Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 62, Jan 27, 1872

The issue opens with a tongue‑in‑cheek protest against new liquor laws, where a fictional citizen bemoans being denied his “necessary refreshment.” A whimsical jingle about the “Monday Pops” follows, its absurd rhymes lampooning popular entertainments of the day.

A clever essay then turns its satirical lens on Shakespeare, suggesting the Bard may have dabbled in law. By re‑examining the opening lines of a famous sonnet, the writers humorously propose a courtroom reading, mixing literary reference with the magazine’s light‑hearted tone.

The centerpiece recounts a charitable supper organized by a reformed burglar for convicted felons. The story humorously details impostors trying to pose as prisoners for a bowl of soup and a bun, only to be exposed by a sharp questionnaire. Through this vignette, the magazine satirizes both criminal stereotypes and eager reformers.