that none but themselves can write a
pantomime, and modestly entitled the one they _did_ write '_Punch's_
Pantomime' ... which they laboured so lustily, but so vainly, to puff
into notoriety." It was written in 1842, by Lemon, Jerrold, and Henry
Mayhew; but when it was read by the first-named to the Covent Garden
Company, by whom it was produced, it was found to contain a great deal
of wit, but very little fun. It was extensively amended in response to
the representations of the pantomimists, and W. H. Payne managed to make
a good deal of his part. The wit, however, militated greatly against the
"go" and success of the piece, the prestige of its writers did not help
it, and the experiment of a "_Punch's_ Pantomime" was accordingly not
repeated.

The cordial sympathy that has bound together so many of _Punch's_ Staff
in life has more than once taken the form of kindly charity in death or
misfortune. To the performance given on behalf of the unhappy Angus
Reach reference is made where the man and his work are considered. For
Leigh Hunt--although he was not of the band--a theatrical performance
was also given, and realised a large sum, and the benefit in aid of
Charles H. Bennett's widow and children was even more successful. That
interesting event is described later; but for the sake of history it may
be well to reproduce the programme here:--

AMATEUR PERFORMANCE AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, MANCHESTER,

(kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by John Knowles,
Esq.,)

MONDAY EVENING, JULY 29, 1867.

To commence with an entirely new and original Triumviretta, in one
act and ten tableaux (being a lyrical version of Mr. Maddison
Morton's celebrated farce of "Box and Cox"), by Mr. F. C. BURNAND,
entitled--

COX AND BOX;
OR, THE LONG-LOST BROTHERS.

The Lodging, including the Little Second-floor Back Room, has been
furnished with

ORIGINAL MUSIC by Mr. ARTHUR SULLIVAN.

John Cox, a Journeyman Hatter Mr. QUINTIN
James Box, a Journeyman Printer Mr. G. DU MAURIER.

Bouncer, late of the Hampshire Yeomanry,
with military reminiscences Mr. ARTHUR BLUNT.

Scene--An elegantly furnished apartment in Bouncer's Mansion.

[Illustration: FOR CHARLES H. BENNETT'S BENEFIT. (See p. 132)

MR. ARTHUR LEWIS MR. TWISS SIR JOHN TENNIEL R. T. PRITCHETT
SHIRLEY BROOKS MARK LEMON ARTHUR CECIL (BLUNT) HENRY