When erst the Whigs were in, and I was out,
I knew exactly what to be about;
Then all I had to do, through thick and thin,
Was but to get them out, and Bobby in.

And now that I am in, and they are out,
The only thing that I can be about
Is to do nothing; but, through thick and thin,
Contrive to keep them out, and Bobby in.

* * * * *

SONGS FOR THE SEEDY.--No. 3.

Oh! think not all who call thee fair
Are in their honied words sincere;
And if they offer jewels rare,
Lend not too readily thine ear.
The humble ring I lately gave
May be despised by thee--well, let it;
But Mary, when I'm in my grave,
Think that I pawn'd my watch to get it.

Others may talk of feasts of love,
And banqueting upon thy charms;
But did not I devotion prove,
Last Sunday, at the Stanhope Arms?
My rival order'd tea for four,
The waiter at his bidding laid it;
He generously _ran_ the score,
But, Mary, I did more,--_I paid it_.

I know he's dashing, bold, and free,
A front of Jove, an eye of fire;
But should he say he loves like me,
I'd, like Apollo, _strike the lyre_.
He says, he at your feet will throw
His all; and, if his vows are steady,
He cannot equal me--for, oh!
I've given you all I had, already.

Mary, I had a second suit
Of clothes, of which the coat was braided;
Mary, they went to buy that flute
With which I thee have serenaded.
Mary, I had a beaver hat,
Than this I wear a great deal better;
Mary, I've parted too with that,
For pens, ink, paper--for this letter.

* * * * *

PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE.

Dear PUNCH,--Will you inform me whether the review of the troops noticed
in last Saturday's _Times_, is to be found in the "Edinborough,"
"Westminster," or "Quarterly."

Yours, in all mayoralties,
PETER LAURIE.

P.S.--What do they mean by

[Illustration: SALUTING A FLAG?]

* * * * *

"GO ALONG, BOB."

Sir Bobby Peel, who, before he got into harness, professed himself able to
draw the Government truck "like bricks," has changed his note since he has
been put to the trial, and he is now bawling lustily--"Don't hurry me,
please--give me a little time." Wakley, seeing the pitiable condition of
the unfortunate animal, volunteered his services to push behind, and the
Chartist and Tory may now be seen