Mr. Punch's Puzzles: The Riddle of the Week

I'd like to introduce a new weekly feature--Mr. Punch's Puzzles--wherein, each Friday, Mr. Punch, with my help, presents a true Victorian riddle.  The first person to answer correctly--by posting in the comments--will receive public congratulations.  Be on the look-out!  Sometimes--not today, because, frankly, I don't feel like it--the winner will receive a fabulous prize from our online store.

So, here's this week's riddle.  And, for the love of Punch, don't Google the answer.  That's not cool, and most of all, it's very un-Victorian.  Must be sporting, Chums, what.

Overall, what are gentlemen's opinions of bloomers?

UPDATE:


The answer...


They are divided.




Come back next Friday for another of Mr. Punch's Puzzles.  Thanks to everyone who answered.  I hope you had fun.

And, remember Mr. Punch wants you to never forget that, "That's the way to do it!"  A good way to recall that is with one of our exclusive Mr. Punch products, available only in our online store.  

Antique Image of the Day: The Family Punch, 19th C.

Embossed Chromolithograph
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This beautiful embossed chromolithograph depicts Mr. Punch, his wife, Judy, and his dog, Toby.  This was originally a picture sheet which was meant to be preserved in an album.  Here, it has been mounted on a thick sheet of pink paper. 

This image differs from the many other depictions of Mr. Punch in the George Speaight Collection at the V&A.  Here, Mr. Punch is wearing a multi-colored suit as opposed to his usual crimson outfit.  Clearly, the artist has been inspired by the sorts of costumes worn by Italian Commedia dell’Arte performers.  

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 477

Zettie smiled at Mrs. Cage who slowly opened her eyes.  Removing the damp cloth from Mrs. Cage’s head, Zettie said gently.  “Your fever done broke, Mrs. Cage.  It’s a miracle.  The doctor done said so.”

“Miracle?”  Mrs. Cage whispered.  “That’s a word that’s never been used to describe me before.”

“Ain’t just no one gonna beat the Yellow Jack.  I ‘spect the angel’s is on your side.”  Zettie nodded.  “Doc said you must be one strong lady.”

“I’m not.”  Mrs. Cage responded.

“Sure you is.”  Zettie continued.  “But, you’re modest.  That’s what a gentle lady should be.  Now, you just rest.”

Mrs. Cage nodded slowly.

“Go on, close your eyes.”  Zettie said firmly.  “You may not be feverish, but you still weak.”

“Zettie, thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

“Ain’t nothin’.”  Zettie smiled sweetly.  “It’s my pleasure to take care of ya.”

“And, what of Mr. Cage?  Is it a pleasure to look after him?”

“Well, ma’am.  Ain’t my place for to take care of Mr. Cage.  That’s Odo’s lot.”

“How is my husband?”

“Odo’s with him now.  Just got back.”

“From where?”  Mrs. Cage asked.

“Don’t rightly know.”  Zettie said.  “It ain’t nothin’ for you to fret ‘bout.”

“Is he very angry—Mr. Cage?”

“Angry?”

“Well, it’s not usually considered good form for a woman to shoot her husband.”

“Aw, he’s knows you didn’t mean nothin’.”  Zettie answered.  “You was all ate up with the fever.  Ain’t nobody gonna blame ya for what ya done.”

Mrs. Cage chuckled sadly.  “How’s my boy?”

“Master Orman’s been up and about today.”

“Causing trouble?”

“No more than usual.”  Zettie looked away.  “Poor boy.  He’s just spirited.  Pity he ain’t got a brother for to play with no more.”

“Yes.”  Mrs. Cage sighed.  “You know that that baby is better off with the Duke.”

“I know that jus’ fine, Missus.  I don’t think Mr. Cage feels the same.”

“No, he doesn’t.”  Mrs. Cage said.

“Don’t you worry none.”  Zettie patted Mrs. Cage’s hand.  “You done the right thing.”

“Thank you, Zettie.”

“Ain’t nothin’.”  Zettie smiled.  “You rest.  I’ll be back in a spell.”

