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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 102,
+February 27, 1892, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 102, February 27, 1892
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: December 13, 2004 [EBook #14344]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PUNCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Malcolm Farmer, William Flis, and the PG Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+PUNCH,
+
+OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.
+
+VOL. 102.
+
+
+
+February 27, 1892.
+
+
+
+
+CONFESSIONS OF A DUFFER.
+
+V.--THE DUFFER AT CRICKET.
+
+To hear my remarks on the Cricket, in the Pavilion, you might think
+that I had been a great player entirely, in my day. "Who is that
+fine old English sportsman," you might ask, "who seems to have been
+so intimate with MYNN, and FULLER PILCH, and CARPENTER, and HAYWARD
+and TARRANT and JACKSON and C.D. MARSHAM? No doubt we see in him the
+remains of a sterling Cricketer of the old school." And then when I
+lay down the law on the iniquity of boundary hits, "always ran them
+out in _my_ time," and on the tame stupidity of letting balls to the
+off go unpunished, and the wickedness of dispensing with a long stop,
+you would be more and more pursuaded that I had at least, played for
+my county. Well, I _have_ played for my county, but as the county I
+played for was Berwickshire, there is perhaps nothing to be so very
+proud of in that distinction. But this I will say for the Cricketing
+Duffer; he is your true enthusiast. When I go to Lord's on a summer
+day, which of my contemporaries do I meet there? Not the men who
+played for the University, not the KENNYS and MITCHELLS and BUTLERS,
+but the surviving members of College Second Elevens in the old days of
+Cowley Marsh, when every man brought his own bottle of Oxford wine for
+luncheon. These are the veterans who contribute most to the crowd of
+lookers-on. They never were of any use as players, but their hearts
+were in the game, and from the game they will never be divorced. It is
+an ill thing for an outsider to drop a remark about Cricket among us,
+at about eleven o'clock in a country house smoking-room. After that
+the time flies in a paradise of reminiscences, till about 4 A.M. or
+some such "wee, short hour ayont the Twal'," if one may quote BURNS
+without being insulted by all the numerous and capable wits of
+Glasgow. Why is it that the Duffer keeps up his interest in Cricket,
+while the good players cease to care much about it? Perhaps _their_
+interest was selfish; his is purely ideal, and consequently immortal.
+To him Cricket was ever an unembodied joy of which he could make
+nothing palpable; nothing subject to the cold law of averages. Mine
+was 0.3.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+My own introduction to Cricket, as to Golf, was peculiarly poignant. I
+and my brother, aged more or less about six or seven, were invited to
+play by the local Club, and we each received exactly one very slow and
+considerate lob. But his lob took him on the eye, and mine, kicking on
+a bad wicket, had me on the knee-pan. The subsequent proceedings did
+not interest us very much, but there is nothing like entering children
+early at a manly pastime.
+
+Intellectual application will, to some extent, overcome physical
+difficulties. By working at least five hours a day, and by reading the
+_Cricket Field_ daily and nightly, I did learn to bowl a little, with
+a kind of twist. This, while it lasted, in a bowlerless country, was
+a delightful accomplishment. You got into much better sporting society
+than you deserved, and, in remote parts of the pastoral districts
+you were looked up to as one whose name had been in _Bell's Life_;
+we still had _Bell's Life_ then. It was no very difficult matter to
+bowl a rustic team for a score of runs or so, and all went merry as a
+wedding bell. But, alas, when Drumthwacket played Tullochgorum, there
+was a young Cambridge man staying with the latter chieftain. I began,
+as I usually did, by "yorking" Tullochgorum's Piper and his chief
+Butler, and his head Stalker, and then SMITH of King's came in. The
+ground, as usual, had four sides. He hit me over the enclosure at
+each of the four sides, for I changed my end after being knocked for
+five fours in his first over. After that, my prestige was gone. The
+rustics, instead of crawling about their wickets, took to walking
+in and smacking me. This would not have mattered, if any of the
+Drumthwacket team could have held a catch, and if the wicket-keeper
+had not let SMITH off four times in one over. My character was lost,
+and all was ended with me north of the Grampians, where the wickets
+are peculiarly suitable to my style of delivery.
+
+As to batting, there is little that is pleasant to confess. As soon as
+I got a distant view of a ball, I was ever tempted to whack wildly in
+its direction. There was no use in waiting for it, the more I looked
+at it the less I liked it. So I whacked, and, if you always do this,
+a ball will sometimes land on the driving part of the bat, and then it
+usually happened that my companion, striving for a five or a six, ran
+me out. If he did not, I did not stay long. The wicket-keeper was a
+person whose existence I always treated as _une quantite negligeable_,
+and sometimes the ball would bound off his pads into the stumps. The
+fielders would occasionally hold a catch, anything _may_ happen. On
+the other hand there was this to be said for my style of batting,
+that the most experienced Cricketer could not tell where or in what
+direction I would hit any given ball. If it was on the off, that was
+no reason why I should not bang it to square-leg, a stroke which has
+become fashionable since my time, but in those old days, you did not
+often see it in first-class Cricket. It was rather regarded as "an
+agrarian outrage." Foreigners and ladies would find Cricket a more
+buoyant diversion if all the world, and especially LEWIS HALL and
+SHREWSBURY, played on my principles. Innings would not last so long.
+Not so many matches would be drawn. The fielders would not catch cold.
+
+To speak of fielding is to revive unspeakable sorrows. For a
+short-sighted man, whose fingers are thumbs, no post in the field
+is exactly grateful. I have been at long-leg, and, watching the game
+intently, have perceived the batters running, and have heard cries of
+"well fielded!" These cries were ironical. The ball had been hit past
+me, but I was not fortunate enough to observe the circumstance. A
+fielder of this _calibre_ always ends by finding his way to short-leg.
+A prudent man can do a good deal here by watching the umpire, dodging
+when he dodges, and getting behind him on occasion. But I was not
+prudent. I observed that a certain player hit very much behind the
+leg, so there, "in the mad pride of intellectuality," I privily
+stationed myself. He _did_ it very fine, very fine indeed, into my
+eye. The same misfortune has attended me at short-slip; it should have
+been a wicket, it was a black eye, or the loss of a tooth or two, as
+might happen. In fact, I sometimes wonder myself at the contemptuous
+frankness of my own remarks on the fielding at Lord's. For if a catch
+could be missed (and most catches can), I was the man to miss it.
