lls went through it.
It seemed to say, "The glorious sun hath shone,
Flooding the world like treacle wrapped round suet;
Why should we harp of age and dull years gone?"
Time seemed to be no sort of object to it--
It just went on and on.

Therefore I rose, and later (o'er the trifle),
When Araminta with her tactful gush
Asked if the garden seemed to help or stifle
The Muses' output, I responded, "Tush;
When you go out, my dear, please buy a rifle;
I want to shoot that thrush."

Evoe.

* * * * *

Seen in a Birmingham shop window:--

"The Smartest Flannel Trouser in the City, 6/11."

If he had another one, even though not quite so smart, we might consider
it.

* * * * *

"The world's longest and most accurate golf ball."--_Advt._

Personally we prefer the short ones when it comes to putting them into
the tin.

* * * * *

THE AMENDING BILL.

[Illustration: Mr. Redmond. "WELL RIDDEN!"

Mr. Asquith. "YES, I KNOW; BUT AS WE CAME ROUND THE CORNER AN
'OBJECTION' OCCURRED TO ME, AND I FEEL BOUND TO LODGE IT MYSELF. I HOPE
YOU WON'T MIND."]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)

_House of Commons, Monday, May 18._--Field-Marshal Asquith, on military
duty in attendance on the King at Aldershot. Takes opportunity to give
His Majesty a few hints on the setting of a squadron in the field. In
his absence depression customary on reassembling after week-end recess
asserts itself with increased force. Through early portion of
Question-hour benches half empty. As hands of clock approached the mark
2.45, stream of arrivals increased in volume. At conclusion of Questions
House so densely crowded that side galleries were invaded, and group of
Members stood at Bar.

Strangers in Gallery rubbed their eyes and asked what this might
portend? Explanation simple. Within limit of Question-hour no division
may take place. As soon as boundary passed danger zone for
Ministerialists entered. Last week Opposition snapped a division at
earliest possible moment and nearly cornered Government. To-day at least
two divisions on Welsh Church Bill imminent. Ministerialists, obedient
to urgent Whip, in their places in good time. When divisions were
called--one on report of financial resolution of Welsh Church Bill, the
oth