Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Superstition, Domestic Economy

    Expresses no surprise at the departure of the comet given that it was strongly 'put upon', and argues that this comet, like those recorded in history, has been associated with 'baleful influence', and has been viewed as the 'author of all our eccentricities'. Notes that 'Whatever we have done in any way amiss, our excuse for it has lately been "Oh, it's the Comet!"', and supports this claim with several cases of political, religious, domestic, and artistic mishaps on which 'the Comet has had influence', but which clearly have nothing to do with the celestial body. For example, it notes that a 'Mr. Scampe, in his dismay at the idea of London being burnt up by the Comet, took precautions to ensure [sic] his house for more than twice its value; and finding that the Comet failed to set alight to it, he fired it himself, and swore the Comet did it'. Turning to 'scientific speculation' regarding the effect of the comet on 'planet Punch', claims that the planet has 'not moved from its orbit of philanthropy and fun' and is as attractive and bright as ever.