ECHO'S ANSWERS
To a Cockney Inquirer who consults her concerning the inevitable Annual "Outing" and its probable issues.
Inquirer. What subject sets me worrying and doubting?
Echo. "Outing."
Inquirer. My wife suggests for family health's improving?—
Echo. Roving.
Inquirer. What's the first requisite for taking pleasure?
Echo. Leisure.
Inquirer. The second (for a slave to matrimony)?
Echo. Money.
Inquirer. You say that woman of all founts of mischief—
Echo. Is chief.
Inquirer. What is this close agreement of my women?
Echo. Omen.
Inquirer. I fear for me they'll prove a deal too clever?
Echo. Ever.
Inquirer. What is the manner of my buxom Mary?
Echo. Airy.
Inquirer. And what's her goal in every hint and notion?
Echo. Ocean.
Inquirer. How recommends she Ramsgate, shrimpy, sandy?
Echo. 'Andy.
Inquirer. Whereas I hold it at this season torrid?—
Echo. 'Orrid!
Inquirer. And hint, with a faint view to scare or stop her?—
Echo. 'Opper!
Inquirer. (Meaning the Pulex). Answers she politely?
Echo. Lightly.
Inquirer. How then am I inclined to view the mater?
Echo. 'ate her.
Inquirer. What feel I when she hints at sea-side clothing?
Echo. Loathing.
Inquirer. Mention of what makes all my family scoffers?
Echo. Coffers.
Inquirer. Then if I storm, what word breaks sequent stillness?
Echo. Illness!
Inquirer. What feels a man when women 'gin to blubber?
Echo. Lubber.
Inquirer. What is the show of patience that may follow?
Echo. Hollow!
Inquirer. What would the sex when it assumes that virtue?
Echo. Hurt you.
Inquirer. What's the result of halting and misgiving?
Echo. Giving.
Inquirer. What is man's share anent this yearly yearning?
Echo. Earning.
Inquirer. What's the chief issue of this seaward flowing?
Echo. Owing.
Inquirer. How long before I'm free of tradesmen's pages?
Echo. Ages!