_Farmer's Wife (who has told the new lad from London to collect eggs)._ "Well, Jack, have you got many?" _Jack (who has raided a sitting hen)._ "Rauther! One old 'en she's bin and layed thirteen, and I don't think she's finished yet!"] * * * * * LINES BY A COCKNEY _Addressed to A Young Lady, but dropped by some mistake into Mr. Punch's letter-box._ Sweet hangel, whom I met last heve Hat Mrs. Harthur's 'op, I 'ope that you will give me leave A question now to pop. I mind me 'ow when in the 'all Your carriage was hannounced, You hasked me to hadjust your shawl, Hon which with 'aste I pounced. Then heager to your Ma you ran, She anxious to be gone, I 'eard 'er call you Mary-Hann, Or helse 'twas Mari-hon. Now, Mary-Hann's a name I 'ate Has much as Betsy-Jane, I could not bear to link my fate With such a 'orrid name; But Mari-hon I like as well As hany name I know; Then, hangel, I emplore thee tell, Dost spell it with a Ho? * * * * * [Illustration: POLITICS AND GALLANTRY _First 'Arry._ "Hay, wot's this 'ere Rosebery a torkin' abaat? Bless'd if he ain't a goin' to do awy with the Lords!" _Second 'Arry (more of a Don Juan than a Politician)._ "Do awy with the 'ole bloomin' lot o' Lords, if he likes, as long as he don't do away with the lidies!"] * * * * * [Illustration: "AND _SHE_ OUGHT TO KNOW!" "That's supposed to be a portograph of Lady Solsbury. But, bless yer, it ain't like her a bit in private!"] * * * * * [Illustration: 'ARRY'S AUNT UPON THE CLIFF A study in perspective done by 'Arry with a 'and camera.] * * * * * ECHO'S ANSWERS _To a Cockney Inquirer who consults her concerning the inevitable Annual "Outing" and its probable issues._ _Inquirer._ What subject sets me worrying and doubting? _Echo. "Outing._" _Inquirer._ My wife suggests for family health's improving?-- _Echo. Roving._ _Inquirer._ What's the first requisite for taking pleasure? _Echo. Leisure._ _Inquirer._ The second (for a slave to matrimony)? _Echo. Money._ _Inquirer._ You say that woman of all founts of mischief-- _Echo. Is chief._ _Inquirer._ What is this close agreement of _my_ women? _Echo. Omen._ _Inquirer._ I fear for me they'll prove a deal too clever? _Echo. Ever._ _Inquirer._ What is the manner of my buxom Mary? _Echo. Airy._ _Inquirer._ And what's her goal in every hint and notion? _Echo. Ocean._ _Inquirer._ How recommends she Ramsgate, shrimpy, sandy? _Echo. 'Andy._ _Inquirer._ Whereas _I_ hold it at this season torrid?-- _Echo. 'Orrid!_ _Inquirer._ And hint, with a faint view to scare or stop her?-- _Echo. 'Opper!_ _Inquirer._ (Meaning the _Pulex_.) Answers she politely? _Echo. Lightly._ _Inquirer._ How then am I inclined to view the mater? _Echo. 'Ate her._