Punch (50.1866)

June 30, 1866.)

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

in

“ 'Jf'WENTY-FIVE YEARS,” said the faithful Punch to his loving Britannia.

“Is it so long?” replied the blue-eyed Britannia, smiling. “You have made me so happy that I have
scarcely felt the flight of time. But it is twenty-five years since you became my Guide, Philosopher, and Friend,”

High banquet was held, and the Representative Men and Women of the nation came to honour the Festival
of the Fifty Volumes.

“ AVhen I think,” said the Heir Apparent, “ how nobly you have supported the Throne.”

“ How,” said the Primate, “ you have helped Religion by correcting the follies of Priests.”

“ How,” said the Chancellor, “ you have demolished Legal abuses until our system of Law is not now
so very far from rationality.”

“ How,” said Lord Derry, “ you have taught an aristocracy that its truest strength is in cohesion with
the people.”

“How,” said Lord Russell, “you have thawed Whiggery until it has condescended to flow with the
stream of time.”

“And how,” said Mr. Bright, “you have instructed Reformers that victory is theirs if they will argue,
not bellow.”

“ How,” said the Duke of Cambridge, “ while denouncing the wickedness of offensive war, you have done
all honour to the champions of right.”

“How,” said the Duke of Somerset, “you have shown a true Briton’s love for our gallant Navy.”

“ And,” added Captain Coles, “ have enabled me to carry my Turrets against officialism.”

“ How you made the Volunteer Force,” said Lord Ranelagh.

“ How genially, and as it were in a Loving Cup, you have pledged us citizens to Corporation Reform,”
said the Lord Mayor.

“How you emancipated the Hebrews,” said Baron Rothschild-
“ And completed Catholic Emancipation,” said Mr. Justice Shee.

“ How your Highness hath split the Wind-bags but guarded the Wine-skins,” said Mr. Thomas Carlyle.