Punch, Or The London Charivari | Page 3

where the Honour In Manipur's ill-managed business is due; And _Punch_, whose delight is of praise to be donor, Without hesitation awards it to _you_!
The terrible tale of that sudden disaster Is vivid in memory, fresh on our ear; We know how a tender-souled woman could master The anguish of horror, the tremor of fear. That short brave defence will long live in our story. That long dreadful march England will not forget; Though womanhood finds little comfort in glory, For hearts that are aching and eyes that are wet.
Enough for to-day! When slow time has brought healing. The tale of those hours by your lips may be told. But proud admiration will scarce brook concealing, And Punch to express it is courteously bold. He speaks for all England. For womanly valour We men have not shaped the right guerdon,--our loss! A brave woman's heart flushing red o'er fear's pallor, Deserves--what Punch gives--the Victoria Cross!
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"Their acquaintance," observed Counsel, in a recent Breach of Promise Case, "began in a 'bus." This may have been an error of expression, or a misprint, as "began with a buss" would have been more likely.
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ANOTHER JUBILEE!--The Jubilee of the COOK Tourist System will be celebrated July 22nd by a Banquet at the M��tropole. The dinner ought to be A 1 with such a COOK.
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SUMMERY MUMMERY.
I do not know how long the Summer Season at TERRY's, now being carried on by Mr. GEORGE EDWARDES, is to last, but with a little dexterous management there is no reason why this excellent form of entertainment should not go on all the year round. At 8 there is _The Lancashire Sailor_, by BRANDON THOMAS, which I didn't see; but have heard a first-rate report of it from those who have, and who "know." It might occasionally change places with A Commission. However, this is but a suggestion, as both the pieces I saw the other night will bear a second visit.
A Commission is a short one-act piece, with a sufficiently good plot, and every part in it a character, except "_Parker_, the Maid"--and here let me enter a solemn protest against the further use of "PARKER" as the name of a lady's-maid in farce or comedy. PARKER is played out. Let her be united to "CHARLES, his Friend," and let both enjoy their well-earned retirement from the stage.
Miss LILY HANBURY plays "_Mrs. Hemmersley_, a rich young widow," which cannot be described as "a poor part." With this LILY, who looks rich and is beautiful, the poor artist--a very poor artist--one Marshall (without a Christian name in the bill, so why not _Snelgrove Marshall_?) well played by Dr. FORBES DAWSON, falls desperately in love. WEEDON GROSSMITH is very good as the servant--almost better as the servant than as the author of the piece, and that's saying a good deal.
The Pantomime Rehearsal is eminently funny; especially the first scene between the four men, Messrs. ELLIOT, DANEMORE, GROSSMITH, and BRANDON THOMAS. As for the last-mentioned, it is well worth a visit to this theatre to see Mr. BRANDON THOMAS in two pieces, first as the Model, and then as the Heavy Swell. It is a strong thing to say, but I can call to mind no actor on the stage at the present moment who could in two different characters on the same night so completely and absolutely lose his identity,--for voice, manner, action, and of course appearance are all utterly changed,--as does Mr. BRANDON THOMAS as Gloucester the Model, and as Captain Tom Robinson.
All the ladies are good. Miss HELENA DACRE looks magnificent. Then Miss EDITH CHESTER combines prettiness with fun, and the duet between her and clever Miss LAURA LINDEN is enthusiastically _encored_--and deservedly so, for it is seldom that two young actresses will "go in" for a real genuine bit of nonsensical burlesque, and win. In fact it is all good, "and if our friends in front" will accept my tip, they will not find a more "summery" form of entertainment than at Mr. EDWARDES' TERRY's Theatre.
JACK-IN-THE-BOX.
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HOW IT HAPPENED;
_OR, MANY A TRU(RO) WORD SAID IN JEST._
"And the See of Truro, your Gracious MAJESTY?" asked Lord SALISBURY, as he was packing up his portfolio, previous to leaving the Presence.
"Ah!" said the QUEEN, "for the moment I had forgot"--
"Quite so, your MAJESTY, if you will graciously pardon the interruption," put in the PREMIER--"that's the very person I would suggest."
"Did I mention a name?" inquired the QUEEN, somewhat puzzled.
"Your MAJESTY," replied the noble Earl, "observed that 'you had forgot.' I would suggest that the Bishopric of Truro should be for GOTT." Of course it was at once settled, and a _cong�� d'��lire_ issued.
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ETON JUBILEE CURIOSITIES.
[Illustration: FLOREAT ETONA!
_Mr. Punch_ (_to King Henry's "holy