Zettie left the room and as she did, she walked past Mr. Cage’s door just in time to see Odo exiting.

“You leavin’ already?”  Zettie snapped at Ty Odo.

“Done my bit.”  Odo nodded.

“Sure you done.”  Zettie scowled.

“You hush.  I got  ‘portant business for to do for the master.”

“Like what?”  Zettie growled.

“I’m goin’ to get his baby for him.”  Odo winked.

Did you miss Chapters 1-476?  If so, you can read them here.  

Print of the Day: The Langlumé Pick-pocket Punch, 19th C.

Lithograph, hand-colored
Nineteenth Century
French
The George Speaight Archive
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This print depicts a sadly common scene of a man being pick-pocketed while watching a Punch and Judy show.  Hand colored with watercolor, the print was published in Paris by Nöel et Dauty in the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century.  The lithographer is listed as J. Langlumé.

Object of the Day: "Our Boy,"A Trade Card for Scott's Emulsion

 Unfortunately in every household some of the little ones are the victims of a wasting disorder.  For some reason, their food fails to nourish them and they finally fade and die. 

Printed by Alfred Knapf in the late Nineteenth Century, this Victoria Trade Card advertises Scott’s Emulsion, a medicinal elixir (cod liver oil) which was produced by New York-based Scott and Bowne.  The card depicts a healthy, rosy-cheeked lad who is labeled “Our Boy” and is stamped with the name of a supplier of the emulsion, “A.K. Henderson,”  a druggist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The story of this blue-eyed lad is printed on the reverse.  I’ve copied it exactly as it is printed, odd caps and all.  It reads:

OUR BOY,

 

Whose picture appears on the other side of this card, is  a perfect type of health and beauty.  It is a delight to look upon such a beautiful picture; but how sad to behold the suffering of a mother when her darling is smitten with disease and his rounded, dimpled cheeks become pale and wan, and the bright eyes lusterless, and she sees day by day her little one wasting away.  Unfortunately in every household some of the little ones are the victims of a wasting disorder.  For some reason, their food fails to nourish them and they finally fade and die.  We are glad that we have a food and remedy of unequaled potency in all conditions of wasting, of whatever character, in children as well as in adults.  SCOTT’S EMULSION OF COD LIVER OIL WITH THE HYPOPHOSPHITES OF LIME AND SODA is really a marvelous remedy in producing flesh and strength.  It is surprising how quickly it checks the waste and decline in flesh.  It is so prepared that the most sickly child can digest and assimilate it readily, even when the stomac will not tolerate ordinary food.  In addition to its great flesh-producing and strengthening powers, IT IS THE BEST REMEDY IN EXISTENCE for Consumption, Scrofula, Colds and Chronic Coughs, Anemia and General Debility.  It heals the irritation of the lungs and throat, cures the cough and gives strength in a manner surprising both to physician and patient.  For ordinary Colds and Coughs no specific or cough remedy equals it.  It not only cures the cold at once, but builds up and strengthens the system.  IT IS ALMST AS PALATABLE AS MILK.  Do not fail to try this invaluable remedy for any condition of wasting, either in children or adults.

 

Sold by All Druggists.                           SCOTT & BOWNE, New York

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: Appetites

"This isn't going to end well."

Image:  Courtship, Henry Singleton, born 1766 - died 1839, The Victoria and Albert Museum.

Admit it, you can't resist the Bertie Dog.  If you want to see Bertie's adorable face every day, you can always visit our online store where you'll find our exclusive "Gratuitous Bertie Dog" designs and Bertie as Mr. Punch's Dog Toby.  These images are available on a wide range of products.  Take a look!

Mastery of Design: A Colored Gold Fan Brooch, 1880

Brooch of Colored Gold
England, 1880
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This colored gold brooch takes the form of a Japanese fan.  It was made in Britain around 1880 by an unknown jeweler.  At this time, Asian themes were at the height of their fashion and such little jewels would have been highly sought-after as casual accessories.