[Illustration]
(_ACCOMPANYING A SET OF VERSES WHICH SHE BADE ME WRITE._)
Only a trifle, though, i' faith, 'tis smart,
A _jeu d'esprit_, not art concealing art,
Fruition of a moment's fantasy,
Mere mental bubbles, verbal filagree.
But, though thy lightest wish I would not thwart,
I prithee bid me play some other part
Another time, and I will give thee _carte
Blanche_ to dictate; in truth aught else will be
Only a trifle,
Compared with versifying. I will dart,
At thy behest, e'en to the public mart
To buy a bonnet, or will gleefully
Carry a babe through Bond Street. My sole plea
Is--no more verses. Surely 'tis, sweetheart,
Only a trifle.
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SUPPLEMENTARY AND CORRECTIVE.--In his Jubilee Number Mr. PUNCH
remarked, "Merely to mention _all_ the bright pens and pencils which
have occasionally contributed to my pages would occupy much space."
And space then was limited. But among the "Great Unnamed" _should_
assuredly have been mentioned W.H. WILLS, one of the originators of
Mr. PUNCH's publication, CLEMENT SCOTT the flowing lyrist, and author
of "The Cry of the Children," &c., ASHBY STERRY of "Lazy Minstrel"
fame, and "ROBERT," the genial garrulous "City Waiter," whilst the
names of J.P. ("Dumb-Crambo") ATKINSON, and E.J. WHEELER, were omitted
by the purest accident. The late H.J. BYRON contributed a series
of papers. Mr. PUNCH hastens to put them--as he would gladly some
others--"on the list," since, of no one of them, could it be truly
said "he never would be missed." "HALBOT" was a misprint for "HABLÔT,"
"MAGUIN HANNAY" should read "MAGINN, HANNAY, &c.," and for "_GEORGE_
SILVER" read "HENRY."
* * * * *