"How well the words of the wise wit written in 1847 express our
thoughts to-day, Mr. ANNO DOMINI:--

'Here let us sport
Boys, as we sit,
Laughter and wit
Flashing so free.
Life is but short--
When we are gone,
Let them sing on
Round the old tree.

Evenings we knew
Happy as this;
Faces we miss
Pleasant to see.
Kind hearts and true,
Gentle and just,
Peace to their dust!
We sing round the tree.'

It is one of my proudest memories to recollect that THACKERAY's
'Mahogany Tree,' was my Table."

"To have been Amphitryon to _such_ guests must have been the most
pleasant privilege of hospitality," said ANNO DOMINI.

"Very true," responded _Mr. Punch_, "And of all my
Deputy-Amphitryons--if I may use the term--who more fully, fitly,
justly, and genially filled the post than the earliest of them all,