PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. VOL. 102. January 2, 1892. [Illustration] * * * * * [Illustration: The Duke of Devonshire.] BORN, APRIL 27TH, 1808. DIED, DECEMBER 21ST, 1891. Learned, large-hearted, liberal Lord of Land, As clear of head as generous of hand, He lived his honourable length of days, A "Duke" whom doughtiest Democrat might praise. "Leader" in truth, though not with gifts of tongue, Full many a "Friend of Man" the muse has sung Unworthier than patrician CAVENDISH. Seeing him pass who may forbear the wish, Would more were like him!--Then the proud command, "_Noblesse oblige_" e'en Mobs might understand! * * * * * AFTER DINNER--AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. SCENE--_A Private Room in a well-known Dining Hotel. Eminent Politicians discussing "shop" over their walnuts before dispersing for the Christmas holidays._ _First Eminent Politician_. I say that recent speech of yours at Skegness was a little strong. Preferring the Navy to the Army! Although the Army is of course the "Best possible Army," and all that! Eh? I say it was a little too thick! _Second Em. Pol._ (_quickly_). Not a bit of it! You don't know how well we are getting on at Pall Mall. I give you my word everything's first-rate. Department working splendidly. You can't say that at Whitehall and Somerset House? _First Em. Pol._ (_warmly_). Not say it! We do! Everything's most satisfactory. Discipline splendid. Never had such a fine Fleet. And the fireworks we had at the Royal Naval Exhibition all through the Summer! Well you ought to have seen them! [Illustration] _Second Em. Pol._ (_carelessly_). Yes, I daresay. But what have fireworks got to do with the Navy? _First Em. Pol._ Why they increased our recruiting awfully. Fellows went to the Royal Naval Exhibition and saw all sorts of good things, automatic weighing machine, a fishing-smack, and Nelson wax-works--and--and that kind of thing you know, and joined the Navy! Precious good thing for the Service, I can tell you. _Second Em. Pol._ Well, to go back to an old story--you can't defend the bullying on board _The Britannia_. _First Em. Pol._ Oh, that's all bosh. Those newspaper fellows got hold of it for the Silly Season and ran it to death, but it's the best possible place in the world. No end of good training for a fellow to command other fellows. _Second Em. Pol._ Well, they were down upon you pretty smartly. _First Em. Pol._ (_airily_). May be. But it's because they didn't know what they were writing about. How can a fellow become a good naval officer unless he has been robbed of his pocket-money, and taught how to lie for his seniors. Thing's too ridiculous! Hallo, JIMMY, they tell me things are in a dreadful mess at St. Martin's-le-Grand!