+Swift ones used to hit me and hurt me, long ones I always misjudged,
+little simple poppy ones spun out of my fingers. Now the unlucky thing
+about Cricket, for a Duffer, is that your misfortunes do not hurt
+yourself alone. It is not as in a single at Golf, it is not as in
+fishing, or riding, or wherever you have no partner. To drop catches
+is to madden the bowler not unnaturally, and to lengthen the period
+of leather-hunting. Cricket is a social game, and its proficients
+soon give the cold shoulder to the Duffer. He has his place, however,
+in the nature of things. It is he who keeps up the enthusiasm, who
+remembers every run that anybody I made in any given match. In fact,
+at Cricket, the Duffer's mission is to be a "judge of the game;" I
+don't mean an Umpire, very far from that. If you once let the Duffer
+umpire he could ruin the stoutest side, and secure victory to the
+feeblest. I may say that, at least in this capacity, I have proved
+really useful to my party in country matches. But, in the long run,
+my capacity even for umpiring came to be doubted, and now I am only
+a critic of Cricket. There is none more relentless, not one with a
+higher standard, at least where no personal feelings are concerned.
+For I have remarked that, if a Cambridge man writes about an Oxford
+victory (which he seldom has to do), or if an Oxford man writes on a
+Cambridge victory (a frequent affliction), he always leaves you with
+the impression that, in spite of figures, his side had at least a
+moral triumph. These admirable writers have all been Duffers.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: TIMES CHANGE.
+
+_Shade of William the Conqueror._ "WHAT! THE PEOPLE OBJECT TO
+ENCLOSING A FEW ACRES OF THIS OPEN SPACE FOR STATE PURPOSES--FOR THEIR
+OWN BENEFIT? BY THE SPLENDOUR OF HEAVEN! I SHOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE
+HEARD THE VARLETS OBJECT TO MY MAKING MILES OF IT SUCH--FOR _MINE_!"
+
+_Secretary for War._ "AH, YOUR MAJESTY HAD IN _YOUR_ TIMES NO _TIMES_
+TO RECKON WITH!"]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+TIMES CHANGE.
+
+ ["The 'Ranges Act' constitutes ... a standing menace to rights
+ of common wherever commons and open spaces exist."--_The
+ Times_.]
+
+ "The old order changes, yielding place to new."
+ By Phoebus, you are right, mellifluous TENNYSON!
+ Could Norman WILLIAM this conjuncture view,
+ He'd greet our Progress with--well, scarce a benison;
+ He, though ranked high 'midst monarchs and commanders,
+ Had the same weakness as our troops in Flanders.
+
+ ROBERT the Devil's ruthless son would clear
+ A county to make coverts, deer-runs, chaces.
+ What had he thought of modern notions queer
+ Concerning Common Rights and Open Spaces?
+ "The People--who are varlets!--still oppose them,
+ Whether the Powers that be make or enclose them!"
+
+ "The People _versus_ Powers that Be!" Ah, yes!
+ Imperious Norman, that's a modern trial
+ That's always being argued more or less;
+ The Press keeps now such vigilant espial
+ On every grasping would-be public plunderer.
+ You, Sire, had not to reckon with "The Thunderer!"
+
+ Times change, stark soldier, and we have the _Times_
+ Premier to check and snub Chief Secretaries.
+ Counting land-grabbing high among earth's crimes
+ Would have amazed you! Public judgment varies.
+ You and your wolf-hound, WILLIAM, would not now
+ Try a "clean sweep,"--without a general row.
+
+ Ask OTTO! He is somewhat in your style,
+ But he could tell you what new risks environ
+ The ancient art of Ruling. You may smile
+ At Print and Paper _versus_ Blood and Iron,
+ But Sovereign and Crown, though loved by many,
+ Stand now no chance against the Popular Penny.
+
+ Ask Malwood's Squire again! He knows right well
+ The New Democracy,--and the New Forest;
+ _Our_ great Plantagenet, a true blue "Swell,"
+ Fights for the People when their need is sorest.
+ In Norman BILLY he'd own small belief;
+ The People's WILLIAM is _his_ favourite chief.
+
+ Your ghostly presence in these verdant glades
+ Might startle STANHOPE, musing on his Ranges,
+ But not the angriest of Royal Shades
+ May now arrest the progress of Time's changes.
+ True, much is yielded yet to Swelldom's "Sport,"
+ But some aver that even _its_ time is short.
+
+ No, Clearances and Rights of Common, now
+ Own not the sway of autocrats capricious.
+ Small use, great Shade, to knit that haughty brow,
+ And swear _your_ action would be expeditious.
+ The days of Curfew and of Forest Law
+ Are passed. _We_'re swayed by Justice--and Free Jaw!
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"FOR VALUE RECEIVED."--Aldgate Ward changed Alderman LUSK for one
+POUND.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: WHAT OUR ARTIST HAS TO PUT UP WITH, BEFORE HE TURNS
+LIKE A CRUSHED WORM.
+
+_Our Art Critic_ (_patronisingly_). "HA--HUM! WELL, YOUR COLOUR IS
+FAIRLY DECENT, AND YOU HAVE NICISH FEELING FOR LIGHT AND SHADE, AND
+_CHIAROSCURO_. BUT WHERE YOB ALWAYS FAIL TO PLEASE, SOMEHOW, IS IN
+YOUR _EXECUTION_!"
+
+_Our Artist_. "MY _EXECUTION_? AH! JUST SO. I'VE NO DOUBT THAT
+_YOURS_, NOW WOULD BE MORE GENERALLY POPULAR!"]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+FROM PARLIAMENTARY EXAMINATION PAPER.
+
+_Question_.--Explain the term "Standing Orders."
+
+_Answer_ 1.--It means that when a visitor to the House has an order
+for the Speaker's Gallery, and can't find a seat, he then becomes one
+of the Standing Orders.--SISTE VIATOR.
+
+_Answer_ 2.--When a friendly M.P. sees three of us waiting for him,
+takes us to the bar of the House, and orders drinks all round, which
+we take standing.--BIBENDUM EST.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+INDIA FOR THE IRISH!--"An amended estimate of the present Paddy Crop
+has been published by the Local Government." (_Vide Times_ for Feb.
+15.) What more can the most thorough Home-Rulers want, if they would
+only be content to make their home in Burmah instead of Ireland?
