re you.
If I receive praises and you receive blame,
'Tis doubtless because each lives up to his name."

You'll find his defence rather puzzling, I fear;
But read their names backward--the meaning is clear.

The New Cup

"I've a lovely new cup from Uncle John,"
Said Dorothy; "only see--
It has beautiful golden letters on,
And they spell '_Remember Me_.'"

"Oho!" laughed Fred. "Why, Dorothy dear,
They put that on mugs and plates:
_I_'ve studied jography 'most a year,
And I know the names of the States.

And when you see that anywhere,--
At least, since this fuss with Spain,--
It's the President who puts it there,
And it means 'Remember the Maine'!"

A Photographic Failure

[Illustration]

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Saw a patient Periwinkle
With a kodak, sitting idly by a rill.
Feeling a desire awaken
For to have his picture taken,
Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle stood stock-still.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his brow begin to wrinkle,
And his pose assume a sad and solemn style;
But the Periwinkle trusted,
As the focus he adjusted,
That his customer would kindly try to smile.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his eyes begin to twinkle,
And his mouth took on a broad and open grin;
Said the Periwinkle, sadly,
"If you stretch your jaw so madly,
I fear perhaps that I shall tumble in."

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Felt his hair begin to crinkle,
As it rose up on his forehead in affright;
Though his comrade spoke so mildly,
Mr. Hinkle wondered wildly,
How he could escape this dire and awful plight.

Mr. Hezekiah Hinkle
Said, "I fear it's going to sprinkle,
And really for a storm I'm not prepared."
Then without a further warning
He politely said, "Good morning,"
And the patient Periwinkle stood and stared.

[Illustration]

Christmas Gifts

Ten Christmas presents standing in a line;
Robert took the bicycle, then there were nine.
Nine Christmas presents ranged in order straight;
Bob took the steam engine, then there were eight.
Eight Christmas presents--and one came from Devon;
Robbie took the jackknife, then there were seven.
Seven Christmas presents direct from St. Nick's;
Bobby took the candy box, then there were six.
Six Christmas presents, one of them alive;
Rob took the puppy dog, then there were five.
Five Christmas presents yet on the floor;
Bo