Sir THOMAS MORE's "English as she is
writ" in the Sixteenth Century, to all lovers of good books in this
"so-called (O, immortal phrase!) Nineteenth Century." The Rev. THOMAS
hath well and ably done his work, and therefore doth the Baron advise
his readers to go to their booksellers, and, being there, to imitate
the example of DICKENS's oft-quoted _Oliver_, and "ask for MORE."

Quoth the Baron, "Much liketh me the Macmillanite series of _English
Men of Action_, and in a very special manner do I laud the latest
that, to my knowledge, hath appeared 'yclept _Montrose_, by Master
MOWBRAY MORRIS--a good many 'M's' in these names--who hath executed
his _Montrose_ with as loving a heart and as tender a touch as ever
did use old IZAAK towards the gentle that he, and the simple fish, did
love so well. Did not the very hangman burst into tears as he thrust
the unfortunate nobleman off the step? and did not a universal sob
of pity break from the vast crowd assembled to see the last of the
noble cavalier, victim to an unfortunate tradition of loyalty? What
wonder then if we sympathise with this luckless hero of romance?
The weak-knee'd villain of this historical drama was '_Charles_ (his
friend),' in which character, be it allowed, this sad dog of a Merry
Monarch not infrequently appeared. Thank you much, Mr. MOWBRAY
MONTROSE MORRIS," quoth

THE BENEFICENT BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

* * * * *

[Illustration: SYMPATHY.

_Mamma_ (_to Cook_)--"AND MRS. STUBBS, THE CREAM WITH THE APPLE-TART
YESTERDAY OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN WHIPPED."

_Ethel_ (_who has a grateful remembrance of the dish in question_).
"OH, MUMMY DEAR! 'OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN WHIPPED!' I THOUGHT IT WAS
PARTICULARLY GOOD!"]

* * * * *

APRIL SHOWERS;

OR, A SPOILED EASTER HOLIDAY.

(_A VACATION CANTATA._)

_Master George (stretching forth his fingers to feel if the shower is
abating) sings_:-- Rain! Rain!
Go away!
Come again
Another day!

_Master Arthur_ (_gloomily_). Pooh! Rain won't go away, not in these
times,
By being sung at to old nursery rhymes:
Especially in such a voice as yours!

_Master George._ Needn't be nasty, ARTHUR!

_Master Robert._ How it pours!
Thought we were going to have a real jolly day,
And now it's set in wet, to spoil our holiday.

_Master George._ Always the way at Easter. Shall we trudge it?

_Master Arth