alas! for trains and blocks,
But stuff the Love of Beauty in my socks
And Childlike Faith to last me till I die;
And there'll be room, I doubt not, in the toes
For Magic Cap and Spectacles of Rose.

And not a song of beauty, sung of old,
Or saga of the dead heroic days,
And not a blossom laughing by the ways,
Or wind of April blowing on the wold
But in my heart shall have the power to stir
The shy communion of the worshipper.

Hark! On the star-bright highways of the sky
Light hoofs beat and the far-off sleigh-bell sounds!
Is it old Santa on his gracious rounds
Or one dead legend drifting sadly by?
Not mine to say. And, though I long to peep,
Santa shall always find me fast asleep.

ALGOL.

* * * * *

"A clerk was at London Mansion House yesterday charged with
stealing a blouse the property of the governor and directors of
the Bank of England.

"She said she could not understand what made her take it, and,
believing she acted from sudden temptation, the Lord Mayor bound
her over."--_Daily Mail_.

We do not think the "Old Lady of Threadneedle Street" ought to wear
such tempting garments in these times.

* * * * *

"WITH THE ITALIAN ARMY.--The battle, which continues with unabated
fury, is gradually extending along the front from the Brenta
to the Piave, a line of over 11 miles, with its wings on the
Col della Berretta and Monte Spinoncia, north-east of Grappa.

"I learn that for 24 hours the fighting was marked by a
determination in counter-attacks which has never yet been
exceeded. No fewer than four times Colonel della Berretta
changed hands."--_Scots Paper_.

We hope the gallant officer is none the worse for his game of
Hunt-the-Skipper.

* * * * *

[Illustration: AN INEXPENSIVE LUXURY.

FIRST KAISER (WILHELM). "I AM THINKING OF SENDING THIS BIRD OF
PEACE FORTH AGAIN. WE CAN AFFORD TO BE MAGNANIMOUS."

SECOND KAISER (KARL). "WELL, WE CERTAINLY CAN'T AFFORD ANYTHING
ELSE."]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

_Monday, December 17th._--On the whole the Lords gave a friendly
reception to the Franchise Bill. They have learned a good deal
since 1911. Even Lord SALISBURY forebore on this occasion his usual
intention to die in the last ditch, and was ready to let