think of nothing madder</p> + + <p>Than hair decked out in coils that go</p> + + <p class="i2">To make what seems to be a ladder.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Unhappy day, when first you dressed</p> + + <p class="i2">Your tresses thus—how you must rue + it!</p> + + <p>For you yourself, you know, confessed</p> + + <p class="i2">It took you several hours to do it.</p> + + <p>Oh, tell me, is it but a snare</p> + + <p class="i2">Designed to captivate another,</p> + + <p>Or do you merely bind your hair</p> + + <p class="i2">Because you're bidden by your mother?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Again—you will not take it ill—</p> + + <p class="i2">You are, my dear, distinctly dumpy:</p> + + <p>A flowing cape it's certain will</p> + + <p class="i2">Well—<i>not</i> become one short + and stumpy.</p> + + <p>Yet since, although you are not tall,</p> + + <p class="i2">You wear a cape, you may take my word</p> + + <p>That in the mouths of one and all</p> + + <p class="i2">You have become a very byword.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>So this is why my love has fled—</p> + + <p class="i2">If ever there should come a season</p> + + <p>When you shall show some sense instead</p> + + <p class="i2">Of such an utter lack of reason,</p> + + <p>If I should still be fancy free,</p> + + <p class="i2">Why then it's only right to mention</p> + + <p>That, if you care to write to me,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll give your claims my best + attention.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>A NOTE.—In <i>Black and White</i> for August 8 there + is a large picture representing a group of English Dramatists, + amongst whom please specially notice a figure intended for Mr. + W.S. GILBERT (it was thoughtful and kind of the artist to put + the names below), who is apparently explaining to a select few + why he has been compelled to come out in this strange old coat + and these queer collars. All the Dramatists look as cheerful as + mutes at a funeral, their troubled expression of countenance + probably arising from the knowledge that somewhere hidden away + is a certain eminently unbiassed Ibsenitish critic who has been + engaged to do the lot in a lump. From this exhibition of + collective wisdom turn to p. 203, and observe the single figure + of a cabman, drawn by an artist who certainly has a Keene + appreciation of the style of <i>Mr. Punch's</i> inimitable + "C.K."</p> + <hr /> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:66%;"> + <a href="images/81-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/81-2.png" + alt="'BURYING THE HATCHET.'" /></a> + + <h3>"BURYING THE HATCHET."</h3>(<i>Vide Report of the L.C. + & D. Chairman's Speech, "Times," August 6.</i>) + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>A LESSON FROM THE R.N.E.</h2> + + <h4>(<i>For the Use of Sailors proposing to join the Royal + Navy.</i>)</h4> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:17%;"> + <a href="images/81-3.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/81-3.png" + alt="Boxing the Compass." /></a>Boxing the Compass. + </div> + + <p><i>Question</i>. I think you have been to the Royal Naval + Exhibition at Chelsea.</p> + + <p><i>Answer</i>. I have. I was induced to make the journey by + an advertising placard posted on two official boards outside + the Admiralty.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> What was your first impression on reaching the + grounds usually open to the public, but now reserved for + commercial purposes?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> That the Public were extremely benevolent to + permit so long an infringement of their right of way and other + privileges.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> After you had entered the Exhibition, what was + your initial impression?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> That a great number of the exhibits were not very + appropriate advertisements.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> Did you see Seamen of the Royal Navy making an + exhibition of themselves in the Arena?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> I did; and could not help contrasting with the + feebly-histrionic display the recent order in Paris forbidding + the French soldiers to take part in theatrical + representations.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> Was the display of these seamen of the Royal Navy + particularly impressive?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> No, and I fancy that some of the audience who had + paid an extra sixpence to see it from the Grand Stand, were + slightly disappointed.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> Besides the cutlass and gun drill, did you see + these seamen (wearing Her Majesty's uniform), take part in any + other performance?