+"Local Government" can soon be developed, for 'tis but Home Rule in
+the bud, and the "Paddy Crop" is already there.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+MOTTO FOR THE NEW RECORDER OF THE CITY OF LONDON.--"HALL There!"
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"COMBINING AMUSEMENT WITH INSTRUCTION."
+
+(_A SKETCH AT THE COLLECTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE._)
+
+ SCENE--_The Maddox Street Galleries. A large and appropriately
+ lighted room. Upon walls of a sombre crimson, various
+ Implements of Torture are arranged with considerable taste,
+ and an eye for decorative effect, the central space being
+ reserved for more elaborate contrivances in wood and iron.
+ Visitors discovered inspecting the Exhibition by the aid of
+ the excellent Catalogues, with the subdued appreciation of
+ persons conscious that they are spending a very pleasant and
+ profitable afternoon._
+
+_Mr. Charnelhouse Goole_ (_as he enters, to Mrs. C.G._). Now, my dear,
+the first thing I want to see is that Iron Maiden there's so much talk
+about. I wonder whereabouts it is!
+
+_Mrs. C.G._ I think _that_ must be it, up at the other end of the
+room. But don't you _think_, dear, it would be nicer to see the
+_other_ things first, and keep that for the _last_?
+
+_Mr. C.G._ (_struck by the refinement of this suggestion_). Well,
+upon, my word, AMINA, I almost think it would!
+
+_Mr. Frederic Frivell_ (_to his wife, whom he takes a marital pleasure
+in shocking_). What fun those old fellows must have had in those days,
+mustn't they?
+
+_Mrs. Frivell_ (_a serious lady_). I don't think fun is at _all_ the
+right word, FREDERIC. I do _wish_ you wouldn't take these things so
+lightly. I'm sure it's melancholy enough to look at all these horrid
+machines, and think--
+
+_Mr. F._ That Torture is a lost art? Isn't that what you were going to
+say? But it's _not_, you know; we've refined it--that's all. Look at
+the Photographer, and the Interviewer, and the Pathetic Reciter, and
+the--
+
+ [_Mrs. F. endeavours to convince him that she didn't mean that
+ at all, and that he is comparing totally different things._
+
+_An Aphoristic Uncle_ (_to an irreverent Nephew_). No. 89. "A
+Long-spiked Wooden Roller, known as a 'Spiked Hare.'" You see, TOM,
+my boy, the victim was--(_Describes the process._) "Some of the old
+writers describe this torture as being most fearful," so the Catalogue
+tells us.
+
+_Tom-my-boy_ (_after inspecting the spikes_). Well, do you know,
+Uncle, I shouldn't be at all surprised if the old Johnnies weren't so
+far out.
+
+_The Aph. Uncle._ Another illustration, my boy, of "Man's inhumanity
+to Man"!
+
+_Tom-my-boy._ Not bad for you, Uncle--only you cribbed it out of the
+Catalogue, you know! [_The A.U. gives him up._
+
+ _An Indulgent Parent enters, leading a small boy in a tall
+ hat, and is presently recognised by the A.U._
+
+_The A.U._ So you've brought your son to see this collection,
+hey? Well, it's of the greatest educational value to a thoughtful
+youth--rich in moral and historical instruction!
+
+_The I.P._ Well, it was like this, you see. I had to take him to the
+dentist's, and, finding we should have half-an-hour or so to spare
+before he could attend to him, I thought we'd just drop in here and
+amuse ourselves--eh, BOBBY? Wonderfully ingenious, you know, in
+their way, some of these things! Now, _here's_ a thing--"A Spanish
+mouth-pear, made of iron." You see, BOBBY, they forced it into the
+mouth and touched a screw, and it sprang open, preventing the victim
+from screaming.
+
+_Bobby_. Y-yes, father. Should you think Mr. Fawcepps will have one of
+those?
+
+_The I.P._ (_annoyed_). Now, what _is_ the use of my taking you to a
+place of this sort to divert your thoughts, if your mind is running
+on something else all the time? I won't have it, do you hear. Enjoy
+yourself like a sensible boy!
+
+_Bobby_. Y-yes, Father, I am. It--it's quite cured my toothache
+already--_really_ it has!
+
+_Mrs. Frivell_ (_reading from Catalogue_). "A Penitent's Girdle, made
+of barbed wire, which, when worn next to the flesh, caused the most
+unpleasant and uncomfortable irritation." Oh, FREDERIC, just fancy
+that!
+
+_Mr. F._ My dear CECILIA, I can _quite_ fancy it!
+
+_Mrs. F._ But I thought these tortures were only for _Malefactors_.
+Why do they call it a _Penitent's_ Girdle?
+
+_Mr. F._ Can't say,--unless because he generally repented having put
+it on.
+
+_Mrs. F._ I don't think that _can_ be the real reason.
+
+_Two English House-maids_ (_to a small German Page-Boy who is
+escorting them_). Here, JOHNNIE, what's _this_ mean? (_Reads from
+Catalogue the motto on an Executioner's Sword._) "Di Herrin' sturin
+dem Unheel ick exequire ir End Urthile." Come, _you_ ought to know!
+
+_Johnnie_ (_not unnaturally at a loss_). It means--it means--somding I
+do not understandt.
+
+_The Housemaids_ (_disappointed in him_). Well, you _are_ a boy! I
+_did_ think, bein' German yourself, you'd be quite at _'ome_ 'ere!
+
+_Mr. Ernest Stodgely_ (_impressively, to Miss FEATHERHEAD, his
+fiancee_). Just look at this, FLOSSIE. (_Reading._) "Executioner's
+Cloak, very long, of red woollen material; presumably red so as not to
+show blood-spots or stains." Hideously suggestive that, is it not?
+
+_Miss Flossie._ I shouldn't call it exactly _hideous_, ERNEST. Do
+you know, I was just thinking that, with a high Astrachan collar, you
+know, and old silver fastenings, it would make rather a nice winter
+cloak. So deliciously warm! [_ERNEST avails himself of a lover's
+privileges to lecture her severely._
+
+ IN FRONT OF THE IRON MAIDEN.
+
+_Mr. Ch. Goole._ So _this_ is the Iron Maiden! Well, I expected
+something rather more dreadful-looking. The face has really quite a
+pleasant expression. [_Disappointedly._
+
+[Illustration: "Oh, but I think that makes it so much _more_ horrible,
+don't you?"]
+
+_Mrs. Ch. G._ (_with subtler appreciation_). Oh, but I think that
+makes it so much _more_ horrible, don't _you_?
