Yes, give him a seat in the centre, boys.
Three cheers for our Boozer King!"
But TIME's worn features exhibited nothing but the strongest disgust.
"Is it possible," he exclaimed, "that this sort of thing can be considered amusing anywhere!"
"It is considered extremely facetious," said Mr. Punch—"in Seriocomix."
"What would they think of such a—such an apotheosis of degradation in one of your Music Halls at home, eh?" demanded TIME.
Privately, Mr. Punch was of opinion that it would not be at all unpopular. However, he was not going to admit this:—
"It would be hissed off the stage," he said, courageously. "The fact is, that our Eccentric Vocalists have always shrunk from the responsibility of presenting a national vice under an attractive light, and so such exhibitions are absolutely unknown among us."
"I respect them for their scruples," said TIME; "they have their reward in a clear conscience," "No doubt," said Mr. Punch. "Shall we go on?" And as TIME had had enough of the Boozer King, they went on, and entered the next hall, just as a remarkably pretty young girl, with an innocent rosebud mouth and saucy bright eyes like a bird's, tripped daintily on to the platform.