BLACK MAGIC.
We'd done the latest picture-shows,
Had honoured some with our approval,
Expressed a cultured scorn for those
That merited a prompt removal.
And then, to pass the time away,
Disliking melodramas tragic,
We chanced to go—oh, hapless day!—
To see some "feats of modern magic."
I don't deny the tricks were good,
Nor could you easily see through them,
And few of those who "understood
Exactly how they're done," could do them.
But when the wizard said he'd try
To pass a watch to any distance,
And find it in the audience—why
Did I afford him my assistance?
I thought to spoil the trick he'd planned,
Nor did I even feel embittered
When made before the crowd to stand,
Although my fair companions tittered,
But then the scoundrel in their view
Remarked, "Is this your usual habit?"
And from my pocket calmly drew
The watch—suspended from a rabbit!
The foolish people laughed and cheered,
And as I fled in hasty fashion,
My cousins even gaily jeered
Instead of showing me compassion!
I'd grant them almost any boon,
But though they ask it, never that form
Will grace, as on this afternoon,
A vulgar necromancer's platform!
Rumour.—As ruler of the domain where stands our great theatre and our opera house, Sir Druiolanus, it is reported, is to receive the special distinction of K.C.G., which, in his case, is the Knight of Covent Garden. Bene meruit.