pew;
"You say there are too many, but
_We_ know there are too few!

"Think of the budding Candidates
For Orders, whom, no doubt,
This limiting of out-put would
Excessively put out!

"If Curates now are destitute,
A brighter future beacons;
'Tis only fair that all should share
The stipends of Archdeacons!"

* * * * *

[Illustration: HONORIS CAUSA.

[The University of Dublin has decided to confer the Degree of D.C.L.
on Mr. HENRY IRVING.]

_J.L.T._ (_to Dr. Irving_). "I SAY, HENRY,--'SCUSE MY GLOVE,--I'VE
BEEN A DON MYSELF, DON'TCHERKNOW. I CAN GIVE YOU A TIP OR TWO ABOUT
PLAYING THE PART!"]

* * * * *

A GIFTED BEING.--The _Daily Telegraph_ of June 11, in giving us
some news from Cambridge about the Mathematical Tripos, had this
paragraph--

"The Senior Wrangler, Mr. PHILIP HERBERT COWELL, son of Mr.
H. COWELL, Privy Council Bar, was born in 1870, and was
previously educated at Rev. E. St. JOHN PARRY's School, Stoke,
Slough."

Now didn't such a start in life as being educated "_previously_" to
being "born," give Mr. COWELL a somewhat unfair advantage over the
other competitors? Very few come into the world with such a chance.
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness
thrust upon them," says SHAKSPEARE. But to come into the world, like
MINERVA, armed _College-cap-a-pie_, is, as _Dominie Sampson_ would
have said, "Pro-di-gi-ous!"

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

[Illustration: "Francis George."]

_House of Commons, Monday, June_ 13.--House filled up in marvellous
style to-night. Through all last week Benches nearly empty; the few
Members present sunk in depths of depression. To-night, scene changed;
Benches crowded; buzz of conversation testified to ill-repressed
excitement. Mr. G., amongst others, back in his place. "And looking
uncommonly fit too," says FRANCIS GEORGE, Viscount BARING; "not at all
sure he won't, after all, outlive Our JOE. At any rate, he's in fine
condition for the little mill that's coming off."

[Illustration: "Scenting the Battle from afar."]

What everyone gathered to hear was Prince ARTHUR's views as to date
of Dissolution. He has, up to now, successfully maintained attitude
of absolute ignorance that Dissolution is even pending. Up to to-night
the blessed word on