_Lydia._ I thought to slowly fade away so calm and beautiful.
(Though I didn't mean to go just yet);
But you get no chance for pathos when you're chivied by a bull!
(So I thought I wouldn't go just yet.)
For I did feel so upset, when I found that all you get
By the exercise of virtue, is that bulls will come and hurt you!
That I thought I wouldn't go just yet!
_Chorus._ We hear, with some regret,
That she doesn't mean to go just yet.
But a Bull with horns that hurt you is a poor return for virtue,
And she's wiser not to go just yet!
[_The Bull rises on his hindlegs, and gives a forehoof each to_ LYDIA
_and_ JACK, _who dance wildly round and round as the Curtain falls_.
[N.B.--Music-hall Managers are warned that the morality of this
particular Drama may possibly be called in question by some members of
the L. C. C.]
* * * * *
[Illustration: A RETIRING YOUNG MAN.
(_Positively his Last Appearance._)]
I linger on the same old stage
Which I have graced so long,
Though oft, when sick, or in a rage,
I've sworn to give up song,
Still somehow, like mellifluous REEVES,
I flow, and flow, and flow.
Stage-stars, though fond of taking leaves
Are very loth to go.
Teutons, once again,
Greet me once again!
Old songs I'm singing,
Shall I sing in vain?
Once more I front the same old House,
And hear the same "_Encore!_"
My rivals slink as slinks the mouse
When Leo lifts his roar.
I'll take my turn with potent voice,
In solo or in glee.
At my _rentrée_ my friends rejoice
They only wanted ME!
Teutons, once again!
Greet me once again!
Old strength is waking,
Shall it wake in vain?
* * * * *