The Editor's Ante-Chamber. Several of the Ministers waiting to see him; some with glittering stars, blue ribbons, &c. A door opens (centre), and an eminent Stockjobber is kicked into the middle of the scene, and falls--a huge bag of sovereigns in each hand. Bags burst, and the gold strews the stage. "_I offered £500,000 for leave to put in one article._" Proud tribute to the British Press. Porters sweep up the gold, and throw it out at window, and the Stockjobber after it. Enter LORD ASTERISK dragging the beautiful lady. "_Ha! you here, my lords! But 'tis well. She appealed to the "Times" and I have brought her hither._" Lady on her knees--back hair down. "_I am innocent--indeed I am innocent._" "_I am not to be juped, Madam._" "_I swear it._" "_I believe you not. Your adorers, in disguise, have been staining the pure streets of our proud Metropolis with ruffianism. But in vain, Madam._" "_In vain! Wretched me!_" "_Now by all that is sulphureous_"--(he draws the sword usually worn by the British aristocrat)--"HOLD!!!" Awful appearance of the EDITOR. "_Mistaken nobleman! She came but to save her_ BROTHER, LORD NAMBY MACPAMBY. _He has spoken in the House to-night, and knowing what a dreadful fool he is, she wished his speech suppressed, that_ your brother-in-law's _idiotcy might not be published all over the world_." "_Her brother! And those Guardsmen!_" "_Her cousins._" "_Ow! ow! ow! Can you forgive me_, CORONETTINA?" "_Am I not your wife, dearest?_" The EDITOR, moved, tears up LORD NAMBY MACPAMBY'S speech. "_One husk will not be missed amid so much chaff._" * * * * * AFFECTING DENOUEMENT! [Illustration: "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"] * * * * * LESSON FOR INNOCENT CABMEN. Sing a song of Sixpence, "A pocket-full!" says I. Four-and-twenty farthings? That's all my eye! But my eye was opened-- A summons he did seek; And wasn't that a pretty case To bring before the Beak? The Beak was on his judgment-seat A fining swell coves money; And _Punch_ was perch'd 'longside him, Grinning precious funny. FITZROY had, in the Commons, Been pickling us a rod; And off went the prison van, And took me to Quod! * * * * * THE ROAD IN 1853. The days of the Highwaymen are over: but that need not be lamented by the admirers of the robbers of the good old times. The Highwaymen have been succeeded by the Railwayman. * * * * * THE FÊTALIST. The First Emperor left behind him a "NAPOLEON Book of Fate." The Second Emperor promises to enrich the history of France with a "NAPOLEON Book of Fêtes." * * * * * TOO MUCH AND TOO LITTLE.--The man who believes too little may be safer than the man who believes too much; but it is a question if, through life, he knows half as much pleasure. * * * * *