Our present Drama represents an attempt to illustrate upon the Music-hall stage the eternal truth that race _will_ tell in the long run, despite--but, on second thoughts, it does not _quite_ prove that, though it certainly shows the unerring accuracy of parental--at least, that is not exactly its tendency, either; and the fact is that _Mr. Punch_ is more than a little mixed himself as to the precise theory which it is designed to enforce. He hopes, however, that, as a realistic study of Patrician life and manners, it will possess charms for a democratic audience. COMING OF AGE. _A GRAND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL COMEDY-DRAMA IN ONE ACT._ DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. _The Earl of Burntalmond._ _The Countess of Burntalmond (his wife)._ _Robert Henry Viscount Bullsaye (their son and heir)._ _The Lady Rose Caramel (niece to the Earl)._ _Horehound_ } Travelling as “The Celebrated Combination _Mrs. Horehound_ } Korffdropp Troupe,” in their refined and _Coltsfoot Horehound_ } elegant Drawing-room Entertainment. _Tenantry._ SCENE--_The Great Quadrangle of Hardbake Castle; banners, mottoes, decorations, &c. On the steps_, R., _the Earl,_ supported by his wife, son, and niece, is discovered in the act of concluding a speech to six tenantry, who display all the enthusiasm that is reasonably to be expected at nine-pence a night. _The Earl_ (_patting_ Lord BULLSAYE’S _shoulder_). I might say more, Gentlemen, in praise of my dear son, Lord Bullsaye, here--I might dwell on his extreme sweetness, his strongly marked character, the variety of his tastes, and the singular attraction he has for children of all ages--but I forbear. I will merely announce that on this day--the day he has selected for attaining his majority--he has gratified us all by plighting troth to his cousin, the Lady Rose Caramel, with whose dulcet and clinging disposition he has always possessed the greatest natural affinity. [_Cheers._ _Lord Bullsaye_ (_aside to_ Lady R.). Ah, Rose, would such happiness could last! But my heart misgives me strangely--why, I know not. _Lady R._ Say not so, dear Bullsaye--have you not just rendered me the happiest little Patrician in the whole peerage? _Lord B._ ’Tis true--and yet, and yet--pooh, let me snatch the present hour! [_Snatches it._ _The Earl._ And now, let the Revels commence. _Enter the_ Korffdropp Troupe, _who give their marvellous Entertainment, entitled, “The Three Surprise Packets;” after which_-- _Horehound._ This will conclude the first portion of our Entertainment, Lords, Ladies, _and_ Gentlemen; and, while my wife and pardner retires to change her costoom for the Second Part, I should be glad of the hoppertoonity of a short pussonal hexplanation with the noble Herl on my right. [_Exit_ Mrs. HOREHOUND. _The Earl_ (_graciously_). I will hear you, fellow! (_Aside._) Strange how familiar his features seem to me!