_Verb. sap._! You'll, excuse the suggestion.
They soften brains, ruin digestion;
Sap body and soul,
In the (drugged) Flowing Bowl.
There, Doctor, 's the real Drink Question!

Meanwhile, _Punch_ admires your plain speaking.
Enough of evasion and sneaking!
Let fact, logic stout,
And sound pluck fight it out.
Truth's "at home" to right valorous seeking.

Of course, my dear Doctor, you'll catch it.
The Pump is aggressive; you match it.
Whoever proves right,
Your pluck starts a good fight,
And _Punch_ is delighted to watch it!

* * * * *

THE CONQUERED "WORTH."

(_SOME WAY AFTER POE'S_ "_CONQUEROR WORM_.")

[Illustration]

["When women no longer interest themselves in silks and
satins, ribbons and furbelows, it will be an infallible sign
that the great drama of humanity is at length played out, and