s to stand treat to a chum;
And if I wos flush of the ochre, I tell yer I'd make the thing hum.
And there's lots o' the rich is good parters; bit here and bit there,
dontcher know;
But shake up the Bag and share round, like good pals a pot-lucking?
Oh no!

Wot these jokers call Justice means knocking all 'andicap out of life's
race;
"Equal chances all round," they declare, wouldn't give equal power and
pace!
Wy, no; but if things weren't made nice for the few with the power and
the tin,
The 'andicapped many would be in the 'unt, and some on 'em might _win_.

Pooty nice state o' things for the perkers! Luck, Law, and the Longheads,
dear boy,
Have arranged the world so that the many must work that the few may
enjoy.
These "Equality" jossers would spile it; if arf their reforms they can
carry,
The enjoyers will 'ave a rough time, and there won't be a look in for
'ARRY.

* * * * *

LE PETIT DUC.

[Illustration: _Audience._ "BRAVO, MONSEIGNEUR!"]

"BRAVO Monseigneur!" Quite a natural cry,
For he looks picturesque, and appears to be plucky,
The Roscius _role_ the young actor would try;
His _debut_ "gets a hand," which is certainly lucky.
These Infant Phenomena frequently fail
To rouse anything more than good-natured derision;
But clappings and cheers this boy histrion hail.
What then is his Vision?

"The thoughts of youth, they are long, long thoughts;"
Exceedingly true, most mellifluous LONGFELLOW!
But later come crosses, oft leading to noughts,
And "_l'homme necessaire_" often finds he's the wrong fellow.
How many _debuts_ have occurred on the Stage
With various set scenes, and with properties varied?
Sensationalism, the vice of the age,
To extremes has been carried.

A good situation all actors desire,
All playrights approve, and all managers glory in.
He has struck out his own with decision and fire.
What part will he play a more serious story in?
Who knows? For the moment the cue is applause.
"_Vive_, ROSCIUS!" It may mean mere _claque_, empty chatter.
And whether the youngster will further the Cause
Is a different matter.

_A coup de theatre_ is not everything,
As well he's aware, that tragedian troubled
Who is gliding so gloomily off at the wing