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> I did, and for this, too, an extra sixpence was + charged for the use of the Grand Stand. They waded about in a + sort of tank or large bath with models of ironclads on their + heads.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> So far as you could see was this last display + conducive to the maintenance of strict discipline?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> I should say not, the more especially as I noticed + towards the close of the display that the men seemed inclined + to indulge in larking.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> Has this raree show caused you to wish to enlist + in the Royal Navy?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> Certainly not. The gun and cutlass drill before a + paying audience reminded me of <i>The Battle of Waterloo</i> at + Astley's.</p> + + <p><i>Q.</i> But would you not like to join the Royal Navy, so + that you might be qualified to perform in a tank?</p> + + <p><i>A.</i> No; for on consideration I think if I wished to do + anything in the "comic water-tournament line," I could make + better terms with Mr. SANGER than the Lords of the + Admiralty.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>QUEER QUERIES.—POPULAR PRICES.—Would any reader + inform me what is the lowest price at which <i>wholesome</i> + aërated waters are sold? I have been drinking some "Shadwell + Seltzer, special <i>cuvée</i>," at a penny-halfpenny the + syphon, and I fancy this may have something to do with my + present symptoms, which include partial paralysis of the left + side, violent spasms, an almost irresistible tendency to + homicide, together with excruciating pain in every part of the + body. My doctor says the lead in the syphons has "permeated my + system." When I am better, I intend to prosecute the + manufacturer. My doctor discourages the notion. He says he does + not know if an action would "lie," but he is sure the + manufacturer would!—TEETOTALLER.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>HELVETIAN SIXTH-CENTURY MOTTO.—"<i>'Tell' est La + Vie!</i>"—<i>en Suisse</i>.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page82" + id="page82"></a>[pg 82]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/82.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/82.png" + alt="WORK FOR THE RECESS." /></a> + + <h3>WORK FOR THE RECESS.</h3>MISS PARLIAMENTINA PUTS HER + HOUSE IN ORDER, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMMITTEE ON + VENTILATION, ETC. + </div> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" + id="page83"></a>[pg 83]</span> + + <h2>OFF TO MASHERLAND.</h2> + + <h4>(<i>By Our Own Grandolph.</i>)</h4> + + <h3>A FEW REMINISCENCES.</h3> + + <div class="figleft" + style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/83-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/83-1.png" + alt="Grandolph and the Wild Turkey." /></a>Grandolph + and the Wild Turkey. + </div> + + <p>Begin to regret dinners on board the <i>Grantully + Castle</i>. The other day was regretting the Amphitryon. Don't + go so far back as the Albemarle-Street Amphitryon, quite + satisfied with a simple Donald Currie. [<i>Mem.</i>—The + proverb hath much truth in it that saith, "Go farther and fare + worse."] Sick of chicken. With poetic epigrammacy might say, + "Quite sick Of chick." Stringy chickens, too! One has to tug at + them; sort of game of "poulet-hauly"—as DRUMMY would say. + Though were he here, I doubt if he would say anything. He + certainly would eat nothing: probably would only open his mouth + to observe, "I'm off!" and then we should see him no more. + Quite right. So would I—but for "my oath, my Lord, my + oath!" (N.B.—This is a quotation. Sure of it. Where from? + Don't know. Tragedy probably; sounds tragic. No matter. Can + give it with effect in a speech, and Members turn to one + another and ask, "What's that from?" When they ask me + confidentially afterwards, I reply with an air of intense + surprise, "What! don't <i>you</i> know! Well!!" and I turn on + my heel, leaving CHUCKLEHEAD, M.P., annoyed with + himself,—"<i>planté là</i>" as DRUMMY would + say,—for being so ignorant, and for having displayed his + ignorance so palpably. Off he goes to British Museum and + searches for quotation. This gives him opportunity of acquiring + much useful knowledge, which, but for me, he would not have + had. Rather a long parenthesis this. So—on we goes + again.)</p> + + <h4>TO THE MINES.</h4> + + <p><i>À propos</i> of exploring, the other day, a digger's + assistant came up to me and inquired "If I had," as I + understood him, "my gin pack'd." I returned that I never took + spirits. Found out subsequently that word was spelt + "<i>mijinpacht</i>," which is African-Dutch for "lease." Well, + why didn't he say so before? Of course I have, and plenty of + 'em; else why am I here?