Punch (96.1889)

86

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [February 23, 1889.

IYASVIMOMITE THRIFT! OP. THE HEROD OF OUR DAYS.

Mr. Punch. “Estimates! Yes, but there’s something further

“ When a Hammonite mother kills her babe for a burial-fee,

And Timour-Mammon grins on a pile of children’s bones.”

Tennyson's “ Maud."

“ The strongest statement in favour of infant insurance is that it encou-
rages thrift.”—Mr. Braxton-Hicks on “ Infantile Insurance."

“ It is clear, he remarks, that to allow a poor parent to effect an insurance
on his child’s life gives him a direct interest in its death.”—The “ Times ” on
Mr. Braxton-Micks's Letter.

“Thrift, thrift! ”_ Oh, convenient Death!

Wise counsel he whispereth under his breath
Into pitiful poverty’s ear!

Poverty makes even parentage keen
At catching his sinister hints. ’Tis a scene

FOR YOU TO LOOK AFTER, Mr, SMITH—THE SURPLUS POPULATION !

For a new Danse Macabre ; that bald, bony nowl
Crape-canopied craftily set cheek-by-jowl
With the conscienceless vassal of Peer.

“ Thrift, thrift! ” It is surely the last subtle shift
Of the Spectre to pose as a preacher of Thrift!

True, Mammon and Mors have been ever allies ;

But here is a scene that might almost surprise
The Moloch for whom they both cater.

The cynical grin of the fiend of the flame
Might melt to a look of compassionate shame
At sight of the Golden God’s last little game,

Which should bring a hot blush to a satyr.