Punch (14.1848)

Hitherto modesty has, perhaps, been the prevailing feature—or at
least one of the prevailing features—of Mr. Punch's character. He
has seen testimonials offered to, and accepted by, all kinds of people,
without the same compliment being extended to himself, but he has
never complained. He witnessed the getting-up of a testimonial to
Mb. Hudson for making his own fortune; and though Punch had long
ago achieved this title to public gratitude—for such it seems to be con-

sidered—no one came forward to propose a testimonial to him. He
has therefore determined, rather reluctantly, to lay aside his modesty,
and present himself with a testimonial to himself, got up by himself in
honour of himself, for the gratification of himself, and as a slight mark
to himself of what is thought by himself of himself, for qualities which
none but himself, if he may be allowed to judge for himself, appears to
have displayed. He has accordingly caused a shield to be prepared, in

Vol. 14.

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