</p> + + <p>To-day went to see the ore in the Robinson Crusoe Mines. As + D.W. would say, "The site strikes me with ore!"</p> + + <p>Much interested, of course, in inspecting the Salisbury + Mine. Naturally, I put in my claim for the Salisbury. What's in + a name and a family, if one can't get some good out of 'em? + Intend to start the "Uncle Mine." Fine chance. Any place where + there's a large and fluctuating Pop-ulation (with emphasis on + the "Pop"), the Uncle Mine is a certainty." But Oh, for the + "pop,"—I mean the dear old fizz,—and the older it + is, the dearer it is,—at the Amphitryon.</p> + + <h4>"IS LIFE WORTH LIVING?"</h4> + + <p>The Transvaal's the place for living in. Here life is life, + be it never so lively. The only nuisance is the Boer; and the + Boer's a hass, or rather a mule. That's my opinion of Boers + individually and collectively; I make no concessions to them; + hang 'em, they've already got enough. If this country had been + in the hands of Englishmen, or Americans, or both jointly + (talking of jointly, we'd have had better dinners than we get + now but of this anon—) with a certain person whom I can + mention, and who is not a hundred miles distant from the + present writer at this moment, as Head of affairs, an Imperial + ruler, with power to add to his number (which number would be + One, and would remain so), then this country, in a very short + time, would have ruled the world. What ports, what champagnes, + what railroads, what shipping, what commerce, what an Imperial + Parliament, with the Despot in the Chair in both Houses, all + speeches, except the Despot's, limited to five minutes apiece, + and no reduction on talking a quantity. Oh, for one hour of + this power, and the Amphitryon be blowed! Aha! <i>Grandolphus + Africanus Protector</i> to begin with; <i>Grandolphus Africanus + Rex</i> to go on with; and <i>Grandolphus Africanissimmus + Imperator</i> to finish with!</p> + + <h4>REMORSE AND REGRET.</h4> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/83-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/83-2.png" + alt="Grandolphus Africanus." /></a>Grandolphus + Africanus. + </div> + + <p>Now to dinner! On what? Yah! tough beef, woolly mutton and + stringy chicken. And to think that but for the Boers, the + beastly Boers, we should have had the finest teal, wild duck, + venison, goslings, asparagus, French beans, best Welsh mutton, + and real turtle soup every day <i>au choix</i>!! But what did + the Boers do? Why, they ascertained that skins and feathers, + and shells, were valuable, whereupon they went to work, shot + everything everywhere, sold skins and feathers, and shells! So + that deer and birds hadn't a chance. If they popped out, pop + went the guns like the original weasel, which some years ago + was always popping, and the poor dumb animals with the pleading + eyes and the tender flesh were slaughtered wholesale. In this + manner, too, the game soon came to an end, as it must do + whenever the game is so one-sided as it was here. Then, as I + have said, the shells were valuable! The shells! What chance + had the tortoise and the turtle? "'Tis the voice of the turtle, + I heard him complain." (What's that from? That's from + WATTS—eh?) What chance had the peas, however wild? or a + bean as broad as one of ——'s after-dinner stories? + Ah! it makes me sad and angry, and once again I cry Oh, for an + hour, and that the dinner-hour, aboard the <i>Grantully + Castle</i>! Ay! even though the G.O.M. were on board; for he + could appreciate the daily Currie which to me is now + <i>perdu</i>. Well! so to dinner "with what appetite I may," + and then on to Pretoria, of which place I think I shall change + the name to Pre-radicallia or Pre-fourthpartia. You see + Pre-toria implies one who was Toryer than a Tory. Aha! what is + my scheme? Do you see the picture? GRANDOLPHUS IMPERATOR REX + AURIFERORUM MEORUM (Latiné for "Mines") surrounded by his + Pretorian Guards.</p> + + <h4>SPORT TO US!</h4> + + <div class="figleft" + style="width:36%;"> + <a href="images/83-3.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/83-3.png" + alt="'What larks! Killed four-and-twenty blackbirds all in a row! at one shot!!!'" /> + </a>"What larks! Killed four-and-twenty blackbirds all in a + row! at one shot!!!" + </div> + + <p>Went out shooting before dinner. Killed one wild turkey, + after an awful struggle, in which I very nearly got the worst + of it; but fortunately the turkey was unarmed, though for all + that he used his drumsticks in such a manner as in a little + more would have brought flocks of other furious wild turkeys on + to the scene, had I not, with great presence of mind and one + small bullet <span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" + id="page84"></a>[pg 84]</span> out of my spring-pea rifle + managed to crack the parchment-like skin which covers his + drum, and at the same time broken one of his sticks. Then, + he fell. Carried him home on my back. What larks! Killed + four-and-twenty blackbirds at one shot as they were all + sitting in a row on a rail. They were so frightened of me, + <i>it made 'em quail!!