With knees on the shake, and arms shrinking,
He scrambles about on the slippery floor,
Like a toper at large, or a mad semaphore,
Half wishing he hadn't gone rinking.

But, guided discreetly, supported at need,
The clumsiest novice at last may succeed,
His knees and his elbows controlling;
And you, my dear PRIMOSE, have played such a part.
You have given your promising pupil a start,
And--so to speak--set the wheels rolling.

He ought to do now; let us hope that he will.
The thanks mainly due to your judgment and skill
_Mr. Punch_, for the Public, here offers,
The boy's a bit clumsy,--most novices are;
But, give him fair play, and he may prove a "star,"
In spite of the sneerers and scoffers.

* * * * *

[Illustration: OFF DUTY.

_Punch_ (_to Primrose_). "YOU'VE SHOWN HIM THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT. HE
OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO GET ALONG NOW."]

* * * * *

ON WITH THE NEW LOVE.