"GOOD SIR JOHN!"
Reading edition
(To Sir John Gilbert, R.A., on his receiving the Freedom of the City.
By an Old Boy.)
Good Black (and White) Knight, Our youth's joint delight, With that other Black Knight, dear Sir Walter's (Whom you pictured well), Ancient memories swell, Till language, in praising you, falters. You drew, with such dash, All our heroes; they flash On our memories. Ah, we thanked you so For Dons, Rosinantes, And Sanchos (Cervantes!) "Leather-Stocking," and Robinson Crusoe. Our fancies still carry Your (Shakspeare's) King Harry, We know our own boyhood's sound slumbers Were haunted by Pucks, Robin Hoods, Friar Tucks, And scenes from your brave Christmas Numbers. God bless you, Sir John, For your Knight and your Don, Who moved our youth's fervour and pity! Sure every Old Boy Hopes you long may enjoy The freedom (and health) of our City!
RIDDLE FOR THE GREAT REALIST.
Q. When is a sailor like a French journalist? A. When he has to "sign articles."
WHO WOULD NOT BE A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT?
A NEAT WAY OF PUTTING IT.
Cabby (to Clergyman, who has paid the legal fare). "Won't leave me much for the Hoffertory next Sunday, Sir, will it?"