they are not likely to
command when the audience is relaxing and refreshing itself.

On the whole, I should be inclined to say that the Lyceum has not had so
big a success since _Faust_: a success due to the popularity of the subject
represented, and the perfection of its representation. At least so thinks.

THE BUSY B. IN A BOX.

* * * * *

PHILOSOPHIC Sages have generally been careless of their personal
appearance. Soap and water has not been their strong point. The exception
is DIOGENES, who was seldom out of his tub.

* * * * *

APPROPRIATE DAY FOR A MUSICAL SERVICE IN CHURCH.--"_Sunday within the
Octave._"

* * * * *

[Illustration: AN UNPARALLELED HARDSHIP.

_Clerk_ (_to Emigrant_). "YES, THAT'S ALL RIGHT FOR THE PASSAGE-MONEY; AND
NOW ABOUT YOUR TRUNK?"

_Emigrant._ "AND HWHAT WOULD OI BE DOOIN' WID A TRUNK, SORR?"

_Clerk._ "OH, TO PUT YOUR CLOTHES IN."

_Emigrant._ "HWHAT! AND ME GO NAKUD?"]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

_House of Commons, Monday Night, February 6._--"Did you ever destroy your
offspring, TOBY?" Rather curious question to ask any fellow. To me
particularly startling. There are family traditions that, in accordance
with sort of Malthusian doctrine, some of my young relations, my
contemporaries in fact, were put out of the way even before their innocent
eyes had grown accustomed to the light of a beneficent heaven. Thought at
first GEORGE WYNDHAM meant something personal; was really thinking of his
own woes.

"That's my speech," he said, showing me with melancholy smile quite a
bundle of manuscript. "Worked at it all yesterday, instead of going to
church. Read every Blue Book about Uganda; studied the map, and could pass
an examination in the matter of its rivers and valleys, its hills and
lakes, its various tribes, who are always murdering each other. Prince
ARTHUR, you know, asked me to resume Debate at to-night's Sitting. Great
opportunity; meant to make most of it; then, when I'm in my place conning
my manuscript, Prince ARTHUR gives me up. Mr. G. reads text of PORTAL'S
instructions, and shows we've nothing to complain about or to criticise.
Rather hard on a young fellow not unduly given to speech-making. Tell you
what, TOBY, if you've got three-quarters of an hour to spare, and will come
with me into the