Punch: Punch (97.1889)

86 PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [August 21, 1889.

THE MEW CHAMPION OF CERES.

(A Present-day Pastoral.)

“ It is understood that Mr. Chaplin has been
offered, and has accepted office as President of
the new Board of Agriculture.”—Daily News.
Ceres . . . British. Agriculture.
Menalcas . . Mr. Ch-pl-n.

Ceres. “Your merit and your years
command the choice,”

As Virgil puts it.

Menalcas. Ceres, I rejoice

In opportunity too long deferred.
“Protection’s ” period I had much preferred
For my sublime appearance on the course,
But that no longer is a winning horse.
Whate’er our swiftness, weight, dear Ceres,
stops us.

But I will do my best for you—ask Mopsus.

Ceres. ‘ ‘ How is my soul with such a
promise raised! ”

Menalcas. Thanks, Ceres! I’m accus-
tomed to be praised,

And when I write my Georgies—as I will—
Virgil himself shall own my greater skill.
That pastoral poet, in his petty age,

Knew nought of phosphates, or of ensilage.