s."--_Mrs. Grimwood on her Manipur adventures._]

Mr. PUNCH, _loquitur_:--

True, Madam, and tasteless would be the intrusion
That tactlessly took no account of the time
The praises of Britons are yours, in profusion;
The blame for a blunder, the judgment for crime,
Let Statesmen apportion; all know where the Honour
In Manipur's ill-managed business is due;
And _Punch_, whose delight is of praise to be donor,
Without hesitation awards it to _you_!

The terrible tale of that sudden disaster
Is vivid in memory, fresh on our ear;
We know how a tender-souled woman could master
The anguish of horror, the tremor of fear.
That short brave defence will long live in our story.
That long dreadful march England will not forget;
Though womanhood finds little comfort in glory,
For hearts that are aching and eyes that are wet.

Enough for to-day! When slow time has brought healing.
The tale of those hours by your lips may be told.
But proud admiration will scarce brook concealing,
And _Punch_ to express it is courteously bold.
He speaks for all England. For womanly valour
We men have not shaped the right guerdon,--our loss!
A brave woman's heart flushing red o'er fear's pallor,
Deserves--what _Punch_ gives--the Victoria Cross!

* * * * *

"Their acquaintance," observed Counsel, in a recent Breach of Promise
Case, "began in a 'bus." This may have been an error of expression, or
a misprint, as "began _with_ a buss" would have been more likely.

* * * * *

ANOTHER JUBILEE!--The Jubilee of the COOK Tourist System will be
celebrated July 22nd by a Banquet at the Metropole. The dinner ought
to be A 1 with such a COOK.

* * * * *

SUMMERY MUMMERY.

I do not know how long the Summer Season at TERRY's, now being carried
on by Mr. GEORGE EDWARDES, is to last, but with a little dexterous
management there is no reason why this excellent form of entertainment
should not go on all the year round. At 8 there is _The Lancashire
Sailor_, by BRANDON THOMAS, which I didn't see; but have heard a
first-rate report of it from those who have, and who "know." It might
occasionally change places with _A Commission_. However, this is but
a suggestion, as both the pieces I saw the other night will bear a
second visit.

_A Commission_ is a short one-act piece, with a sufficientl