And drown myself, just to come in for the soup.”

Punch, 1846.


Reflections on a Tea Table.

Know ye the land where the hot toast and muffin

Are emblems of deeds that are done in their spheres;

Where scandalous stories and hints about nuffin,

Now melt into whispers, now rise into sneers?

Know ye the land where the liquids and cake

Their circumvolutions consecutive make;