+
+_Mr. Ch. G._ Well, I don't know--perhaps. But there ought to be a
+wax figure inside it. They ought to have wax figures on most of these
+things--make it much more interesting!
+
+_Mr. Frivell_ (_who is close by_). I quite agree with you,
+Sir--indeed, I would go farther. I think there should be competent
+persons engaged to provide practical illustrations of all the more
+amusing tortures--say from three to five every afternoon. Draw all
+London!
+
+_Mrs. F._ (_horrified_). FRED, you _know_ you don't mean it! And
+besides, you would _never_ get people willing to be shut up inside
+that thing!
+
+_Mr. F._ My dear, I'm perfectly serious, as I always am. And as to
+not getting subjects, why--(_He beckons to one of the Boy-Messengers
+in waiting, who advances_). Look here, my lad, you seem a bright
+intelligent youth. Would you mind just stepping inside and allowing us
+to close the door? We won't detain you an instant.
+
+_Mrs. F._ What a shame, FRED! Don't _think_ of such a thing, there's a
+good boy! Say no--and I'll give you sixpence!
+
+_The Boy_ (_grinning_). Well, Lady, make it a shillin', and I'll stay
+outside--to oblige you!
+
+_Mrs. F._ (_giving him a shilling_). There's a good sensible boy!
+FREDERIC, have you gone _quite_ mad? You know you wouldn't hurt a fly?
+
+ [_The GOOLES move away, feeling that they have been trifled
+ with._
+
+_Mr. F._ A fly? Not for the world!--but this is only a boy. I want to
+know what they're here _for_. Now, my lad, you're not engaged to be
+_idle_, you know. Just think of the amount of innocent pleasure you
+would afford by getting into this spiked cradle and letting me rock
+you. You won't? Well, will you sit on the Spanish Donkey? come! I'll
+give you a leg up and fasten the weights on your legs for you. You
+aren't afraid of a donkey?
+
+ [_Bystanders collect in hope of amusement._
+
+_The Boy_ (_sulkily_). Not of _some_ Donkeys, Sir, as ain't quite so
+sharp as that one, whatever they think theirselves!
+
+ [_Titters. Mr. F.F. feels that he has got rather the worst
+ of it, and collapses, with the dismal completeness of a Funny
+ Man; Mrs. F. remains behind to bribe the boy with another
+ shilling to promise her solemnly never on any account to play
+ with any of the tortures._
+
+_Mrs. F._ (_rejoining her husband_). FREDERIC, how _can_ you? You make
+me feel perfectly _faint_ when you act like this!
+
+_Mr. F._ (_recovering_). Faint, CECILIA? Well, I daresay they won't
+mind if you sit down in one of these spiked chairs for a minute or
+two.
+
+_Mrs. F._ (_angrily_). I shall do no such thing, FREDERIC! And you
+ought to be _ashamed_ to suggest it!
+
+_Mrs. Borrodale_ (_choosing photographs of Nuremberg_). Look, JOHN,
+what a lovely large one of the _Sebald's Kirche_! I really _must_
+have this. Oh, and the _Insel Schutt_--and this of the _Schoene
+Brunnen_--and the view from the _Burg_--that makes the half-dozen.
+They will be joys for _ever_, JOHN! And _only_ three shillings each!
+Will you pay the boy for them, JOHN, please--it's just eighteen
+shillings.
+
+_John_. Can't, my dear. Only half-a-crown in my pocket. Don't you
+remember, I lent you my last sov. not five minutes ago?
+
+_Mrs. B._ Oh, so you did. Well, on second thoughts, perhaps this
+size is rather--I think I'll take five of the sixpenny ones
+instead--they're every bit as good. You can spare me that half-crown,
+JOHN!
+
+_A Patriot_ (_coming out_). Well, it's just the same 'ere as
+everywhere else. All the things "made in Germany"! Sickenin' _I_ call
+it!
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: A MEETING OF THE "BANDY" ASSOCIATION
+
+FOR THE PROMOTION OF "HOCKEY ON THE ICE."]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+RICE AND PRUNES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ Rice and prunes a household journal
+ Called the chief of household boons:
+ Hence my mother cooks diurnal
+ Rice and prunes.
+
+ Therefore on successive noons,
+ Sombre fruit and snowy kernel
+ Woo reluctant forks and spoons.
+
+ As the ear, when leaves are vernal,
+ Wearies of the blackbird's tunes,
+ So we weary of eternal
+ Rice and prunes.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+AN OLD FRIEND AT THE CRITERION.--Time flies, and _Fourteen Days_,
+occupying only a couple of hours or so at the Criterion, goes
+wonderfully. CHARLES WYNDHAM is the life and soul of the piece, and
+the giddy GIDDENS is another life and soul. Miss MARY MOORE, charming
+as ever, with a clearness of "dictation," as Mrs. MALAPROP would
+say, that is in itself a delight to the ear. Every word she speaks is
+distinct, and, which is more to the purpose, every telling word tells.
+_Fourteen Days_ is a survival and revival of one of H.J. BYRON's
+fittest. If it "catches on" once more, as it ought to do, it might run
+fourteen weeks, and then,--"Next please!"
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: Q.E.D.
+
+"_MAY_ I ASK YOU HOW YOU MANAGE TO KEEP YOUR LITTLE PET SO SLEEK AND
+THIN?"
+
+"I DON'T KNOW. IT HAS ITS LUNCH AND DINNER WITH ME EVERY DAY."
+
+"WELL, SO DOES MINE!"]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
+
+EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
+
+_House of Commons, Monday, February 15._--A lively sitting, with an
+unexpected ending. Debate on Address resumed by SEXTON in excellent
+speech, an effect largely contributed to by comparative brevity. Only
+an hour long; remarkable compression. Would have been better still
+had it been reduced by the twenty minutes occupied in preliminary
+observations. At twenty-five minutes past four he rose to move
+Amendment condemnatory of Land Purchase Act of last year. Precisely at
+a quarter to five came to his amendment, and began to recommend it to
+House. But mustn't complain. An excellent beginning for new Session
+that may further develop.
+
+"An oratorical eel," SAUNDERSON, later in sitting, likened Member
+for West Belfast to; charming simile, with just that mixture of
+graphicness and incongruity that only Irish wit could flash upon.