</i> Wonderful transformation, wasn't + it? But fact, all the same. Four-and-twenty quail All on a + rail. Killed eighty "Koran," a Mahomedan bird, very scarce, + and therefore bring in a considerable Mahomet, or, (ahem) + profit? See? Shot a "Tittup"—so called on account of + its peculiar action after drinking; also three early German + Beerbirds, or, as the Dutchmen call them, "Spring-boks." + There is another origin for this name, which is also likely, + and that is that they don't appear when there's an early + spring, but when the spring is rather backward then they + come forward. Whichever you like, my little dear, you pays + your money, &c., &c. After all these exciting + adventures—"The game is cook'd, and now we'll go to + dinner!"—quotation from early Dramatist, by Yours + ever, <a href="images/84-1.png"><img class="inline" + src="images/84-1.png" + width="40%" + alt="" /></a></p> + <hr /> + + <h3>WORTH NOTICING.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O poor Mr. ATKINSON, victim of fate,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who bowed when you ought to have lifted + your hat,</p> + + <p>When the Session is over it's far—far too + late,</p> + + <p class="i2">To give notice of this and give notice of + that.</p> + + <p>Your attempts to be funny are amazing to see,</p> + + <p class="i2">It's a dangerous venture to pose as a + wit.</p> + + <p>Though the voters of Boston <i>may</i> love their + M.P.,</p> + + <p class="i2">It <i>may</i> end in their giving + <i>you</i> notice—to quit!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.</h2> + + <div class="figleft" + style="width:30%;"> + <a href="images/84-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/84-2.png" + alt="The Baron de Book-Worms." /></a> + </div> + + <p><i>Short Papers in Magazines</i>.—"A starry night Is + the shepherd's delight," and as this sort of night is to the + pastor, so are short stories in Monthly Magazines to the Baron. + Moreover, his recommendation of them is, as he knows from + numerous grateful Correspondents, "a boon and a blessing" to + such as follow his lead. He owns to a partiality for the weird, + and if he can come across a brief "curdler," he at once singles + it out for the delectation of those whose taste is in the same + direction. But no curdler has he come across for some + considerable time; but for short essays and tales to be read by + ladies in some quiet half-hour before toiletting or + untoiletting, or by the weaker sex in the smoking-room, the + Baron begs to commend "THACKERAY's Portraits of Himself," as + interesting to Thackerayans, and "A Maiden Speech," in + <i>Murray</i>, for August, the latter being rather too sketchy, + though in its sketchiness artistic, as, like <i>Sam + Weller's</i> love-letter, it makes you "wish as there was more + of it."</p> + + <p>Commended also by the Baron are "The Story of a Violin," by + ERNEST DOWSON, and "Heera Nund," by F.A. STEEL, in + <i>Macmillan</i>. If "A First Family of Tasajara" is continued + as well as it is commenced in the same above-mentioned + Mac-azine, it will be about as good a tale as BRET HARTE has + ever written, and that is saying a good deal, mind you.</p> + + <p>Unfinished Stories—that is, Stories finished in style, + yet, as another contradiction in terms, short stories without + any end, are rather the vogue nowadays in Magazines. Let me + recommend as specimens "Francesca's Revenge" in + <i>Blackwood</i>, and "Disillusioned" in <i>London + Society</i>.</p> + + <p>Don't tell the Baron that these hints are unappreciated. He + knows better. He can produce letters imploring him to read and + notice, letters asking him what to read, and letters + complaining that his advice is not more frequently given. Aware + of this responsibility, he never recommends what he has not + himself read, or what some trusted partner in the Firm of BARON + DE BOOK-WORMS & Co. has not read for him. <i>Verb. + sap.</i></p> + + <p class="author">BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>MISS DECIMA-HELYETT-SMITHSON-JACKSON.</h2> + + <p>One or two of the especially well-informed dramatic critics + who, of course, had seen the original piece <i>Miss Helyett</i> + in Paris, asked why the English adapter had taken the trouble + to invent nine sisters for the heroine; the nine sisters never + being seen and having nothing whatever to do with the plot. + Here the well-informed ones were to a certain extent wrong. In + the original French piece, <i>Miss Helyett</i>,—whose + name, as is suggested by <i>Woman</i>, is evidently a French + rendering for "Miss ELLIOT," which M. BOUCHERON "concluded was + her Christian name"—speaking of herself, says to her + father, "<i>Vous savez bien, mon père, que vous n'avez pas de + plus grande admiratrice que votre onzième enfant.