And for the rest good-tempered chaff and fun Are my pet "principles"--till fools grow rash From toleration, _then_ they feel the lash. I am a sage, and not a prig or pump, Therefore I never canvas, spout or stump, I'm Liberal--as the sunlight--of all Good, Which to Conserve I strive--that's understood, But Tory nincompoop, or rowdy Rad, The thrall of bigotry, the fool of fad I hate alike. There's the straight tip, my bloaters! Now run and vote for _Punch_--all who are voters; And if some few have not that boon indeed, Well those who cannot run at least can _read_. There! that's enough, my lads! I'm off to lunch, You, go and do your duty; plump for PUNCH!!! * * * * * [Illustration: "SED REVOCARE GRADUM." _Beauty_ (_with cool candour_). "OH YES, INDEED, I FREQUENTLY MAKE BETS; BUT I AM SO UNLUCKY!" _Sporting Youth_ (_trying to be sympathetic_). "REALLY? BUT I SUPPOSE YOU NEVER HAVE MUCH ON--THAT IS--I MEAN--" [_Collapse._] * * * * * OTHERWISE ENGAGED! (_A SENTIMENTAL FRAGMENT FROM HENLEY._) And so they sat in the boat and looked into one another's eyes, and found much to read in them. They ignored the presence of the houseboats, and scarcely remembered that there were such things as launches propelled by steam or electricity. And they turned deaf ears to the niggers, and did not want their fortunes told by dirty females of a gipsy type. "This is very pleasant," said EDWIN. "Isn't it?" replied ANGELINA; "and it's such a good place for seeing all the events." "Admirable!" and they talked of other things; and the time sped on, and the dark shadows grew, and still they talked, and talked, and talked. At length the lanterns on the river began to glow, and Henley put on its best appearance, and broke out violently into fireworks, it was then Mrs. GRUNDY spied them out. She had been on the look out for scandal all day long, but could find none. This seemed a pleasant and promising case. "So you are here?" she exclaimed. "Why, we thought you must have gone long ago! And what do you say of the meeting?" "A most perfect success," said he. "And the company?" "Could not be more charming," was her reply. "And what did you think of the racing?" Then they looked at one another and smiled. They spoke together, and observed:-- "Oh, we did not think of the racing!" And Mrs. GRUNDY was not altogether satisfied. * * * * * MEM. BY "ONE WHO MARRIED IN HASTE."--"The real 'Battle of Life' begins with a short engagement." * * * * * LADY GAY'S SELECTIONS. _The Look-out, Sheepsdoor, Kent._ DEAR MR. PUNCH,