BROCK.

Your warriors are fine, if few;
But still, if you ask _me_,
You leave far too much power to
A Railway Company.
I would not let civilians snub
My paladins--no fear!
But then a Teuton--there's the rub!
Is no mere Volunteer!

And now I really must be gone
Upon the wide, wide sea.
Stiff state no more shall make me groan,
Hurrah for liberty!
I'm tired to death of functions fine,
And ceremonial rot;
Hurrah for ease! the breezy brine
Tar-toggery, and my Yacht!

With yonder bark I'll gladly brave
The seas about your isle.
Thanks, Grand'ma, for that kerchief wave,
And that right royal smile!
Welcome, ye billows, tumbling brisk
Beneath a cloud-swept sky!
Give your white kerchief one more whisk,
Dear Grandmamma--Good-bye!

* * * * *

SCOTT (ANYTHING BUT) FREE.

["It is human nature, after all. When conscientiously I cannot
praise actors or actresses, or authors, they turn their backs
upon me. But when conscientiously I am able to draw attention
to their great merits, they simply overflow."--Mr. CLEMENT
SCOTT, in _The Illustrated London News_.]

Unlucky Mr. CLEMENT SCOTT!
Since those who act our plays or write them,
Are so exacting that he's got
The greatest trouble to delight them.
When conscience tells him not to praise
They "turn their backs" and will not know him,
When their "great merits" make him raise
His voice--they "simply overflow" him!

* * * * *

NOTE FOR AN IMPERIAL DIARY.--There were just a couple or so of real
good wet days for our Imperial and Royal Highnesses. Jupiter Pluvius
ladled it out to us unstintingly in Imperial buckets full. Our Cousin
German, so affectionately dutiful to "Grandmamma," won't forget _La
Rain d'Angleterre_ in a hurry. _Mem._ Next visit to London, bring
fewer uniforms and more waterproofs and umbrellas.

* * * * *

[Illustration: "GOOD-BYE, GRANDMAMMA!"]

* * * * *

IMPERIAL AND OPERATIC.

[Illustration]

After considerable calculation as to re-imbursement for present outlay
by a consistent course of future economy, I took a six-guinea stall
for the EMPEROR's state visit to the Opera. "Court dress" being
"indispensable," I decided to summon to my aid the well-known amateur
theatrical costumier, DATHAN & Co. DATHAN s