["_Punch_ made a great hit" (in his last Cartoon "A Doubtful
Stayer"), "and will probably take credit to himself for having
been one of the very few who 'tipped' _Sir Visto_ for the
Derby."--_Leeds Mercury._]
Thanks, Mercury, thanks! Acclaim from all ranks
Declares _Mr. Punch_ is _the_ prophet to follow.
The Public rejoices, and Mercury voices
The popular praise due to Punchius Apollo.
The oracular god, with a genial nod,
Admits that he knew it, foresaw it, and _said_ it!
But oh, deary, deary! His pen it would weary
If for all his successful straight tips he "took credit."
At Delphi of old they _sometimes_ hit the gold;
_Punch's_ oracles nought to equivocal mist owe.
No riddle or rebus contents the new Phoebus,
So all wise men twigged when he tipped 'em _Sir Visto!_
* * * * *