DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I notice that "an original dramatic caricature" is
being played at the Court Theatre, under the title of _Vanity Fair_.
To prevent mistakes, I write to say at once that I am on the eve of
constructing a three-volume novel, called _Hamlet, Prince of Denmark_;
a poem, called _Box and Cox_; and a satire, called _Macaulay's History
of England_. I merely mention this fact to protect my copyright in the
names I have chosen for my new works. I have also in contemplation the
writing of a book to be entitled _Adam Bede_, a novelette, to be
known as _King Solomon's Mines_, and a story to be y'clept _Treasure
Island_. May I add that I have also some pantomimes and
eccentric ballets nearly ready that will be christened, when
completed,--_Esmond_, _The Virginians_, _The Newcomes_, _Philip_, and
last, but not least, _Pendennis_.
Yours truly, NOTHING IF NOT ORIGINAL.
P.S.--I am thinking of adopting as a _nom de plume_ the signature of
"WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY."
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[Illustration: HIS FAVOURITE SUBJECT.
_Imperial Artist._ "WISH I COULD HAVE GOT IT DONE IN TIME FOR THE
ROYAL ACADEMY. SURE TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED."
[*** The Emperor of GERMANY has recently painted a sea-piece.]]
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[Illustration: 1886.
1896.]
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