Punch: Punch (70.1876)

228

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[June 3, 1876'_

PUNCH'S DREAM OF THE DERBY.

ftee much considera-
tion, Punch made
up his mind this
year not to go to
the Derby. In the
first place he had
been so often be-
fore. He knew the
road by heart, or,
rather, by head. He
remembered that
lobster-salad and
salmon always made
him ill—that they
were poisons that
had only one anti-
dote — soda-water.
He hated the rail
with its hurry and bustle, and he was afraid
of the East wind. So, when a deputation of
the bravest and the noblest in the land (on
bended knees) implored him to act as whip to
their drag, he pursed up his lips, wiped away
a furtive tear, and replied "No." The depu-
tation knew their man. They felt that when
Punch had answered in the negative, that
there was no hope of altering his determina-
tion, so they bowed, wept bitterly, and retired.

A few days later there was a knock at
Punch's study door. It was repeated again
and again, for the Sage was very fast asleep—
he had been reading the Saturday Review.
When Punch regained consciousness, Toby
was standing before,him. The Dog of Dogs
was dressed in his best"; he wore the livery>f
his master.

"You must come,'[Sir," said Toby. "All