n the grip of this emanence deadly:

How I would curse if I could, but not RABELAIS even I reckon Language
could find, or a voice if he wished for the sulphurous medley.

Blest if I know who you are, wicked giant, colossal above me, Pluto
perchance or, that fell spirit-ferryman, Charon uprising!

Blest if I know if survives in this demon-land anything of me,
Blest!--It's a lamp-post, by George--a reality somewhat surprising!

London, how long shall thy sons rue this Angel of Death with his
grim bow, Suffer this nightmare to last by its pestilence mangled and
throttled?

Would magic Science could scare the black vista to luridest Limbo,
Would that fresh breezes were tinned and the sunshine of Italy
bottled!!

* * * * *

[Illustration: MISS TWELFTHNIGHT AND HER CHARACTERS FOR 1892.]

* * * * *

THEFT _V._ THRIFT.

["The Economic Man, whose sole motive was selfishness, was
created by ADAM SMITH."--_Daily News_.]

A century's gone, and still wiseacres plan
A future for the Economic Man;
But one fatality strikes us as comical,--
That--up to now--he is not _economical_!
The soulless thing whose motor sole is Self,
Squanders, as well as snatches, sordid pelf.
Perhaps if he could use as well as steal,
The common wealth might prove the common weal.

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S NEW-YEAR HONOURS, GIFTS, GOOD WISHES, AND GREETINGS.

(_CONFERRED BY HIM, WITHOUT_ "_OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION_.")

_To Her Most Gracious Majesty_.--The Queendom of his heart.

_To the Duke of Clarence, and the Princess May_.--A Bridal Quick
March.

_To Prince George of Wales_.--A Clean Bill of Health.

_To Prince Christian_.--"Eyes right!"

_To Mr. Gladstone_.--Freedom _from_ the City, its fogs, and politics.

_To the Duke of Devonshire_.--A Peerage, and the right successor in
Rossendale.

_To Mr. Chamberlain_.--His Cartoon for the week.

_To Mr. Balfour_.--An Irish "Order."

_To Lord Randolph Churchill_.--"Something new _out of_ Africa."

_To the Peerage_.--General Sir FREDERICK ROBERTS. (The greatest
"honour" of the lot, by Jove!)

_To Henry Irving_.--"A Health to the King" (HARRY THE EIGHTH), and any
number of Nights' (run).

_To Johnny Toole_.--Rapid recovery, and "another kind love" from
_Toole-le-Monde_!

_To Mr. Punch's Young Men_.--Privy Councillorships (to the Public) all
round.

_To Everybody_.--A Ha