If you can come so much better but send your sons by all means.
With respects,
I am,
Yours sincerely.
A BABU LETTER
SIR,
Last night while perambulating city in search of evenings zephyrs I came to learn of the demise of Babu … of your Honour's office who leaves widow and sorrowing children who will feed their bellies the Devil knows how. I submit myself to your Honour's approval and patronage for the vacancy. For my qualifications I am damnably well up in precise-writing (Note. He means précis writing) and am much addicted to the swearing of European oaths. I am no believing old and rotten superstition of ancient forefathers, but am iconoclast smashing idols to detriment of damn scoundrels. If I should be successful for the post, I and my wife and children will fall on our bended knees, as in duty bound, and offer up prayers for your Honour, your Honour's lady, and your posthumous children to follow up hereafter.
Your most obedient servant.
"LOVE, WITH A WITNESS!"
[Sidenote: Hood]
He has shaved off his whiskers and blackened his brows,
Wears a patch and a wig of false hair—
But it's him—oh, it's him !—we exchanged lover's vows
When I lived up in Cavendish Square.