d shrewd,
But, whether you were serious or skittish,
Always a candid critic of things British,
Though, when you were unable to admire us,
_Life's_ "little ironies" were free from virus.
But since the War began your English readers
Have welcomed MARTIN's admirable leaders--
Which prove that all that's honest, clean and wise
In the United States is pro-Allies--
And learned to recognise in _Life_ a friend
On whom to reckon to the bitter end.
But these good services you now have crowned
By something finer, braver, more profound--
Your "John Bull Number," where we gladly trace
Pride in the common glories of our race,
Goodwill, good fellowship, kind words of cheer,
So frank, so unmistakably sincere,
That we can find (in ARTEMUS'S phrase)
No "slopping over" of the pap of praise,
But just the sort of message that one brother
Would send in time of trial to another.
And thus, whatever comes of WILSON's Notes,
Of Neutral claims or of the tug for votes,
Nothing that happens henceforth can detract
From your fraternal and endearing act,
Which fills your cup of kindness brimming full,
And signals _Sursum corda_ to John Bull.

(_The War Week by Week, as seen from New York. Being Observations from
"Life."_ By E.S. MARTIN.)

* * * * *

"The Chairman said he should like to appeal to the good sense of
the inhabitants of Duffield, through the Press, to do all they
could to darken their windows not only at the front of the
houses, but also at the back.

The Clerk said the Council had no power to take action in this
matter only by persuasion, and it was decided that 500 leaflets
should be distributed by the lamplighters to each
house."--_Derbyshire Advertiser._

And with pulp so expensive, too!

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S POTTED FILMS. THE PLAY WITH A MORAL.

[Illustration: _Characters in the Play._

Nancy Primrose. Richard Grenfield. Vera Vavasour.]

[Illustration: Richard Grenfield, leaving his native village to seek his
fortune in London, bids adieu to Nancy Primrose, his rustic sweetheart.
He swears to be true to her.]

[Illustration: Arrived in London, Richard speedily plunges into the gay
life of the great Metropolis. He makes the acquaintance of Vera
Vavasour, the famous actress and leader of the Smart Set. He entertains
her to tea at the Fitz Hotel.]

[Illustration: In