There would be less booze and bashing, fewer drabs and drinking-shops.
Aye, and fewer Nocky Spriggingses! I don't go for to say
As it's all along o' Landlords, who'd rent 'ell, if 'twould but pay;
But I've noticed you find fewest mice where there are lots of cats,
And where there ain't no rat-holes, well—yer won't spot many rats!
THE LAST DISCOVERY.
(A Sequel to a recent Lecture. By Mr. Punch's Prophetic Reporter.)
The enormous crowd cheered again and again. It was furious. The enthusiasm spread from throng to throng, until a mighty chorus filled every portion of the land. And there was indeed reason for the rejoicing. Had not the great Arctic Explorer come home? Had he not been to the North Pole and back? At that very moment were not a couple of steam-tugs drawing his wooden vessel towards his native shore? It was indeed a moment for congratulation—not only personal but national, nay cosmopolitan. The victory of art over nature belonged to more than a country, it belonged to the world!
And the tugs came closer and closer, and the cheers grew louder and louder. Then the vessel bearing the Explorer was near at hand. The crowd joyously jumped into the water, and raising him on their shoulders, bore him triumphantly to land.