Punch: Punch (87.1884)

194

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[October 25, 1884.

A STRANGE WOOING.

A Scene from “ Richard the Third,” adapted to the European Boards.

“ We have explained why we have no longer an alliance with England, and why in China as in Egypt we shall perhaps be compelled to accept
support of Germany.”—M. Gabriel Charme in the “ Journal des Debate.”

the

Gloster. “It is a quarrel most unnatural,

To BE REVENGED ON HIM THAT—LOVETH THEE ! ’

* * * * &
Anne. “I would I knew thy heart! ’

Lady Anne .... France.

Duke of Gloster . . Prince Bismarck.

Lady Anne. Avaunt, thou Minister of' Blood and Iron !

Thou hast had power o’er my dismembered state,

My soul thou shalt not touch ; therefore begone !
Gloster. Sweet Saint, for'Charity be not so curst!

Anne. Harsh fiend, for Heaven’s sake hence, and fret me not,
For thou hast made a hanpy land thy spoil.

Filled it with curses loud and deep complaints.

If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds,

Regard the scene of thy past butcheries.

0 Gentlemen, see, see poor France’s wounds
Open their scarce-healed wounds, and bleed afresh !_

0 earth, which this blood drinks, revenge its shedding !
Glo. Lady, yon know the law of Charity,

Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses ?
Anne. Tiger, thou knewst no rule of ruth or mercy.

Thine iron heart felt not the touch of pity.

Glo. Vouchsafe, most charming but much angered woman.

Of these supposed crimes to give me leave,

By explanation, to acquit myself.