A PRINCELY OFFER.

["TO POETS.--£5 offered for a One-Act Opera Libretto, subject to

conditions," &c.--_Advertisement in "Morning Post._"]

Passed are the days when in accents pathetic

Writers complained of their wage as unjust,

Gone are the times when the genius poetic

Struggled in penury, dined on a crust!

Nor need they longer, who strive for a pittance,

Grieve if the editors still are remiss;

What though the papers refuse them admittance

While they're afforded such chances as this?

Writers of verse, here is news to elate you!

"Poets" (the title you value the most),

Simply magnificent offers await you!--

_Vide_ this paragraph, cut from the _Post_.

Hasten, ye bards (who surely a debt owe

To this MÆCENAS, this opulent man),

Hasten with joy to prepare a _libretto_

Fit to accomplish his excellent plan!

He will fulfil your most lofty ambitions--

Such generosity simply astounds!--

You will receive (under certain "conditions")

Honour, and glory, and fame, and--_five pounds_!

* * * * *

A PARADOX OF THEATRICAL SUCCESS.--At the Criterion very difficult to get

into _Hot Water_.

* * * * *

Punch, or the London Charivari Volume 107, September 22nd, 1894 · 第 36 / 39 题