Biography for Beginners

THE DUKE OF FIFE K.T., P.C., G.C.V.O

 
It looked bad when the Duke of Fife
Left off using a knife;
But people began to talk
When he left off using a fork.
 

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

 
The great Duke of Wellington
Reduced himself to a skellington.
He reached seven stone two,
And then – Waterloo!
 

JOHN BUNYAN

 
I do not extenuate Bunyan's
Intemperate use of onions,
But if I knew a wicked ogress
I would lend her "The Pilgrim's Progress."
 

GEORGE HIRST

 
When I faced the bowling of Hirst
I ejaculated, "Do your worst!"
He said, "Right you are, Sid."
-And he did.
 

ERASMUS AND THE HUMANISTS

 
After dinner, Erasmus
Told Colet not to be "blas'mous"
Which Colet, with some heat,
Requested him to repeat.
 

BESANT AND RICE

 
Sir (then Mr) Walter Besant
Would never touch pheasant,
But Mr James Rice
Thought it so nice.