Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, CompleteVarious
General
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, Complete
Various
English wit and humor -- Periodicals
The play is got up, as we managers call it, capitally. The dresses are
superb, and so are the properties. The scenery exhibited views of
different parts of the city, and was, so far as I am a judge, well
painted. I have only one objection to the balcony scene. Plagiarism is
mean and contemptibleI despise it. I will not apply to the Vice-
Chancellor for an injunction, because the imitation is so vilely
caricatured; but the balcony itself is the very counterpart of PUNCHS
theatre!PUNCH.
MY FRIEND THE CAPTAIN. When a new farce begins with duck and green peas,
it promises well; the sympathies of the audience are secured, especially
as the curtain rises but a short time before every sober play-goer is
ready for his supper. Mr. Gabriel Snoxall is seated before the
comsstibles above mentionedhe is just established in a new lodging. It
is snugthe furniture is neatbeing his own property, for he is an
unfurnished lodger. A bachelor so situated must be a happy fellow. Mr.
Snoxall is happya smile radiates his facehe takes wine with himself;
but has scarcely tapped the decanter for his first glass, before he
hears a tap at his door. The hospitable Come in! is answered by the
appearance of Mr. Dunne Brown, a captain by courtesy, and Snoxalls
neighbour by misfortune. Here business begins.
The ancient natural historian has divided the genus homo into the two
grand divisions of victimiser and victim. Behold one of each class
before youthe yeast and sweat-wort, as it were, which brew the plot!
Brown invites himself to dinner, and does the invitation ample justice;
for he finds the peas as green as the host; who he determines shall be
done no less brown than the duck. He possesses two valuable
qualifications in a diner-outan excellent appetite, and a habit of
eating fast, consequently the meal is soon over. Mr. Browns own tiger
clears away, by the ingenious method of eating up what is left. Mr.
Snoxall is angry, for he is hungry; but, good easy man, allows himself
to be mollified to a degree of softness that allows Mr. Brown to borrow,
not only his tables and chairs, but his coat, hat, and watch; just, too,
in the very nick of time, for the bailiffs are announced. What is the
hunted creditor to do? Exit by the window to be sure.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account