THE BARTHOLOMEW FAIR SHOW-FOLKS.
Punch having been chosen by the unanimous voice of the public—the arbiter elegantiarum in all matters relating to science, literature, and the fine arts—and from his long professional experience, being the only person in England competent to regulate the public amusements of the people, the Lord Mayor of London has confided to him the delicate and important duty of deciding upon the claims of the several individuals applying for licenses to open show-booths during the approaching Bartholomew Fair. Punch, having called to his assistance Sir Peter Laurie and Peter Borthwick, proceeded, on last Saturday, to hold his inquisition in a highly-respectable court in the neighbourhood of West Smithfield.
The first application was made on behalf of Richardson’s Booth, by two individuals named Melbourne and Russell.
PUNCH.—On what grounds do you claim?
MEL.—On those of long occupancy and respectability, my lord.
RUSS.—We employs none but the werry best of actors, my lud—all “bould speakers,” as my late wenerated manager, Muster Richardson, used to call ‘em.
MEL.—We have the best scenery and decorations, the most popular performances—
RUSS.—Hem! (aside to MEL.)—Best say nothing about our performances, Mel.
PUNCH.—Pray what situations do you respectively hold in the booth?