"SIR ROBERT PEEL thinks a great deal of himself," says the _British
Critic_. "Yes," asserts PUNCH, "he is just the man to trouble himself
about trifles."

* * * * *


[Illustration]

ROEBUCK DEFYING THE "THUNDERER."


Roebuck was seated in his great arm chair,
Looking as senatorial and wise
As a calf's head, when taken in surprise;
A half-munch'd muffin did his fingers bear--
An empty egg-shell proved his meal nigh o'er.
When, lo! there came a tapping at the door:
"Come in!" he cried,
And in another minute by his side
Stood John the footboy, with the morning paper,
Wet from the press. O'er Roebuck's cheek
There passed a momentary gleam of joy,
Which spoke, as plainly as a smile could speak,
"Your master's speech is in that paper, boy."
He waved his hand--the footboy left the room--
Roebuck pour'd out a cup of Hyson bloom;
And, having sipp'd the tea and sniff'd the vapour,
Spread out the "Thunderer" before his eyes--
When, to his great surprise,