Punch (33.1857)

TT/^HEN the Daughter of England was asked in marriage by the Son of Prussia, her Royal Parents
naturally sought the advice of their sincerest friend.
" Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa is young," replied Mr. Punch. " She was born, Madam,
on the 21st of November, 184U. Your illustrious bride, Prince, tarried somewhat longer, longer even
than her volunteer Laureat, Leigh Hunt, ordained :—

" ' And when nineteen years have brought
Steady eye and serious thought,
You-'

Do you remember the passage, dear Madam ? It occurred in a cleverly-phrased poem, almost worthy
of Punch, written when some provincial magnates had displayed more than usual folly in what they
deemed honour of yourself, a young lady of ten years."

" How you remember things," observed the Queen, with a smile.

" I can forget nothing that entwines itself with the fortunes of my most gracious Lady and
Mistress," said Mr. Punch, with exquisite tenderness and a bow of the deepest devotion. " And as I
approve of early marriages, where the prospects of the young couple are tolerably favourable (as I think
we may regard those of Victoria and Frederic), they shall have what good Dr. Primrose calls ' my
consent and bounty / "

So the Kings and Queens of the Earth sent presents, and Mr. Punch, invited by the Vrincess-fiancee,
went to the Castle to see the unpacking. The Jaunty Viscount also came down, and having learned
that there was some porter's work to do, ordered in a couple of his men, who, he remarked, were just
fit for that sort of thing. Hearing this direction, Mr. Punch was in no way surprised to see Vernon
Smith and Charles Wood enter humbly, and begin to open the boxes.

" The Emperor of Russia sends a statuette of an Emancipated Serf," said Wood, " as a chimney-
piece ornament. His own doing."

Hm," said Mr. Punch. " I should like to see the set complete. However, if he is about it in
earnest, Heaven prosper him. What's that, Smith ? "

"From the Queen of Spain, your Grace. A golden cup, used at the christening of the Prince Alfonso."

" Get Hancock to test whether it is gold," said Mr. Punch. " I hope it has that value."