3-011-689 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Light of Other Days" - from a painting by J. T. Lucas, 1864. 'Old Watchman, thou who watchest not, We smile on thy non-vigil now: Sleep on, nor dream, thou slumbrous sot, That roystering Bucks prepare a row. Clutch not in thought the Dandy's fee, Nor seek to stop the fiery Blood, Nor wake to find thy Box and thee Down in the London kennel's mud...Of many a boon we Britons owe To one whom all good Britons praise, 'Tis not the least that at a blow He quenched the Light of Other Days. A better guardian fills your place, We're glad to know you 've passed away: But keep a copy of your face To help our mirth on Christmas Day. S. B.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.