My selection for the Chesterfield Stakes, _Meddler_, was successful after a short struggle with the Duke of PORTLAND's _Kilmarnock_ to whom he had to give five pounds (I hope this does not mean that the noble owner is in want of money!); but I am told the latter was not "fit" and "will do better with time!" though I don't quite see how that can be, as surely "time" travels faster than _Meddler_, so that, unless they take time with him, the handicap will be difficult to frame! By the way, when the handicaps _are_ framed, where do they hang them up? and is it one of the "perks" of the Handicapper to supply the frames? Those who waited in the rain for the last race on Wednesday were rewarded with a splendid exhibition of horsemanship, given by WEBB on _St. Angelo_; who appears to be somewhat of a "handful" (_St. Angelo_ I mean, not WEBB, who is very slight), and evinces a strong desire to run in any direction but the one desired of him! I think Mr. MILNER should have him trained on a zigzag method, when his natural wilfulness would cause him to run straight when racing! This is an excellent idea, and I have others equally good (applicable to all styles of horses), which I intend to suggest to different trainers on my next visit to Newmarket! We were all relieved when the "curtain rang down" on Thursday--(this is not, at first sight, a racing expression, but is largely used by sporting writers, as demonstrating the diversified nature of their knowledge!), in time for us to catch the early special for Liverpool Street; which, special, might really, from the major portion of its patrons, have been thought to be starting for Jerusalem! Friday was a glorious day for the Eclipse, which was only visible from the Observatory at Esher--the best account appears to have been given by Professor _Orme_, who recovered from his recent severe illness just in time to be present. Just a word in conclusion on the big race of next week--a paradox--be "wide awake" and go "nap" on my tip, from information privately given to Yours devotedly, LADY GAY. LIVERPOOL CUP SELECTION. Some owners win, although their gee In temper be a "villen;" As that is not the sort for me, I favour "_Enniskillen_." * * * * * [Illustration: EN PASSANT. _He_. "THAT'S THAT ASS, BOUNDERSON, ISN'T IT? HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DROWNED AS A _PUPPY_!" _She_. "THERE'S TIME ENOUGH _YET_, ISN'T THERE?"] * * * * * THE POLITICAL JOHNNY GILPIN. THE FINISH. (_Further-discovered Fragments of the Grand Old Ballad, giving the Sequel of the strange story begun in "Punch," No. 2660, July 2, p. 318._) * * * * * So fair and softly! JOHNNY cried, But JOHNNY cried in vain; That trot became a gallop soon, In spite of curb and rein. So, stooping down, as needs he must Who cannot sit upright, He grasped the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might.