le and baulk!
_Corydon_ (_contemptuously_). You've dissembled your--hate for them well,
Master STREPHON! It never leaked out
Till _we_ made PATIENT GRIZZEL a _belle!_
_Now_ you'd like to cut in, I've no doubt.
_Chloe_ (_coquettishly_). La sakes! do not quarrel!
You're both very kyind,
But--I fancy dear CORYDON'S most to my mind.

[_Beams on him, and accepts the Bouquet._

_Strephon_ (_suppressing himself_). Well, well, 'tis the fortune of war!
As it's holiday season, let's sing,
Should Shepherds at Eastertide jar?
Suave SHENSTONE would scout such a thing.
I wish you and CORYDON luck--
The posy he's plucked you looks fine;
Though I must say my fancy it struck,
It was not wholly new--in design.
However, dear CHLOE, you're sweet; 'tis fair weather;
So, CORYDON, let's sing her praises--together--

_They sing_:--

Her charms--since she possessed the Vote--
Are things on which the swains all dote.
Fearing to flout or slight.
She dances, having now her way,
No bygone Easter holiday
E'er saw so fine a sight!

Our village _Belle_ with _anyone_
Dares now to make comparison.
Fair nymph, this Easter fun done,
With proudest County Toast, though fair,
You may compete or charms compare
With the haughtiest "Pride of London!"

* * * * *

ASTOUNDING REPORT.--There is no foundation whatever for the report
of the resignation of Lord HERSCHELL. It probably arose from some
incautious and slangy person speaking of him in his office of LORD
CHANCELLOR as having "got the sack." Obviously the Wool-sack was
intended.

* * * * *

A GENUINE PHILANTHROPIST.

O PASSMORE EDWARDS, you, beyond contention,
Are worthy _Punch's_ "Honourable Mention."
Whenever there be any boons a-brewing
You're very sure, Sir, to be up and doing!
There's scarce a project schemed with kindly sense,
But profits by your large munificence.
_Punch_ won't forget to pray when passing bedwards,
For you--and for more bricks like PASSMORE EDWARDS!

* * * * *

ON THE SECOND READING OF THE HOME-RULE BILL.

(_By a Rebellious Rad._)

BUTCHERED--to make an Easter Holiday,
For Orangemen who yearn to have their say!
They've got political _delirium tremens_.
_Orange?_ Nay, they're sour as unripe lemons!

* * * * *

THE R