Volume 107 — FANCY PORTRAIT.
Reading edition
(A Shakspearian "Living Picture" up to date.)
Lord Chief Justice. . . Lord Russell of Killowen.
King Henry the Fifth. . Mr. Punch.
King. You are right, Justice, and you weigh this well; Therefore still bear the balance, and the sword: And I do wish your honours may increase!
For which I do commit into your hand The unstained sword Coleridge was used to bear; With this remembrance,—That you use the same With the like bold, just, and impartial spirit As you have shown before. There is my hand!
Second Part of King Henry the Fourth,
Act V. Sc. 2 (slightly altered).
As Harry unto Gascoigne gave, So Punch to Russell gladly gives That Sword which frights but rogue and slave, By which our ordered freedom lives; And gives therewith his hand in token Of pleasure more than may be spoken. Nought have you "done that misbecame Your place, your person," or your power. 'Tis a right crown of crescent fame, Of fitness full befitting dower, That you, my Lord, "have foremost hand" In dealing justice round the land. If set in quaint Shakspearian guise, Not less the motley-wearing Sage Gaily presents to serious eyes A Living Picture for the Age. So "take it—earnest wed with sport," [1] From one who, stooping not to court, Loves e'en to praise in merry sort!