Volume 103 — "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE!"
Reading edition
"This Garter, brighter from the knee Of him who uttered nothing—important."]
"Mister" Rosebery, loquitur:—
A Star and Garter! Here's a go! Well, well, no doubt 'twas to be worn meant; And, as mere personal adornment, It does look smartish, dontcher know! All personal adornment's vain, Held Dr. WATTS, holds dear McDOUGALL; For dowdy dress and habits frugal Befit the Democratic strain. And I'm a Democrat—of course! The BENJAMIN FRANKLIN of the Peerage! And yet—ah! truly 'tis a queer age— Decoration has some force! I wonder what the L.C.C. Will say to this! That I should spurn it? JOHN BURNS may swear I ought to burn it. Still—it looks natty round my knee. I need not wear it when I sit Among the broadcloth'd heirs of BUMBLE! But Foreign Minister too humble Were butt of diplomatic wit. Battersea's pride my pride may scourge. Well—he may find he's caught a Tartar. A robe—a coronet—a garter!— Materials for a new "PRIDE'S PURGE"! The keen-eyed Democratic lynx May watch me with alert suspicion, As but a half-disguised patrician, But—shame to him who evil thinks!
[Left posturing complacently.
SOMETHING LIKE A MOUNT.
Sportsman (with gun). "HILLO, ALGIE, BEEN CUB-HUNTING? HOW DOES THE YOUNG 'UN GO?"
Algie. "SPLENDIDLY, OLD FELLOW, SPLENDIDLY! NEVER CARRIED SO WELL IN MY LIFE! GOT CLEAN AWAY WITH ME AS SOON AS THEY FOUND,—COULDN'T HOLD HIM A BIT—BOLD AS A LION, NOTHING STOPS HIM,—WENT SLICK THROUGH A FLIGHT O' FAIR-HOLED POSTS AND RAILS, SMASHED A GATE INTO MATCHWOOD,—TWENTY MINUTES STRAIGHT AS THE CROW FLIES THROUGH AND OVER EVERYTHING,—AND, HANG ME, IF HE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN GOING YET, IF HE HADN'T PUT HIS FOOT INTO A RABBIT-HOLE CROSSING CRUMPLER COMMON, AND COME A REGULAR CROWNER. DON'T KNOW WHERE THE DEUCE THE HOUNDS WENT TO! HAD A GLORIOUS GALLOP, THOUGH, ALL TO MYSELF!"