Q.C. "Yes; I like the Army as a Profession. I mean to put my Son into it."
Little Snooks (who was Gazetted the week before last). "Ah, you take the advice of a Man who knows all about it—and don't!"
VERY CIVIL LAW.
(With Mr. Punch's Compliments to the London County Council.)
Scene—The Interior of the Court under the Patronage of the London County Council. Judge, appointed according to the popular view, discovered in the act of passing sentence.
Judge. Prisoner in the dock, or I should say, my good friend—for are we not all liable to err?—I have no wish to increase the natural embarrassment of your position. I am here, as you know, to dispense judgment. This I tell you judicially. I am, when I make this statement, merely the mouthpiece of the Law. In my private capacity, I am deeply sorry for you.
Prisoner (much affected). Thank you kindly, Sir.
Judge. My dear friend, I feel for your misfortunes. I make every allowance for them. By the Statute under whose provisions both of us are here, I notice that I have the power to sentence you to seven years' penal servitude.
Prisoner (startled). Seven years! But you ain't going to do it?