"AND DOWN THE WAVE, AND IN THE FLAME WAS BORNE
A NAKED BABE, AND RODE TO PUNCH'S FEET,
WHO STOOPT, AND CAUGHT THE BABE, AND CRIED, 'THE YEAR!
HERE IS AN HEIR FOR NINETY-ONE!'"--_Adapted from Tennyson's "Coming
of Arthur."_]

* * * * *

TO JUSTICE.

(_IN JANUARY._)

[Illustration]

Just take a look round, most respectable Madam;
New Year's Day is an excellent time for the task,
When serious thoughts come to each son of Adam
Who dares to peep under Convention's smug mask.
Your sword looks a little bit rusty and notched, Ma'am;
Your scales now and then hang a trifle askew;
A lot of your Ministers need to be watched, Ma'am!
_Punch_ isn't quite pleased with the prospect--are you?
If one could but take a wide survey, though summary,
Of _all_ the strange "sentences" passed in one year
By persons called "Justices"--(yes, it _sounds_ flummery)
Justice would look like Burlesque, Ma'am, I fear.
Excellent subject for whimsical GILBERT,
But not a nice spectacle, Madam, for me.
Long spell of "chokee" for prigging a--filbert
(Given, you bet, by some rural J.P.);