["Let me draw the People's pictures, and whosoever will may preach their sermons."—Maxims of Punchius.]
"Pictures from Punch!" Good lack! How one's memories backward it carries.
This artful collection of Briggses, and Tompkinses, Roberts, and 'Arries!
Forage of fifty years from Art—granaries fuller than Coptic!
What first pleased our grandfather's eye may now brighten our grandchild's blue optic!
Art that's humane never ages, and humour that's human's perennial.
Turn to these pages and try! You'll perceive that impeccable Tenniel
Moved men to mirth in the Fifties that folks in the Nineties continue;
Your midriff indeed must be numb if his Yeomanry Major won't win you;
And such "Illustrations to Shakspeare," so finely drawn and so funnily,