_The Variety Stage_, by CHARLES DOUGLAS STUART and A. J.
PARK (FISHER UNWIN), is a history of the Music-halls from the
earliest period to the present time. And a very interesting history it
is, admirably told withal. One comes upon names familiar in boyhood,
and is a little shocked to find that the Great VANCE was
really named ALFRED PECK STEVENS. The pages glow with pleasant
peeps of London at midnight, as _Pendennis_ saw it, and as, once at
least, it was looked upon by _Colonel Newcome_. It is sad to find how
many of the old favourites of the music-hall fall upon evil times, and
even die in the workhouse. SAM COLLINS was more fortunate. He
was sumptuously buried in Kensal Green, where a marble pedestal carries
his portrait and his epitaph. This last is notable as containing what,
as far as my Baronite knows, is the most audacious rhyme in the English
language. As it was admitted to consecrated ground, it may perhaps be
quoted here. "A loving husband," so it runs--
"A loving husband and a faithful friend,
Ever the first a helping hand to lend:
Farewell, good-natured, honest-hearted SAM,
Until we meet before the great I AM."
_Pro_ BARON DE B.-W.
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DIPLOMATIC INTELLIGENCE.--Mr. CHAUNCY DEPEW has
arrived. On business, of course. De-pew-ted by American Government.
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[Illustration: ON THE TRACK IN BATTERSEA PARK.
"WHERE THERE'S A WHEEL THERE'S A WAY."]
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