1826.7 
Punch and Judy. 
Ridiculous thou art, and yet sublime 
(For here there is no step between the two), 
Thou remnant of the more enlivening time, 
When Courts, held licensed fools, and. gaily grew 
In England’s realm, masque, mummery, and mime; 
And, in-fair sooth, for all the good they do, 
Millions of either sex, and each degree, 
As well, oh Punch, through life might look on thee ! 
For take the worthiest of the motley train— 
What would that blue-eyed, bright-haired girl be doing ? 
Why, laying up long years of guilt and pain, 
With ear attentiye to some scoundrel’s wooing. 
That grey-hair’d mav?—why, dreams that were his bane 
In youth, in middle age, still, still pursuing, 
That bard-like boy?—why, hurrying to indite 
The Yerse which it were better not to write. 
That dandy member of a House well known, 
What would he do ?—perchance upon his cob, he 
Would canter, staring modest women down 
With shameless gaze; or lounging in the lobby, 
Wait for the time to vote: orin the town, 
Or country, seek some other idle hobby ; 
Or just console the wife of a dear friend, 
Who might have pressing business to attend.* 
That briefless barrister, but newly come 
To the grave honours of the gown and wig, 
Here he may stop, for what his daily doom ? 
He but in quest cf fees scarce worth a fig, 
“Runs the great circuit, and is still at home;” 
Or stays in London, vainly looking big, 
Like coach unhired, or house untaken yet, 
That never is, but always to be, “let 1” + 
So of the rest; this would but be intriguing 
With actress, or more honest courtesan, 
That squandering what his fathers earned, or leaguing, 
For a base purpose, with a desperate clan ; 
A third, his senses, limbs, mind, soul, fatiguing 
In chase of some impracticable plan. 
All these are pastimes, which the world can please, 
And thou, oh Punch, art better than all these ! 
END OF CANTO I. 
265 
* The author neither did, nor could intend 
To hint that House is better knowz than trusted : 
Yet, lest it thus should seem—which heaven forefend, 
’ Twere well to have the point at once adjusted : 
And therefore has the present note been penn’d, 
That none may turn him from this page disgusted, 
As if it could—oh sin, oh shame, oh seandal ! 
Th’ imperial senate with irreverence handle, 
+ In simpler language, the Home-cireuit goes, 
A pleasant’thing, although you be no winner 
Tn point of cash, as many a pocket knows ; 
For it is.said that at the Circuit dinner 
With clever mess-mates you may drink or doze, 
And seldom will return to town the thinner. 
But as to briefs, or fees, alas the bore is _ 
That here the seniores are priores. é 
M.M. New Series—Vor. II. No. 9. 9 i: nna 
me ah. y 
es 2 
Bougersdickius. 
Bougersdickius. 
