Punch (103.1892)

194

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [October 29, 1892.

HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE!"

" This Garter, brighter from the knee
Of him who uttered nothing—important."

A St ah and Garter! Here 'sago!

Well, well, no doubt 'twas to be worn meant;

And, as mere personal adornment,
It does look smartisb, dontcher know I

All personal adornment's vain,

Held Dr. Watts, holds dear McDougall ;

For dowdy dress and habits frugal
Befit the Democratic strain.

And 1 'm a Democrat—of course!
The Benjamin Franklin of the Peerage!

"Mister" Rosebery, loquitur: —

And yet—ah! truly 'tis a queer age —
A Decoration has some force !

I wonder what the L.C.C.

Will say to this! That I should spurn it ?

John Burns may swear T ought to burn it.
Still—it looks natty round my knee.

I need not wear it when I sit

Among the broadcloth'd heirs of Bumble !

But Foreign Minister too humble
Were butt of diplomatic wit.

Battersea's pride my pride may scourge.
Well — he may hnd he 's caught a
Tartar.

A robe—a coronet—a garter !—
Materials for a new "Pride's Purge" !

The keen-eyed Democratic lynx
May watch me with alert suspicion,
As but a half-disguised patrician,

But—sbame to him who evil thinks!

[Left posturing complacently.