TO AMANDA.
(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.
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."