2-889-522 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Punch and Judy at Christmas - drawn by Leech, 1850. Illustration to "Christmas Interiors", an article by the Old Batchelor. '"This 'ere's a nice party," [Mr. Punch] remarked to me confidentially, "and refreshments werry liberal; but, bless you, I've performed afore 'arf the Dooks and Markisses in England, I 'ave". His "pardner" (as the gentleman is called, who converses with Mr. Punch when that individual is not occupied in murdering his friends and disposing of the bodies of his victims, or suffering from illness or remorse) was a grave man, who appeared to treat Punch with much respect, calling him "Mr." scrupulously, or addressing him...with the addition of "Sir"...little Mary...had been solemnly taken up...to be introduced to Mr. Punch, and [offered] him a piece of cake, which he accepted with a profusion of bows over the front of his box...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.