</i>" And the + Reverend SMITHSON tells her, a little later, "<i>J'ai casé + toutes tes soeurs très jeunes</i>—" and "<i>Je ne devrais + pourtant pas avoir de peine à trouver un onzième + gendre.</i>"</p> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:20%;"> + <a href="images/84-3.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/84-3.png" + alt="'Oh, shocking!!'" /></a>"Oh, shocking!!" + </div> + + <p>That is why he is travelling to get an "<i>onzième + gendre</i>" for his "<i>onzième enfant</i>." The English + adapter relieved Mr. SMITHSON of one of his family, and so + <i>Miss Helyett Smithson</i> became <i>Miss Decima Jackson</i>, + <i>i.e.</i>, the tenth, instead of the eleventh, of the worthy + pastor's family. The fact that all her sisters are married, + makes single unblessedness a reproach to her. No sort of + purpose would have been served by such a wholesale massacre of + innocents as the extinction of all <i>Pastor Smithson's</i>, + alias <i>Jackson's</i>, ten "pretty chicks at one fell + swoop."</p> + + <p>Miss NESVILLE, the foreign representative of <i>Miss + Decima</i> at the Criterion, is uncommonly childlike and bland; + moreover, she sings charmingly; while of Mr. DAVID JAMES as the + pastor <i>Jackson</i> it may be said, "Sure such a <i>père</i> + was never seen!" The Irishman, Mr. CHAUNCEY OLCOTT, has a + mighty purty voice, and gains a hearty <i>encore</i> for a + ditty of which the music is not particularly striking. Mr. + PERCY REEVE has written words which go glibly to AUDRAN's + music, and fit the situations. The piece is capitally played + and sung all round; and marvellous is Miss VICTOR as the + Spanish mother. The <i>mise-en-scène</i> is far better here + than it is in Paris, where this "musical-comedy" is still an + attraction.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>HOW TO BE POPULAR.</h2> + + <h4>(<i>Advice to an Aspirant.</i>)</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dear sir, if you long for the love of a nation,</p> + + <p class="i2">If you wish to be <i>fêted</i>, + applauded, caressed;</p> + + <p>If you hope for receptions, and want an ovation,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the populace cheered, by Town Councils + addressed;</p> + + <p>I can give you succinctly a certain + receipt—</p> + + <p>Be detected at once and denounced as a cheat.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It's as easy as lying; you eat all your cake, + Sir,</p> + + <p class="i2">And you have it as well, which was never + a sin,</p> + + <p>By adding a trifling amount to your stake, Sir,</p> + + <p class="i2">When the points of the cards show you're + certain to win.</p> + + <p>You'll be slapped on the back by the "man in the + street,"</p> + + <p>Who delights to sing pæans in praise of a cheat.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They take the poor thief or the forger to jail, + oh,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where he cleans out his cell and picks + oakum all day;</p> + + <p><i>You</i> pose as a martyr and get a cheap halo</p> + + <p class="i2">Ready-made by the public, with nothing to + pay.</p> + + <p>Believe me, dear Sir, there is nothing can beat</p> + + <p>For triumph and joy the career of a cheat.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>EXIT LA CLAQUE.—"<i>A partir d'apres demain + samedi</i>," says the <i>Figaro</i> for August 6:—"M. + LEMONNIER, <i>le Directeur d'été et l'auteur de Madame la + Maréchale, supprime le service de la claque à 'Ambigu</i>." + When <i>Madame la Maréchale</i> has finished her run, will the + <i>claque</i> be re-admitted to start a new piece? This is + snubbing your friends in a time of prosperity. If the + <i>claque</i> has the courage of its opinions—but stay, + can a <i>claque</i> have any opinions? No: it must follow its + leader; and its leader obeys orders. If ever any set of men + came into a theatre "with orders," the <i>claque</i> is that + set. Poor <i>claque</i>! Summoned in adversity, banished in + prosperity, why not do away with it altogether, and trust to + public expression of opinion for applause?</p> + <hr /> + + <p>NOTICE.—Rejected Communications or Contributions, + whether MS., Printed Matter, Drawings, or Pictures of any + description, will in no case be returned, not even when + accompanied by a Stamped and Addressed Envelope, Cover, or + Wrapper. To this rule there will be no exception.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13491 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |