P.S.--When once you have tasted the joys of speculation, you will think
and care for nothing else. The click of the Tape Machine is music to
you. I have one going all night in my bed-room.
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SUGGESTION FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.--"_As You Like
It_",--come and see it!
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[Illustration: MADAME DIOGENES.]
_Diogenes._ What are these better possessions you speak of?
_Krates._ Wisdom, self-sufficiency, truth, plain-speaking, freedom.
LUCIAN'S _Dialogues of the Dead_.
Ah! Madame La France, after trials all round
Of great Chiefs and their squabbling political progenies,
Like him of Sinope, at last you are found
With lantern in hand, a true Lady Diogenes.
The precinct is dark, and seems growing still dimmer,
Your wandering light shows a devious glimmer.
A right Honest Man? He was scarce in the Courts.
He seems very nearly as scarce in the Caucuses.
You've had leaders of late of all sizes and sorts,
And the gloom of the outlook is utter as Orcus's.
Imperial, Royalist, Red Flag or White,
Not one of them leads La Belle France to the light.
Wisdom, truth and plain-speaking? Ah, where are they found?
As scarce in these days as is genuine freedom!
They all prate of Honour, yet Honour all round
They'll sell for the first mess of pottage from Edom.
Well, Madame, _Punch_ wishes you luck with your lantern,
And up, soon or late, may a true Honest Man turn!
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