JOSEPH’S JOUST.

    [Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, from the study of a certain “Liberal
    Leaflet” triumphantly draws the large conclusion that the
    Gladstonians have “dropped Home Rule.”]

  To “ride the high horse,” my brave Brummagem boy,
  Is doubtless, to you, a delight and a joy;
  But little avails that equestrian quest,
  If the fruit of your ride is the merest “mare’s nest.”

* * * * *

APPROPRIATE FOR THE SULTRY SUMMER WEATHER.—­The revival of Drink, at Drury Lane.  It ought to be “iced drink.”

* * * * *

“PALMAM QUI MERUIT, FERAT!”

[Illustration:  “It takes time to get ever such journeys and such experiences.”—­Mrs. Grimwood on her Manipur adventures.]

Mr. PUNCH, loquitur:—­

  True, Madam, and tasteless would be the intrusion
    That tactlessly took no account of the time
  The praises of Britons are yours, in profusion;
    The blame for a blunder, the judgment for crime,
  Let Statesmen apportion; all know where the Honour
    In Manipur’s ill-managed business is due;
  And Punch, whose delight is of praise to be donor,
    Without hesitation awards it to you!

  The terrible tale of that sudden disaster
    Is vivid in memory, fresh on our ear;
  We know how a tender-souled woman could master
    The anguish of horror, the tremor of fear. 
  That short brave defence will long live in our story. 
    That long dreadful march England will not forget;
  Though womanhood finds little comfort in glory,
    For hearts that are aching and eyes that are wet.

  Enough for to-day!  When slow time has brought healing. 
    The tale of those hours by your lips may be told. 
  But proud admiration will scarce brook concealing,
    And Punch to express it is courteously bold. 
  He speaks for all England.  For womanly valour
    We men have not shaped the right guerdon,—­our loss! 
  A brave woman’s heart flushing red o’er fear’s pallor,
    Deserves—­what Punch gives—­the Victoria Cross!

* * * * *

“Their acquaintance,” observed Counsel, in a recent Breach of Promise Case, “began in a ’bus.”  This may have been an error of expression, or a misprint, as “began with a buss” would have been more likely.

* * * * *

ANOTHER JUBILEE!—­The Jubilee of the COOK Tourist System will be celebrated July 22nd by a Banquet at the Metropole.  The dinner ought to be A 1 with such a COOK.

* * * * *

SUMMERY MUMMERY.

I do not know how long the Summer Season at TERRY’s, now being carried on by Mr. GEORGE EDWARDES, is to last, but with a little dexterous management there is no reason why this excellent form of entertainment should not go on all the year round.  At 8 there is The Lancashire Sailor, by BRANDON THOMAS, which I didn’t see; but have heard a first-rate report of it from those who have, and who “know.”  It might occasionally change places with A Commission.  However, this is but a suggestion, as both the pieces I saw the other night will bear a second visit.