"On the 12th July, 1880, another great loss befel me. TOM TAYLOR, my third Editor, left that honourable post vacant, after occupying it with credit and distinction for six years. Mr. F.C. BURNAND, author of 'Happy Thoughts,' &c., reigns in his stead. R.F. SKETCHLEY, who had a seat at my Board for several years, resigned it a little later.
"The same year, 1880, saw the introduction of a new Artist, in the person of HARRY FURNISS; and the next introduced HENRY W. LUCY, the 'TOBY' of Mr. Punch's remodelled Essence of Parliament.
"In 1887, the appearance of 'Mr. Punch's Manual for Young Reciters,' gave evidence of the fact that the Author of Vice Versâ, Mr. F. ANSTEY, had joined my Table. He, with R.C. LEHMANN, Author of 'Modern Types,' &c., and E.G. REED, the Artist, are the very latest additions thereto. That Table has, within the last two years, sustained yet two other losses: PERCIVAL LEIGH, last survivor of the 'Old Guard,' dying on 24th October, 1889, whilst, early in the present year, the inimitable CHARLES KEENE, universally acknowledged to be the greatest master of 'Black-and-White' technique who ever put pencil to wood-block, was taken away from me.
"Merely to mention all the bright pens and pencils which have occasionally contributed to my pages, would occupy much space. Amongst Writers may be named MAGUIN HANNAY, STIRLING COYNE, COVENTRY PATMORE, MORTIMER COLLINS, GEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA, ANDREW LANG, JAMES PAYN, and Lord TENNYSON; amongst Artists, HOWARD (whose signature, a trident, was at one time familiar to Punch readers), Miss BOWERS, RALSTON, BRYAN, BARNARD, W.S. GILBERT (who illustrated several of his own articles), CORBOULD, CALDECOTT, RIVIÈRE, H.S. MARKS, FRED WALKER, SIR JOHN MILLAIS, and Sir FREDERICK LEIGHTON.
"The present Staff, Mr. ANNO DOMINI, you may see assembled 'round the old Tree' in the accompanying Cartoon. Around on the walls are the counterfeit presentments of their illustrious and honoured predecessors. My guests, you perceive, are drinking a toast. That toast is, 'Mr. Punch, his health and Jubilee!'"
"In which I am delighted to join!" responded ANNO DOMINI. "Mr. Punch, you must be as proud of your 'Mahogany Tree,' and its many memories, as King ARTHUR of his Table Round."
"'For dear to ARTHUR was that hall of ours,
As having there so oft with all his Knights
Feasted,'"
quoted the Sage, musing deeply of many things. Many of my Knights have 'gone before,' but they have not