Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 261, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 November 1913 — OUR BOYS and GIRLS [ARTICLE]

OUR BOYS and GIRLS

PUNCH AND JUDY. The other day, as I sat aV the dinner table, I said to the folks, “I saw Punch and Judy to-day." “Who Is Punch, and who Is Judy?" asked my little five year old Dora. “Punch Is an ugly old fellow, with a hooked nose and a hump on his back; and Judy Is his wife,” said L "Is Judy handsomeT’ asked Dora. “Judy Is hardly handsome,” I- replied: "Indeed, she is not good looking. Her mouth is very large; and she wears an old cap, not at' all In the fashion.” "Where did you see Punch and Judy?" continued Dora:. “I saw them .on Boston Common," answered L "They have but lately arrived from England. I saw them In a sort of box.” "Why do they keep them In a box?” asked my little questioner. “You shall hear about it, Dora dear,” said L “You must know that, many hundred years ago, there lived near the city of Naples, in Italy a peasant whose name was Puerto d’Anlello.” “What a queer name!” Interrupted Dora. “He was such a funny man that a company of strolling actors asked him tojoln them, which he did; and he became quite famous as a clown. When he died, another took his name, softened Into Polcenella, and by the help of a mask kept up the look and manner of the droll peasant Soon his tricks became so popular that little figures to- represent him were made, and shows were given In a sort of box without a cover, set on end. In England he was called Punchinello, or Punch; and his wife, whom he used to beat bady at times, was called Judy.” ‘•"What a bad man to beat his wife!” said little Dora. "Yes,” said I, "Punch Is not a model man; but he Is very funny. I think he would make you laugh.” “May I go and see him some day?" asked Dora. "Yes; If your mother has no objection,” said I, “Punch Is not much known yet lii America but he Is a famous character in Europe, and* In the larger cities there are few children of your age who have not seen 81m.” "We will certainly go and see Punch and Judy,”- continued little Dora. — The Nursery.