PRESENTED AT COURT.
Dear Mr. Punch,—I notice that "an original dramatic caricature" is being played at the Court Theatre, under the title of Vanity Fair. To prevent mistakes, I write to say at once that I am on the eve of constructing a three-volume novel, called Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; a poem, called Box and Cox; and a satire, called Macaulay's History of England. I merely mention this fact to protect my copyright in the names I have chosen for my new works. I have also in contemplation the writing of a book to be entitled Adam Bede, a novelette, to be known as King Solomon's Mines, and a story to be y'clept Treasure Island. May I add that I have also some pantomimes and eccentric ballets nearly ready that will be christened, when completed,—Esmond, The Virginians, The Newcomes, Philip, and last, but not least, Pendennis.
Yours truly, Nothing if not Original.
P.S.—I am thinking of adopting as a nom de plume the signature of "William Makepeace Thackeray."