THE MANIKIN.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1775, 10 September 1874, Page 2

THE MANIKIN.

" Quantum Mutatus ab illo."

_ Sad the note that issues from the Manikin's throat this morn as that of the mournful raven ; sad to the healthy mind, because it can recognise in the graveyard description of jokes to which he lias given birth the fact that he is drooping ; and like all misguided creatures (God forgive them), he has attempted to justify his conduct in the eyes of the great judge constituted by the people, as he approaches his latter end. He talks of truth, and penitentially pleads that fabrications have been woven with regard to him by the Star in a general way, and myself in particular. .Before departing he would like to gain a confidence which he never had, and which, it is to be hoped, such impudent impostors will never have. He scorns the soft impeachment about the £10 ; and in that he surely shows himself to be a most extraordinary and prodigious prevaricator of the truth, for that he did receive a stipend such as that—considerably larger than what he received for the roll business —is most true. The only wonder which I feel about the matter is that Mr. William Eowe and the rest could have been such (strong nouns) as to be "had" in that most egregious manner. But they were had, nevertheless; at least they haven't denied it; and I give a certain amount of credit to the Manikin in consequence. But it is not my intention to bo severe upon the erstwhile bully of "the leading morning journal." I say erstwhile, because he is understood to have incurred the displeasure of the Horton one or more occasions, and that he scribbles on suffrance, as it were. No; I profess to feeling an unbounded pity for the man who, by his own unworthy ' actions, and little-minded abuse, has made himself an alien and an outcast from the society of the respectable ; and is recognised only by afew of those whom he may still look upon as "the chosen." I simply wish figuratively to inter the little fellow, as decently as may be, for by others ho has been cast off, and goes down to his miserable tomb, unwept, unhonored and unsung. Therefore I, the "cur dog Puck," his direst foe—and canine breeder of his woe —have determined to act the part of a good Samaritan. Having bethought me. of a suitable epitaph to the Manikin, I will erect it to his memory. Thus:IST MEMOEIAM. Hero lies our good Manikin, whose talent was such, That I scarcely can blame it or praise ifc too much ; For his conceit and impertinence I would e'er raiso The voice of a critic in unbounded praise. Of his wit and his wisdom—well, now he is dead, Let us pass o'er the faults of his poor little head 5 At Vanity's shrine lefc us gire up a prayer, Since his faults in humani'y are not at all rare. To those who would judge harshly of the Manikin, I would say, too peace be stiU, and think of the misery of his dying moments. Puck.