+Not meant to be uncomplimentary, for SAUNDERSON, like the rest,
+acknowledges capacity of SEXTON in debate; his clear insight, his
+capacity for grasping a subject, his aptness of illustration, his
+quickness of retort, and, alack! the embarrassment of the wealth of
+language. If he could only economise that, and guard against the
+fatal fluency that besets him, converting what might be a sharp direct
+speech of twenty minutes into a windy weariness of hour-and-a-half or
+two hours, he would take high rank among Parliamentary debaters.
+
+DIZZY once said the occasions when a man addressing House of Commons
+need exceed twenty minutes, come to him only twice or thrice in a
+lifetime. He did more than preach; he carried into practice his own
+principle with success. Very rarely in later years, even when Leader
+of House of Commons, did he exceed twenty minutes, and all his
+most successful interpositions in debate were on that plan. When,
+occasionally, he felt that circumstances demanded a long and laboured
+address, his labour was in vain.
+
+Capital speech, too, of quite another kind, from DUNBAR BARTON. Most
+promising maiden speech delivered in present Parliament; of good
+omen that best parts were not those prepared in leisure of study,
+put the earlier passages evoked by preceding debate, and necessarily
+impromptu. As for SAUNDERSON, he was in his best form.
+
+"SAUNDERSON," said the SQUIRE OF MALWOOD, recognising a kindred
+spirit, "always reminds me of those Lifeguardsmen you see at the
+Military Festival, riding round Agricultural Hall slashing off heads.
+The heads are dummies, and no harm is done; but it's a pretty sight."
+
+The Colonel rides well, and is a skilful swordsman.
+
+Delight of audience crowding in after dinner completed by TIM HEALY
+dashing in with intent to trip up Colonel. Domestic difficulties in
+the Party have not smoothed down TIM's natural truculence. With JOHN
+REDMOND sitting behind him and SAUNDERSON in front, a porcupine in
+fretful mood is a ball of spun silk compared with TIM.
+
+After this RADCLIFFE COOKE and collapse, with the prospect of
+proceedings droning on till midnight, then adjournment, and begin
+again to-morrow. Suddenly, on stroke of twelve, Closure moved. House
+completely taken aback. Whilst it sat gasping under shock SPEAKER
+declared Closure carried; bells rang through all the corridors;
+Members trooped in to find Division imminent. When figures declared,
+showing Government had been surprised into narrow majority of 21,
+fresh wave of excitement welled forth, amid which Address was,
+somehow, agreed to. Members went off into snowstorm, cheering and
+laughing as if there had never before been such larks.
+
+_Business done_.--Address agreed to.
+
+_Tuesday Night_.--GRANDOLPH turned up to-day; took his familiar
+corner seat; tugged at his old moustache; caressed his new beard, and
+listened to SEALE HAYNE recklessly attacking the sacred institution of
+Justiciary of the Peace.
+
+"Nothing changed, TOBY, dear boy," he said; "not even the Ministry.
+When I came back from Mashonaland I was told we were on the eve of
+political earthquake. The House of Commons was to be transformed into
+a cockpit; the Benches steepled in the gore of an iniquitous Ministry.
+But, except for some vacant places and some further advancement of
+privates in the little band I once officered, it's all the same, only
+a little drearier. The same throng in the Lobby, the same rows of
+Members sitting on the Benches, the same Mace on the Table, the same
+stately figure in the Chair, and the same Sergeants-at-Arms relieving
+guard at the Cross Benches. There are not quite the same two Irish
+Leaders, for BRER FOX has 'gone away.' BRER RABBIT I see sitting
+over there with his kindly face and his friendly smile, perhaps the
+only Irishman in the House who, if a coat were trailed before him,
+would turn away from temptation. It's only Irishmen, with their
+inexhaustible fund of humour, who would have put JUSTIN MCCARTHY in
+his present place. Doesn't much matter so long as TIM HEALY's around.
+I'll bet my gold mine at Mashonaland against the Kennel, Barks, that
+TIM will make up the average of fighting even when BRER RABBIT in the
+scale."
+
+[Illustration: A GIFT FROM THE GREEKS.
+
+RIGHT HON. ARTHUR. "IF I CAN ONLY GET THIS THROUGH, IT OUGHT TO SETTLE
+'EM!"]
+
+
+There's one thing changed GRANDOLPH did not allude to; perhaps
+unconscious of it. 'Tis his own appearance. In addition to the beard,
+he has put on ruddy tint that speaks well for Mashonaland as a health
+resort compared with Westminster. Amongst the pale-faced legislators
+his visage shines like the morning sun. "Quite a Colonial look about
+him," says ALGERNON BORTHWICK, fretfully. "But, after a few dinners at
+the Amphitryon and a few nights at the House and elsewhere, he'll get
+over it."
+
+Members from all parts crowd round GRANDOLPH to shake the horny hand
+of the intrepid explorer, the dauntless lion _dompter_. A cold air
+whistles along the row of Ministers as he sits behind.
+
+"What's he up to?" JOKIM hoarsely whispered, all his native gaiety
+eclipsed.
+
+"Come down, I suppose," said Prince ARTHUR, smiling, "to congratulate
+us on our great victory last night, whereby we escaped defeat in
+Debate on Address by triumphant majority of 21."
+
+"Quite a stormy petrel don't you think?" JOKIM said, nervously rubbing
+his hands.
+
+"Not exactly," said Prince ARTHUR; "that usually comes before the
+storm you know. If you must be personal and ornithological, I should
+say GRANDOLPH's appearance on the scene is more reminiscent of the
+vulture; a little hasty in his appearance perhaps, but that is none
+the less significant."
+
+_Business done._--Practically none, and so home to dinner at twenty
+minutes to eight.
+
+_Thursday Night._--Prince ARTHUR explained provisions of
+long-looked-for Local Government scheme. A remarkable, unexampled,
+scene. House crowded on every Bench, with Duke of DEVONSHIRE looking
+down from Peers' Gallery, thanking Heaven he is out of it. Prince
+ARTHUR's manner in introducing the measure in keeping with the strange
+surroundings. Might reasonably have been expected that he would have
+been at pains to recommend the Bill to acceptance of House. Not a
+bit of it. If people insisted upon regarding it as the most important
+business of Session, Prince ARTHUR couldn't help it. But he certainly
+would not foster the delusion. In its potentiality of beneficent
+effect, the Bill nothing in comparison with the Coercion Act or the
+Light Railways Act.
+
+"A poor thing," he said, in effect, and did not add, "but mine own."
