In fact one questions if there are too many.
Yes, I shall find when you pass round the hat,
The price is more than the old-fashioned Penny.
I pay my money and I take my--choice?
Well no, it won't quite fit, that fine old patter.
Still, if your Show proves good, I shall rejoice;
A trifling rise in fee won't greatly matter,
If 'tis not too "progressive" (as you say).
To stump up for sound work I'm always willing;
But though, of course, a Penny may not pay,
One wants a first-class Peep-Show for a Shilling!
Some of your novel slides are rather nice,
Some of them, on the other hand, look funny.
I felt grave doubts about 'em once or twice.
I don't want muddlers to absorb my money.
However, as I said, 'tis very clear
As puller of the strings you yield to no man.
The Show seems promising, if rather dear,
But anyhow it has a first-rate Showman!

* * * * *

"So Engelish you know!" exclaims the BARON DE B. W., on seeing the
advertisement of Dr. LOUIS ENGEL's new book from _Handel to Halle_. "It
will be interesting," says the Baron, "to note how much of HANDEL's
popularity was due to that particular inspiration of genius which caused
him to use the name of the future composer and pianist in one of his
greatest works, namely, the celebrated '_Hallelujah Chorus_.' For this
magnificent effort would have been only half the chorus it is without
'HALLE' to commence it."

* * * * *

GRANDOLPH GOODFELLOW;

OR, PUCK AT THE SPIGOT.

(_Shakspeare adapted to the situation_)

_Bung._ Either I mistake your shape and making quite,
Or else you are that shrewd and knavish sprite
Called GRANDOLPH GOODFELLOW. Are you not he
That did your best to spill Lord S-L-SB-RY?
Gave the Old Tory party quite a turn,
And office with snug perquisites did spurn?
And now you'd make Strong Drink to bear no barm
(Or proper profit.) You would do us harm.
Those that Hobgoblin call you, and sly PUCK,
Are right; you always bring your friends bad luck.
Are you not he?

_Puck._ By Jove, thou speak'st aright;
I am that merry wanderer full of spite.
I jest unto the Plebs and make it smile.
Old, fat, and bean-fed Tories I beguile,
And lead them to a Democratic goal.
Now I am "going for" the flowing bowl.
E'en W-LFR-D owns I am "upon the job".
I mean to save the workman many a "bob".
But, lessening his