_Ethel_. "OH!" (_After thoughtfully considering the matter with regard to her Governess_.) "THEN MAY I SAY I'M NOT AT HOME WHEN MISS KRUX CALLS TO-MORROW? FOR _SHE_ BORES _ME_ AWFULLY?"] * * * * * "ENGLAND, HOME, AND BEAUTY!" ["I am quite proud to think that my son marries one who was born in this country, has been educated in this country, and has the feelings of an Englishwoman."--_H.R.H. the Prince of Wales at the Civil Service Dinner_.] The Prince's word will strike a chord Of sympathy and pleasure In English hearts. Not from abroad Young CLARENCE brought his treasure. He finds his MAY in British mead; 'Tis _Punch's_ pleasant duty The old chorus once again to lead, "For England, Home, and Beauty!" England!--the fair betrothed was born Within the seas that bind us; Home!--not from far court-precincts torn, This Princess comes to find us. Beauty!--well, look upon that face, Whilst PUNCHIUS Cupid hovers, With crowning wreath and genial grace, Above the Royal lovers. Fair home-grown flower, bright English MAY, Whose promise cheers December, And who will make "wild March" so gay; _Punch_ can right well remember. Betrothals many, bridals too, Your lover's sire's among them, And with a loyalty frank yet true Has generally sung them. And so for you he bath a stave, Latest of the bright bevy. On gentle hearts and spirits brave The toll of love you'll levy. We trust that fortune may prove fair, And life's long pathway rosy, And love attend the Royal pair, The young "_Promessi Sposi._" An English bridal it will be When March brings round the spring time, And English hearts will hail with glee The coming of the ring-time. _Punch_--like his Prince--is "proud to think" It then will be his duty, Once more the fine old toast to drink-- "For England, Home, and Beauty!" * * * * * TWOPENCE PLAIN.--A PENNY COLOURED. MR. PUNCH, HONOURED SIR, I have just received a copy of _The Almanack_, which, if I may say so, is worthy of the approach to the close of "the so-called Nineteenth Century." Not to go further into particulars, I should say that "A Doll's Diary" will be hard to beat in contemporary Christmas literature.