["Punch and the Elections were the only matters which occupied the public mind on July 17, 1841."—Introduction to "Punch," Vol. I.]
Fifty years ago, my Public, fifty years ago!
Faith, the years fleet swiftly onward, though sad hours seem slow.
Forty-One beheld my advent, Friend of Truth and Fun;
From my sanctum still I greet you now in Ninety-One.
"Punch and the Elections!" Truly a compendious text.
With how many Burning Questions men to-day are vext!
Then the Whigs perceived their tether pretty nearly run,
And—they're watching Bye-Elections now in Ninety-One.
Then Lord JOHN was on the Treasury Bench, though ill at ease,