James Greenwood

“ It is a disappointment, but there is at least this consolation: it is growing more and more dark, and the moon may be expected at any moment. We do our best to invite her, for in half a dozen different spots there are as many parties singing " Rise, gentle moon," "When the moon is on the waters," "Meet me by moonlight alone," and so forth. Then, all the songs in which the word moon is mentioned having been sung, those who are still in a sentimental mood, continue to serenade her coy ladyship with many melancholy ballads of the " Poor old Jeff" and "Mary Blane" order ”

“ As the night grows darker sentiment is thrown overboard altogether, and, as they sit and stand, young men and maidens, fast boys and their female acquaintances, respectable middle-aged women and their husbands, all huddled together in the dark, go in for music-hall ditties of the fullest strength and flavour, and other melodies of the same classical character. ”

“ Were he in a train he could ,et out at the next station; were he in an omnibus it would merely be a question of alighting and hailing another vehicle; but on board the Zephyr he is for the time as much a prisoner as though he were on board a transport ship, and bound for penal settlement. He is pledged for the "moonlight trip" and there is no release for him or for his affianced until the trip is consummated. Perhaps when the moon rises he tourists will settle down, or stand quiet, at all events. ”

“ It is a pity, and the moon herself can hardly be aware how much she has to answer for in consequence of not shining out that Saturday night. There were those on board that boat who, I feel convinced, were "open to conversion." There was that young winkle-devouring costermonger and the many bosom friends and acquaintances he discovered on the steamer. ”