Here my breath quite failed
In that prodigious cuddle.
'Twas but a dream--How was it sleep prevailed
My meaning so to muddle?

"_J'embrasse la Russie!_" It was neatly phrased
As MOHRENHEIM admitted,
A President, in doggerel stanzas praised,
Must be so ready-witted,
Yet mild Republican and Autocrat,
Hugging in friendly seeming,
Suggest that _Someone_ may be cuddled _flat_--
At least in restless dreaming.

[Footnote 2: See Cut so named, p. 279, Vol. 93, Dec. 17, 1887.]

* * * * *

FROM THE VALE OF LLANGOLFLYN.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I have just seen your Number with the Song of "The
Golf Enthusiast." It occurs to me that no one has ever mentioned the
fact that the Romans knew the game, for does not VIRGIL sing, "_Tee
veniente die--Tee decedente canebat?_" I have not the book, and
therefore can't give you the reference--but I know I am right, as I am

A WELSH GOLFER.

* * * * *

[Illustration: "PUTTING ON THE HUG!"

M. LE PRESIDENT (_breathlessly_). "J'EM--BRASSE--LA RUSSIE!!"

("An interesting incident occurred during the official
reception held by M. CARNOT at the Mairie. A child dressed in
the Russian national costume presented the President with
a bouquet, at the same time reciting a brief complimentary
speech. M. CARNOT smilingly embraced the child, saying, 'I
embrace Russia.'"--_Quoted from Daily Papers_.)]

* * * * *

WHY YOUNG MEN DON'T MARRY.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--The reason is obvious. It is entirely owing to your
advice to those about to marry--Don't! I myself have been on the brink
of proposing to several thousand delightful girls, a large per centage
of which, I am convinced, would have gladly accepted me. I have in
every case been restrained by the recollection of your advice.--Your
obedient and obliged Servant,

HUGH ADOLPHUS LATCH-KEY.

_Sept_. 5, 1892.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--The reason (which I confide to your ear, and yours
alone) is obvious--the girls don't, and apparently _won't_ propose.
Of course they ought--what else do we have Leap Year for? Take my own
case. I am genuinely in love with ETHEL TRINKERTON, who has just been
staying with us in the country for three weeks. She has paid me every
kind of attention. In our neighbourhood, if A. carries B.'s umbrella,
where A. and B. are of opposite sexes, it is regarded as an informal,
though perf