+
+If it was not his, certainly no one else would own it. Irish Members
+received it with jeers. JOHN MORLEY denounced it as a monstrous
+imposture. SQUIRE OF MALWOOD benignantly affected to regard it as a
+little joke with which Ministers designed to vary a dull Session.
+But a joke may be carried too far; better drop this now, and go to
+business.
+
+Oddly enough, the storm of contumely had effect of inspiring Prince
+ARTHUR with new affection for his unwelcomed offspring, adding to the
+strength of his evidently new conviction that the proposed expedient
+was sound, and, if accepted, would prove efficacious.
+
+"And what do _you_ think of the Tory scheme of Home Rule," I asked
+JUSTIN MCCARTHY, when it was all over.
+
+"_Timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes_," he said, dropping into his native
+Celtic speech. "But in this case there is no room for apprehension.
+BALFOUR may leave this wooden horse outside the gates for a month, and
+the Trojans wouldn't touch it with a pair of tongs."
+
+Prince ARTHUR grew more confident as the clouds gathered.
+
+"I see very well," he said, "if I'm to stable this horse in the Home
+Rule Troy, I must drag it all the way myself. I shall get no help
+from either section of the garrison. But it's got to be done, and
+I'll buckle-to. Once through, it will settle the more than ten years'
+siege."
+
+_Business done._--Prince ARTHUR left tugging away at his wooden horse.
+
+_Friday Night._--House of Lords almost deserted. HALSBURY punctual in
+his place, making most of opportunities on Woolsack whilst they yet
+remain.
+
+"Here to-day and gone to-morrow, TOBY," he remarked, with forced
+gaiety; "but, when I hand in the Seals of Office, I shall at least
+have the serene assurance to cheer me in my retirement that the whole
+of my family, including collateral branches, have been provided for."
+
+Amongst the prevailing dolour, the MARKISS in high spirits.
+
+"Things not looking well in the Commons or the country, I admit," he
+says; "but all is not lost yet. I have still a card to play, and I
+believe it will score the trick. We shall presently have to go to the
+country, and fight a confident Opposition. Successful Foreign Policy
+is played out. Free Education has brought us no support; trifling
+with Home Rule in Ireland will bring us enemies. Am convinced that
+the thing to go to the country on is the fog. MIDDLETON's our man.
+Been thinking over it for a week. See it now; shall take up question
+of London fog; devise some means of battling with it; and then let
+the worst come. A Government that has fought the fog will at least
+carry London, and, London ours, we shall be able to stem the tide of
+anarchy."
+
+_Business done_.--The MARKISS takes a great resolution.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: "THE HUNTING OF THE HARCOURT."
+
+_(According to Fancy Sketch by "Observer" in the "Times.") "O where
+and O where is our Harcourt Laddie gone?"_]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+PADDYWHACK AND DR. BIRCH.--Everyone knows what "the Assisted Education
+(Ireland) Bill" is. Why should not an Assisted Education (England)
+Bill be brought in to enable public school-boys to secure, without
+payment of any additional fee beyond that included for "swishing"
+in the Bill sent home to the parents, the specimen of the legal
+instrument with which their education may have been most helpfully
+assisted?
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"BECKY THE SECOND."--Those comparatively few who answered our query
+as to where "the good _Becky_, the very opposite of _Becky_ in _Vanity
+Fair_, was to be found in THACKERAY's works," and have referred us to
+_A Shabby Genteel Story_, are right. The many who hit upon _Rebecca_
+in the burlesque of _Ivanhoe_ mistook the question.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+A CORRESPONDENT, signing himself "IGNORAMUS," writes to inquire "The
+address of a Society called 'The London French Polishers.'" He says,
+"I want my French polished up a bit before going to Paris."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"VIVE LA LIBERTE!"
+
+The _Era_ at one time used to enjoy a monopoly of strangely, but
+purely professionally-worded advertisements; but now the _Daily
+Telegraph_ is creeping up and commencing to occupy the _Era's_
+special domain. One day last week in the _D.T._ the following
+notice appeared:--"Mr. CHARLES SUGDEN at liberty.--Address, &c." "At
+Liberty!" How will this sound to the uninitiated millions? Taking for
+granted that the readers, whose name is Legion, know perfectly well
+who and what Mr. CHARLES SUGDEN is, having a lively recollection
+of this talented actor as among the best representatives of bad
+characters (excepting perhaps that of _William of Orange_, which was
+Mr. SUGDEN's _chef d'oeuvre_, and about whose character there are
+strong differences of opinion), will they not unnaturally be led
+to inquire how, why, when and wherefore Mr. SUGDEN ever came to be
+deprived of his liberty, and under what circumstances he has been
+restored to it, or it to him? "At Liberty!" It has a grand and
+glorious sound! This distinguished Thespian was never an "hereditary
+bondsman," then why not always "at liberty"? But, be this as it may,
+once more "the Rover is free!" SUGDEN is a name honourable behind and
+before the foot-lights. In the Courts of Law it is a Legal Light, and
+among Gas Companies the Sugden Burner is, we believe, justly famous.
+Whatever the announcement may or may not mean, all sons of Liberty
+will rejoice that this eccentric comedian is once more free, and on
+the stage he will be again most welcome.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"Are you staying in town?" "No," answered Mrs. R.; "I'm going _au
+contraire_." Which, she subsequently explained, was French for going
+into the country.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: FANCY PORTRAIT.
+
+GENERAL _BOOM_BASTES.
+
+_Solo and Chorus._
+
+AIR--"_Piff! Paff! Pouf!" from "La Grande Duchosse."_
+
+ "ET PUFF! PUFF! PUFF!
+ ET TARA PARA POUM!
+ JE SUIS, MOI, LE GENERAL BOOM! BOOM!"
+
+ [_Repeats it ad lib._]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ON RELIGIOUS CYMBALISM.
