Punch (45.1863)

August 15, 1863.]

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

73

WATER! WATER! EVERYWHERE ! ”

We really think our Pioneers might be made useful as well as Ornamental next year at Wimbledon.

SHAKSPEABE AND HIS SHOWMEN.

Next year, we all know, will be the Shakspeare Tercentenary; and
the Stratford-upon-Avonites of course will be desirous to attract as
many visitors as may be to their town. What interesting objects are
there treasured for inspection may be imagined from a statement in the
Stratford Chronicle, wherein it is alleged, concerning Shakspbare’s
house and birthplace, that—

“ This national property has recently undergone considerable improvement, both
in the house and the garden that surrounds it. The garden in which the house
stands is laid out, aud planted with trees and shrubs, all of which have a Shak-
spearean Association, by being selected from those mentioned by the dramatist in
his works.”

Of course the flowers and herbs and fruit-bushes have been similarly
selected. What a delightful treat it would be come into the garden,
Maud, with somebody or other who was fond of quoting Shakspeaue,
and to hear him cite the passages where each tree and flower is named !
“ Here’s rue for you,” he would remark upon discovering that herb,
and “There’s pippins,” though no cheese, and look here is “ a bank
whereon the wild thyme grows.” To make the thing complete, the
garden walks ought to be made of stones with sermons in them, as
at the bottom of the garden there runs the Avon, in which the poet’s
eye, when rolling in its frenzy, possibly discovered a whole library
of books.

Among the “ curious and invaluable relics of the immortal,” which
are carefully preserved and exhibited at Stratford, the statement
which we quote calls especial attention to “ a plaster representation
in relievo of the Battle between David and Goliau,” which must lie
well worth journeying from Jericho to see. This is shown by the pro-
prietor (on payment of a fee?) “together with the Hirst Visitors’
Book, including autographs of George the Fourth, * * * and
other eminent individuals,” including Mr. Punch. A still higher treat,
however, awaits the Shakspeare pilgrim at the Shakspeare Hall in Chapel
Street, where, according to the writer who has been instructing us,—

“ May he seen an admirable full-length painting by Wilson, of Shakspeare in
the attitude of inspiration ; and one by Gainsborough, of Garrick reclining grace-
fully upon a pedestal, idolising the poet's bust.”

The old figure of “ Britannia sitting ou her trident ” is recalled to
us by this of Garrick gracefully reclining on a pedestal. Had it been
a sofa, the posture would be natural; but to recline upon a pedestal
must be rather a hard feat.

Seeing relics, even Siiakspeare’s, is somewhat tiring work; and
after being dragged round to the “ Lions ” we have mentioned, the
visitor will doubtless be glad to sit down somewhere and get something
to drink. So the writer we have quoted calls attention very properly
to the Falcon Tavern, which he says is “ mentioned by Dr. Drake in
bis Noontide Leisures, as having been kept in Shakspeare’s time bv
one Judas Shaw,” and where the ale of the present is of excellent,
quality. As a still stronger inducement to patronise this hostelry, it
is stated further that—

* * In the smoke-room, where there is no doubt the immortal Bard has oft been
heard to say, ‘ Shall I not take mine ease in mine inn,’ is the wainscoting from New
Place. ”

This idea of Shakspeare going about bis native town, and quoting
his own plays, is one that hardly tends to elevate the reverence we feel
for the “ immortal bard,” We suppose we snail bear next that he
used to chaff the grave-diggers at work in the churchyard, and say,
“ Alas ! poor Yorick ! ” when they turned up an old skull. No, no ; if
you please, gents, let Shakspeare rest in peace, and don’t disturb his
memory by patting words into his mouth, and pretending to a know-
ledge of what he said and did, or might or would or could or should
have said and done the while he lived in the small town which chanced
to be his birthplace. Make a show of Stratford as much as ever you
please; but do not vulgarise our Shakspeare by your own absurd
conceits, nor pretend to know much more of him than does the world
at large.

Yachting.

“ Is it more expensive to keep oneself on board ship than on land ? ”
asks a would-be Nautical Correspondent. Our answer will put the
matter iu a nautilus’ shell. If you want to be economical, stop on
shore; for it is a matter of great, difficulty even to keep your legs for a
moment at sea.