On the 24th of June, 1871, _Mr. Punch_ sang, _àpropos_ of the Germans
desiring to purchase Heligoland--
"Though to rule the waves, we may believe they aspire,
If their Navy grow great, we must let it;
But if one British island they think to acquire,
Bless their hearts, don't they wish they may get it?"
And they _have_ got it!
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[Illustration: THE LYING SPIRIT.]
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