Volume 150 — TO "LIFE" OF NEW YORK.
Reading edition
(In acknowledgment of its "John Bull Number.")
In earlier peaceful days your attitude Was witty and satirical and shrewd, But, whether you were serious or skittish, Always a candid critic of things British, Though, when you were unable to admire us, Life's "little ironies" were free from virus. But since the War began your English readers Have welcomed Martin's admirable leaders— Which prove that all that's honest, clean and wise In the United States is pro-Allies— And learned to recognise in Life a friend On whom to reckon to the bitter end. But these good services you now have crowned By something finer, braver, more profound— Your "John Bull Number," where we gladly trace Pride in the common glories of our race, Goodwill, good fellowship, kind words of cheer, So frank, so unmistakably sincere, That we can find (in Artemus's phrase) No "slopping over" of the pap of praise, But just the sort of message that one brother Would send in time of trial to another. And thus, whatever comes of Wilson's Notes, Of Neutral claims or of the tug for votes, Nothing that happens henceforth can detract From your fraternal and endearing act, Which fills your cup of kindness brimming full, And signals Sursum corda to John Bull.
(The War Week by Week, as seen from New York. Being Observations from "Life." By E.S. Martin.)
"The Chairman said he should like to appeal to the good sense of the inhabitants of Duffield, through the Press, to do all they could to darken their windows not only at the front of the houses, but also at the back.
The Clerk said the Council had no power to take action in this matter only by persuasion, and it was decided that 500 leaflets should be distributed by the lamplighters to each house."—Derbyshire Advertiser.
And with pulp so expensive, too!
MR. PUNCH'S POTTED FILMS. THE PLAY WITH A MORAL.
Characters in the Play.
Nancy Primrose. Richard Grenfield. Vera Vavasour.
Richard Grenfield, leaving his native village to seek his fortune in London, bids adieu to Nancy Primrose, his rustic sweetheart. He swears to be true to her.
Arrived in London, Richard speedily plunges into the gay life of the great Metropolis. He makes the acquaintance of Vera Vavasour, the famous actress and leader of the Smart Set. He entertains her to tea at the Fitz Hotel.
In the meantime, all Nancy's relations having died, she is thrown upon her own resources, and obtains a situation as kitchenmaid at the Fitz. From a place of concealment she watches, with dismay, the false behaviour of her former lover.
Richard, whose previous incursions into society had not led him higher than A.B.C. shops, is unable to meet the bill. Vera reveals herself in her true colours and refuses to offer monetary assistance. The irate manager threatens to call in the police. Nancy to the rescue!
Nancy, having with her hard-earned savings discharged the bill, is clasped to his breast by Richard, who then and there abjures the Smart Set and makes stern resolve never again to fall a victim to "the Lure of London."
Lieutenant. "Nobody hurt? Then what the deuce are you kicking up such a row for?"
Tommy. "Well, Sir, look at the mess they bloomin' 'Uns 'ave made in the trench just after I've swep' it up!"