t contentious
To risk success for show.

O rare command of gifts, which, common-branded,
Are yet so strangely rare!
Selflessness patient, judgment even-handed
And spirit calmly fair!

Lost to his friends their worth may now be measured
By the strong sense of loss.
How "OLD MORALITY's" memory will be treasured,
Midst faction's pitch-and-toss.

But England which has instincts above Party
Most mourns the Man, now gone,
Who gave to Duty an allegiance hearty
As that of WELLINGTON.

Sure "the gaunt figure of the old Field-Marshal"[1]
Would his successor praise;
As modest, as unselfish, as impartial,
Though fallen on calmer days.

No glittering hero, but when England numbers
Patriots of worth and pith,
His name shall sound, who after suffering slumbers,
Plain WILLIAM HENRY SMITH!

[Footnote 1: LONGFELLOW's "_The Warden of the Cinque Ports_."]

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE ETERNAL FITNESS OF THINGS.

"I WANT A NICE TIE, FOR A WEDDING. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ME ONE?"

"CERTAINLY, SIR. A--ER--_PRINCIPAL_ GUEST, SIR?"]

* * * * *

A ROMANCE IN NUMBERS.

As we announced last week, the _Gentlewoman_ proposes for publication
"the most extraordinary novel of modern times"--a tale which is to be
written chapter by chapter, week after week, by well-known writers of
fiction, without consultation with their collaborateurs. We did the
same thing years ago. However, as the notion is still calculated
to amuse and instruct our readers, we subjoin a short story, which
has been written on the same terms by the entire strength of a
paper--political, sporting, and social. It will be found below.

WHAT? WHO? AND WHICH?

(_A JOINT STOCK MYSTERY._)

_Political Writer commences_.--Yes, EUSTACE entered the House prepared
to vote for the Government. He knew that Lady FLORA had counted upon
his vote in support of her father, the Duke, and the other Members of
the Opposition. But when did love outweigh duty? EUSTACE knew that
the prosperity of the entire country depended upon his views. With
the price of corn falling, with the Russian Bear on the prowl, growing
nearer and nearer to our Afghan frontier, with the unsettled state of
the South American Republics, he knew that only one course was open to
him.

"FLORA, darling," he said to the fair girl, as he paced by her side in
the Lobby, "believe me, I will