Well, 'tis over! At truth no use blinking! Face that passage again? Oh! I daren't! Through the first half I feared we were sinking,-- Through the second I feared that we weren't! Though gin, chloral, stout, brandy, and "bitter," I tried all in turns, but to find them no go, Still, in voice for a hospital fitter, I gave them a plaintive, "Yeho! boys! Yeho!" For the steward had carried me gently below! That's the best place, you'll find, Should you make up your mind, To shout in Mid-Channel, "Ho! Yeho, boys! Yeho!"
"Bravo!" cried _Mr. Punch_, as the singer finished--"I quite agree with you. But now let me see what else is to be seen on the sands."
It was a gay scene--all the gayer for the delightful weather. _Mr. Punch_, knowing that his wishes must immediately be gratified, had taken care to desire _beau temps en permanence_.
"This is really very charming," murmured the Sage; "and I am not surprised that one of the brightest of my Artists chose it for his holiday resting-place last Summer--and, as I live, there he is! Halloa! Hi! Have you forgotten your old friend?"
"Forgotten you, my dear _Mr. Punch!_" said a gentleman of extreme elegance, approaching the Sage. "How could you think of such a thing? Why, you have had proofs of my goodwill every week for the last quarter of a century."
"So I have," returned _Mr. Punch_, heartily, "and have you anything from your portfolio you can show me?"
"What do you think of this?" And he showed him two Gauls, _en costume de bain_.
"I will tell you," replied the melancholy-looking tourist, approaching with his concertina. Then, in a soft voice, he sang the following lines, which he called
Amid the throng that crowds the shore I casually met them, And, though I never see them more, I never shall forget them! Dear Sons of Gaul! The one so sleek And plump, with sea-foam dripping: The other! Ah! so limp and weak, Scarce equal to a dipping. But, as they stand together there, Half conscious none can match them, A sight for the admiring fair!-- I seek a phrase to catch them. And, as one lights his cigarette, Ho! _presto!_ In completeness I feel at last that I have met With living "Light and Sweetness"!
"Just so," observed _Mr. Punch_. "But I must be off."