So much has done the milk of human kindness to assuage,
The bile of British hardihood in this forbearing age!
MR. GLADSTONE ON THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.
Sir,—You are wrong in supposing that the term, "Old Fireworks," was originally applied to myself. I am of opinion, though I speak under a certain amount of correction, not such, however, as my young friend, Grandolph, would like to supply, that the term Old Fireworks was first applied to the celebrated Mr. Pickwick, though upon what occasion and by whom I cannot at this moment call to mind. To your second question, as to whether I approve of the conduct of Mr. Samuel Weller in resisting the Head Constable Grummer, I should say that, considering the provocation offered, Mr. Weller seems to have acted with remarkable self-restraint.
Yours faithfully, G. O. M.
P.S. Chips, real good chips, warranted quite dry, and only waiting for a match to set them in a blaze, may now be had at Hawarden Lodge at the ridiculously small charge of three-pence a piece, or two shillings and five-pence halfpenny per dozen. Immediate application personally or by letter is recommended. Also a copy of Nottingham speech and the Mitchelstown telegram, which, should any difficulty be experienced in kindling a bonfire, will at once set the heap into a splendid blaze. My song and chorus—
Remember, remember,
The Mitchelstown ember,
and so forth, ought to be ready at all respectable music-publishers by November 3rd. 2s. 6d. per copy. Great reduction for clubs, schools, &c. Chips! Chips! in the name of the Profit! Chips! G. O. M.