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Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, September 27, 1890

Volume 99 — MY PRETTY JANE.

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(Latest Version.)

[It is said that the price of wheat and the marriage-rate go together, most people getting married when wheat is highest.]

My pretty JANE, my dearest JANE, Ah, never look so shy, But meet me, meet me in the market, When the price of wheat rules high. The glut is waning fast, my love, And corn is getting dear; Good (Hymen) times are coming, love, Ceres our hearts shall cheer. Then pretty JANE, though poorish JANE, Ah, never pipe your eye, But meet me, meet me at the Altar, For the price of wheat rules high! Yes, name the day, the happy day, I can afford the ring; For corn rules high, the marriage rate Mounts up like anything; The "quarter" stands at fifty, love, Which, for Mark Lane is dear. Our wedding day is coming, love, Our married course is clear. Then, pretty JANE, if poorish JANE, Ah, never look so shy; But meet me, meet me at the Altar, When the price of wheat rules high!

Illustration from Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, September 27, 1890

TAKEN ON TRUST.

Viscount Conamorey (whose recollections of the antique are somewhat hazy). "AW—A—WHAT BEAUTIFUL ARMS AND HANDS YOU'VE GOT, MRS. BOUNDER! THEY REMIND ME OF THE VENUS OF MILO'S!"

Mrs. B. (who has never even seen the Venus of Milo). "OH! YOU FLATTERER!"

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