[Charles begins to click solemnly and move his head by progressive jerks to the right, while the Little Duke moves his simultaneously to the left, and a Courtier in the background is so affected by the scene that he points with respectful sympathy at nothing; the Spectators do not commit themselves to any comments.
Showman (concluding a quotation from Markham). "And the little Dook, with the tears a-standin' in 'is heyes, replies, 'I will be tore in pieces fust!'" Other side, please! No, Mum, the lady in mournin' ain't the beautiful but ill-fated Mary, Queen o' Scots—it's Mrs. Maybrick, now in confinement for poisonin' her 'usban', and the figger close to her is the Mahdi, or False Prophet. In the next case we 'ave a subject selected from Ancient Roman 'Istry, bein' the story of Androcles, the Roman Slave, as he appeared when, escaping from his crule owners, he entered a cave and found a lion which persented 'im with 'is bleedin' paw. After some 'esitation, Androcles examined the paw, as repperesented before you. (Winds the machinery up, whereupon the lion opens his lower jaw and emits a mild bleat, while Androcles turns his head from side to side in bland surprise.) This lion is the largest forestbred and blackmaned specimen ever imported into this country—the other lion standing beyind (disparagingly), has nothing whatever to do with the tableau, 'aving been shot recently in Africa by Mr. Stanley, the two figgers at the side repperesent the Boy Murderers who killed their own father at Crewe with a 'atchet and other 'orrible barbarities. I shall conclude the Collection by showing you the magnificent group repperesentin' Her Gracious Majisty the Queen, as she appeared in 'er 'appier and younger days, surrounded by the late Mr. Spurgeon, the 'Eroes of the Soudan, and other Members of the Royal Fam'ly.
Inside the Circus.
After some tight-rope, juggling, and boneless performances have been given in the very limited arena, the Clown has introduced the Learned Pony.
Clown. Now, little Pony, go round the Company and pick me out the little boy as robs the Farmer's orchard.
[The Pony trots round, and thrusts his nose confidently into a Small Boy's face.
Small Boy (indignantly). Ye're a liar, Powney; so theer!
Clown. Now, see if you can find me the little gal as steals her mother's jam and sugar. Look sharp now, don't stand there playin' with yer bit!
A Little Girl (penitently, as the Accusing Quadruped halts in front of her). Oh, please, Pony, I won't never do it no more!
Clown. Now go round and pick me out the Young Man as is fond o' kissin' the girls and married ladies when their 'usbands is out o' the way. (The Pony stops before an Infant in Arms.) 'Ere, think what yer doin' now. You don't mean 'im, do you? (The Pony shakes his head.) Is it the Young Man standin' just beyind as is fond o' kissin the girls? (The Pony nods.) Ah, I thought so!