The notices in _Punch_ begin early in 1867 when, in an illustrated chronicle of the previous month, one of the entries reads, "Sir Roger Tichborne arrived from Australia, after many years absence, and was at once recognized as 'the rightful heir.'" The crescendo of excitement and interest went on for nearly four years before the case came into court. The first action opened on May 11, 1871, and two months later _Punch_ bore witness to its devastating influence on social life:-- GROANS OF THE PERIOD _Vox Clamantis in Deserto:_ "_Tichborne--Orton--quid refert, O!_" Who, this side the Channel Ditch born, Can escape the talk of Tichborne? What would I not give in payment, To hear no more of "the Claimant"! Sure as Death to poor or rich born, Comes the inevitable Tichborne, Till with cursing, like a raiment, One is fain to clothe "the Claimant." To what realm, by wind or witch borne, Can I flee from talk of Tichborne? Was life to July from May meant, To be given up to "the Claimant"? Patient I've seen ache and stitch borne, But what's that to talk of Tichborne? O, ye Doctors, make essayment Of some cure for chatt'ring Claimant, Worse to kill than grass called twitch born, The still springing talk of Tichborne. All ask what his little game meant: All are pro or con "the Claimant." * * * * * Unto boredom's highest niche borne, There enshrine the name of Tichborne; Crest: two tongues, approuvant, blamant-- Motto: "Rogerne an Arthur Claimant?" [Sidenote: "_Poor, Persecuted Sir Roger_"] When, after 102 days' hearing, the jury declined to hear any further evidence on March 5, 1872, _Punch_ joyfully recorded "the collapse of an audacious attempt at robbery, supported by one of the most cruel and dastardly slanders ever devised by rogues in council," and rejoiced in the thought that the folks who lent money in aid of the scheme (by investing in Tichborne bonds) had lost it all. The same number contains a cartoon bearing the inscription, "The Monster Slain," showing _Punch_ saluting Sir John Coleridge, who is standing, armed with the Sword of British Justice, on the prostrate form of the Claimant disguised as a dragon. To the dragon _Punch_ gave the name of "The Waggawock"--a "portmanteau-word" compounded of Wagga-Wagga (where the claimant had lived in Australia) and Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwock," and proceeded to dress that prophetic and mystical poem in plain English. [Illustration: ONE OF THE "SYMPATHIZERS" JEAMES: "I'm afraid, me Lady, I'll require to leave you." LADY: "Why?" JEAMES: "Well, me Lady, I can't agree with Master's suckasms against that poor, persecuted Sir Roger."]