+
+The Salvationist Bands which perform in and out of London--(would
+that they were restricted as the Moore and Burgess Minstrels restrict
+themselves to one hall, never or "hardly ever," performing out
+of London!)--everywhere and anywhere without respecting illness,
+or the hours of public worship in our Churches and Chapels, or
+the necessities of repose, show thereby a distinct want of that
+consideration for the feelings of their fellow-citizens which simple
+Christian folk call Charity. These Booth performers--which designation
+savours suggestively of Mountebanks--would do well to play their
+peculiar music and sing their peculiar hymns within the four walls
+of their own places of worship, employing the intervals essential
+for gaining of wind and for rest of muscle in meditating, perhaps
+breathlessly, on the inspired Pauline teaching which will inform them
+that even the works of an Apostle, if he have not charity, will be as
+"sounding brass and tinkling cymbals," making indeed a great noise in
+the world, but as one WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE has said, being mere "sound
+and fury signifying nothing." "Liberty of Worship" by all means,
+but not such Liberty for any one particular form of worship which,
+interfering with the freedom of others, speedily degenerates into
+fanatical licence, and so becomes a nuisance as intolerant as it is
+intolerable.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ANGLO-AMERICAN FRENCH.--A new word must be added to our French
+dictionaries. In _Le Figaro_ for Feb. 15, in an article on HECTOR
+MALOT, occurs this expression, "_en ce temps de puffisme litteraire_."
+In English we have had the word and the thing too, since the time of
+SHERIDAN's _Critic_, but is any student of French journalism familiar
+with it in the Parisian newspapers?
+
+ * * * * *
+
+THE FANCY BALL.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ You came as GRETCHEN, hair of gold
+ And face so exquisitely sweet,
+ That I, like FAUST, had _certes_ sold
+ Myself, to win you, MARGUERITE.
+ Each plait enmeshed my struggling heart,
+ That wildly beat against my will;
+ And though at last we had to part,
+ In Dreamland I could see you still.
+
+ Another night, with tresses dark,
+ And kirtle strewn with _fleurs-de-lys_,
+ You came a flashing JOAN OF ARC,
+ Destructive of my bosom's peace.
+ The sword was girt upon your hip,
+ And thine the Maid's heroic glance;
+ I seemed to hear upon your lip,
+ The watchword of her life, "For France!"
+
+ Anon I saw thee as the Queen
+ Who held so many hearts in fee;
+ But MARY STUART scarce had been,
+ Methinks, so beautiful as thee.
+ I fain had gone and splintered lance,
+ As in the old days in our realm;
+ To win a kind approving glance,
+ And wear your glove upon my helm.
+
+ What, stately EDITH! Lives there yet
+ The lady of that royal line,
+ The peerless proud Plantagenet,
+ Will KENNETH's great emprise be mine?
+ We saw how high his hopes could soar;
+ We know the guerdon that he won.
+ Shall I find favour, as of yore
+ Did DAVID, Earl of Huntingdon?
+
+ 'Tis certain, in whatever guise
+ You come, as heroine of song
+ Or story, to my faithful eyes
+ You shine the fairest of the throng.
+ However fanciful you be,
+ Whatever fancy dress befalls;
+ My fancy paints you fancy-free,
+ To fancy me at Fancy Balls!
+
+ * * * * *
+
+THE REAL NINE POINTS OF THE LAW.--Costs.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+THE UNOBSERVED OF ONE "OBSERVER."
+
+From the account given by "OBSERVER" in the _Times_, it might be
+inferred that "HARCOURT! HARCOURT!" was shouted all over the House,
+in the lobbies, through the smoking-room, in the library, through
+the cellars, in fact, everywhere within the sacred precincts, on
+one memorable night, while at that very moment the wily Sir WILLIAM,
+tucked comfortably up in his little bed, was murmuring softly to
+himself, "HARCOURT! indeed! '_Ha! not caught_,' more likely!" and
+so sweetly fell asleep.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+MRS. R. read aloud from the latest Report of "B. and F. Bible
+Society," "One cannot help thinking of the glorious field of labour
+which lies open here before the Colporteur, and of the pleasant way
+in which his labours are appreciated by all." But the worthy lady
+pronounced colporteur as coalporter, and so on hearing from a
+friend that "the Coalporters were on strike," Mrs. R. could not help
+exclaiming, "Dear! how ungrateful of them, when they were being 'so
+much appreciated by all!'"
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[Illustration: THE WESTMINSTER WAX-WORK SHOW FOR THE SESSION 1892.
+ROOM 2.]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.
+
+In _Tess of the D'Urbevilles_ (published by Messrs. OSGOOD, MCILVAINE
+& CO.), Mr. THOMAS HARDY has given us a striking work of fiction,
+bold in design, and elaborate in finish. The characters, with one
+exception, are as true to life as are his graphic descriptions of
+nature's own scenery; true that is to the types of such rural life as
+he professes to represent,--the life led in our Christian country by
+thousands and thousands of genuine Pagans, superstitious Boeotians,
+with whom the schoolmaster can do but little, and the parson still
+less. As to the clergymen who appear in this story, two of them are
+priggishly academic, a third is a comfortable antiquarian, and the
+fourth unacquainted with even the A.B.C. of his own pastoral theology.
+
+[Illustration: A BRIGHT PARTICULAR STAR IN THE MILKY WAY.
+
+Showing how an Angel without wings played on the harp to Milkmaid Tess
+of the Tubbyveals, who was so proud of her calves.]
+
+Since THACKERAY's _Captain Costigan_, and TOM ROBERTSON's dramatic
+variation of him as _Eccles_ in _Caste_, no more original type of the
+besotted, no-working working-man, has been given us ("at least, as far
+as I am aware," interpolates the Baron, with a possible reservation)
+than _Tess's_ father, _Durbeyfield_. His foolish wife, _Joan_, kindly
+in a way, a fair housewife and helpmate, yet deficient in moral sense,
+is another admirably-drawn character.
+
+The only blot on this otherwise excellent work is the absurdly
+melodramatic character of that "villain of the deepest dye," _Alec
+D'Urbeville_, who would be thoroughly in his element in an Adelphi
+Drama of the most approved type, ancient or modern. He is just the
+sort of stage-scoundrel who from time to time seeks to take some mean
+advantage of a heroine in distress, on which occasions said heroine
+(of Adelphi Drama) will request him to "unhand her," or to "stand
+aside and let her pass;" whereupon the dastardly ruffian retaliates
+with a diabolical sneer of fiendish malice, his eyes ablaze with
+passion, as, making his melodramatic exit at the O.P. wing, he growls,
+"Aha! a day will come!" or "She must and shall be mine!" or, if
+not making his exit, but remaining in centre of stage to assist in
+forming a picture, he exclaims, with fiendish glee, "Now, pretty one,
+you are in my power!" and so forth. 'Tis a great pity that such a
+penny-plain-and-two-pence-coloured scoundrel should have been allowed
+so strong a part among Mr. HARDY's excellent and unconventional
+_dramatis personae_. Even the very, very strong ejaculations wherein
+this bold bad man indulges on the slightest provocation belong to the
+most antiquated vocabulary of theatrical ruffianism. However, there
+he is, and all the perfumes of the Vale of Blackmoor will not suffice
+for dispelling the strong odour of the footlights which pervades
+every scene where this unconscionable scoundrel makes his appearance.
