Mr. JAMES PAYN says that "some boys are really missed at home." Well,
_Mr. Punch_ has observed that some fond and foolish parents tog and
tittivate their boys till they look behind like girls. But to "_miss_"
them, as though they were maidens or barmaids is _too_ bad. To adapt
KO-KO'S celebrated song, he would say:--
A boy may wear his hair in curls, or bear a pudding face,
Some mothers, as you wist, that folly can't resist!
Of true boy in dress and manners they may leave him scarce a trace,
But he never should be "missed"--he never should be "missed."
Maternal idiots molly-coddle little lads they own,
Till they're girlish in demeanour, and effeminate in tone,
But the _mater_ who her "TOMMY" spoils, and dresses like a guy,
Till he doesn't think he crickets, and has no desire to try;
Is a silly, weak anomaly who ought to be well hissed;
Boys never should be "missy," and they never should be "missed."
* * * * *
Mrs. R. is delighted. "My youngest niece," she says, "has lately
become engaged to a very illegible young man."
* * * * *