Inspector.  There spoke Policedom’s genius! 
  Then, are we all resolved?

All.  We are—­all resolved.

Inspector.  To pull—­and swear—­together?

All.  To pull—­and swear—­together.

Inspector.  All?

All.  All!

Mr. P. Nem. con. Egad!

Commissioner.  Oh, yes!  When they do agree in the Force, their unanimity is wonderful!

Inspector.  Then let’s embrace this resolution, and “Keep it with a constant mind—­and now—­”

    [Kneels.

Mr. P. What the plague, is he going to pray?

Commissioner.  Yes—­hush!  In great emergencies—­on the Stage or in the Force—­there’s nothing like a prayer in chorus.

Inspector.  “O MENDEZ PINTO!”

Mr. P. But why should he pray to MENDEZ PINTO?

Commissioner.  Oh, “the Knight, PINTO-MENDEZ FERDINANDO,” as POE calls him, is the tutelary genius of Bards—­and Bobbies!  Hush!

Inspector.  If in thy homage bred
  Each point of discipline I’ve still observed;
  Swearing in squads, affirming in platoons;
  Nor but by due promotion, and the right
  Of service to the rank P.C.  Inspector,
  Have risen; assist thy votary now!

1st P.C. Yet do not rise—­hear me! [Kneels.

2nd P.C. And me! [Kneels.

3rd P C. And me! [Kneels.

Inspector.  Now swear—­and pray—­all together!

All.  We swear!!! 
  Behold thy votaries submissive beg
  That thou wilt deign to grant them all they ask,
  Assist them to accomplish all their ends,
  And sanctify whatever means they use
  To gain them

Mr. P. A very orthodox and harmonious chorus.  Their “tutti” is perfection.

Commissioner.  Vastly well, is’t not?  Is that well managed or not?  Is the “thin Blue line” well disciplined or not?  Have you such absolute perfection of “alltogetherishness” on your lyric stage as the Force voluntarily maintains—­in its own interests, and obedient to its own peculiar esprit de corps?

Mr. P. (with significance).  Not exactly!

* * * * *

MANY HAPPY RETURNS!

(PUNCH TO MADAME LA REPUBLIQUE.)

    ["The Republic attains its majority to-morrow (Sept. 4).  It
    is the first Government since the Revolution which has had a
    twenty-first birthday.”—­The Times.]

  Dear Madam, “Perfidious Albion” proffers
    The best birthday wishes good feeling can shape! 
  A snap of the fingers for cynical scoffers! 
    A fig for the framers of venomous jape. 
  May Peace and Goodwill be your lasting possession,
    Your proud “Valour” tempered by “years of discretion!”