+That he is ultimately disposed of by being stuck to the heart with
+the carving-knife that had been brought in for cold-beef slicing at
+breakfast, is some satisfaction. But far be it from the Baron to give
+more than this hint in anticipation of the tragic _denoument_. Some
+might accuse Mr. THOMAS HARDY of foolhardiness in so boldly telling
+ugly truths about the Pagan Phyllises and Corydons of our dear old
+Christian England; but we, his readers, have the author's word for
+the truth of what he has written, as "the fortunes of _Tess of the
+D'Urbevilles, a Pure Woman_," are "faithfully presented," by THOMAS
+HARDY, and so his honour is pledged to the truth of this story which
+his powers of narration have made so fascinating to a host of readers
+besides the one who is a host in himself, namely,
+
+THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+JUSTICE FOR JUSTICE!
+
+ SCENE--_A Court of Justice. Prisoner, a young man of
+ eighteen, in the dock, weeping bitterly. His Uncle stands
+ before him, and occasionally offers him smelling salts.
+ General commiseration amongst the spectators, many of whom
+ are ladies armed with opera-glasses. Police Constable under
+ cross-examination._
+
+_Counsel for the Defence._ And so, Constable, you had actually the
+heart to read the warrant to the Prisoner?
+
+_Witness._ I did, Sir, in the execution of my duty.
+
+_Coun. for the Def._ (_scornfully_). Duty! and to this he said
+nothing?
+
+_Wit._ (_in a low tone_). Nothing, Sir--nothing!
+
+_Coun. for the Def._ And I am not surprised! He might well
+say nothing to such an announcement! HE, a Gentleman by
+birth--education--everything--to be accused of forgery! It is
+_too_ cruel!
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_courteously but firmly_). I do not wish to
+control the management of your case, Mr. MCSLANGER, but the time
+for you to address the Jury has not yet arrived.
+
+_Coun. for Def._ (_submissive but sulky_). As your Lordship pleases.
+
+ [_Resumes his seat._
+
+_Usher_ (_calling_). Admiral CUTTERMAN!
+
+_Admiral_ (_in a low tone_). Here!
+
+ [_He leaves the Prisoner, first handing him the smelling
+ salts, and enters the Witness Box._
+
+_Council for the Prosecution_ (_after the Witness has been sworn_).
+I think you are here on subpoena served by the Treasury.
+
+_Witness_ (_with a glance of sadness at the Dock_). Had I not been
+summoned to be present by those in authority, not the entreaties of
+magicians would have brought me here!
+
+_Coun. for the Pros._ I take it you are an unwilling Witness?
+
+_Witness_ (_with difficulty suppressing acute emotion_). A most, a
+very most unwilling Witness!
+
+_Coun. for the Def._ (_scornfully_). Unwilling!
+
+_Coun. for the Pros._ (_in a tone of remonstrance_). I really must beg
+my learned friend to refrain from disturbing the proceedings. These
+constant interruptions are most annoying.
+
+_Coun. for the Def._ (_with force and violence_). I cannot
+sufficiently express my indignation--
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_sharply_). Then do not make the attempt.
+
+_Coun. for the Def._ (_surlily_). As your Lordship pleases.
+[_Subsides._
+
+_Coun. for the Pros._ But, in spite of being an unwilling Witness, you
+undoubtedly saw the Prisoner forge your name?
+
+_Witness_ (_with his handkerchief to his eyes_). Alas! I did!
+
+ [_A pause, during which everyone regains equanimity._
+
+_Coun. for Def._ (_on renewal of proceedings_). And so you are the
+Uncle of the Prisoner?
+
+_Witness_ (_sadly_). Yes, I am.
+
+_Coun. for Def._ Still you are here, and are pushing that poor lad to
+the prison-door! (_Prisoner snivels._) Yes, you are dealing him (one
+of your own flesh and blood) a never-to-be-recalled injury!
+
+_Witness_ (_plucking up spirit_). Only my duty, Sir. I obey only my
+duty!
+
+_Coun. for Def._ Your duty! Why, man, how can it be your duty?
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_seriously_). Again I must interpose. (_To_
+Counsel.) Mr. MCSLANGER, I must once more remind you that your
+business at present is to ask questions, not to make speeches.
+
+_Coun. for Def._ But, my Lord, the task is a difficult one.
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch._ If you find it beyond your powers, no doubt some
+of your colleagues will come willingly to your assistance.
+
+_Coun. for Def._ No, my Lord, I do not mean what your Lordship means.
+I am quite capable of performing the duties it has been my pleasure
+and pride to accept.
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_wearily_). Pray let us get on?
+
+_Coun. for Def._ Do you not think it a grossly cruel and revolting
+thing that a man should give evidence against his near relative?
+
+_Witness_ (_greatly agitated_). My Lord, I appeal to you, is it fair
+that I should be treated in this fashion?
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_emphatically_). No, it is not! You are here,
+Sir, in performance of a solemn duty--to assist the ends of justice in
+the punishment, and consequently prevention, of crime. It is not right
+that in the witness-box you should be badgered and insulted as if you
+were worthy of the dock! One can feel some sympathy with the
+relatives of the prisoner, because he appears to have had respectable
+surroundings. But if he is convicted of forgery, it will be his own
+fault! I shall accept the verdict as a proof that education and birth
+are not safeguards to prevent crime. And as for you, Sir (_turning
+angrily to_ Coun. for Def.), let me tell you that you degrade your
+office when you make the wig and the gown the shield of the brute and
+the bully. Let us have no more of it!
+
+_Coun. for Def._ (_subdued but depressed_). As your Lordship pleases.
+
+_Mr. Justice Punch._ It does so please me, and I think that it will
+equally please all my learned brothers who sit in Royal Courts
+to follow my example! It is time that the Witness, as well as the
+accused, received proper protection. I hope my words will be taken to
+heart in another place!
+
+ [_The Scene closes in on his Lordship's suggestion._
+
+ * * * * *
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+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol.
+102, February 27, 1892, by Various
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