START.

Off! Yes; but inexperienced feet,
With pace that's fast and a style that's neat,
At first can scarcely be expected
O'er frozen waters to glide and fleet.

"_Have them on, Sir?_" Old Time was there,
With the shining steels and the ready chair.
His latest pupil is passing yonder,
No more the ice-locked waters to dare.

_His_ feet are tired and his knees are stiff,
_His_ breath comes low in a wheezy whiff.
He'll now "lay up," like a worn-out wherry.
'Tis yours to start like a new-launched skiff.

How many a novice that Skate-man old
Has helped to onset alert and bold!
How many a veteran worn seen vanish,
Aching with effort and pinched with cold!

And you, young novice, 'tis now your turn
Your skates to try and your steps to learn.
You long to fly like the skimming swallow,
To brave the breathless "scurry" you burn.

He knows, he knows, your aged guide!
The screws are fixed, and the straps are tied,
And he looks sharp out for the shambling stagger,
The elbows wobbling, the knees too wide.

But boyhood's hopeful, and youth has pluck;
And now, when scarcely your steel hath struck
The slithery ice in your first bold venture,
_Punch_, friendly watcher, will wish you luck!

He too has seen some novices start,
And knows, however you play your part,
The "outside edge," and attendant perils,
Will tax your sinews and test your heart.

But most on the ice does the old saw hold--
"Be bold, be bold, but be not _too_ bold!"
Though there's many a rotten patch marked "Danger!"
Young hearts are warm if the weather be cold.

Bravo, youngster! Steady! Strike out!
Caution, yes, but not palsying doubt.
Courage! and you--ere your course you finish--
May beat "Fish" SMART at a flying bout!

* * * * *

ROBERT'S KRISMUS HIM.

How werry warious is the reasons why
We welcoms Crismus with a ringing cheer!
The Skoolboy nos his hollidays is nigh,
And treats the hale stout Porter to sum Beer.

The Cook and Ousemaid smiles upon the Baker,
Who takes his little fee without no blush,
Likewise upon the Butcher and Shoo Maker
Who makes their calls dispite the Sno or Slush.

The Dustman cums a crying out for "Dust,"
But nos full well that isn't wot he seeks,
And gits his well-earned shilling with the fust,
And smiles on Mary as his thanks he speaks.

Th