y knee
And sang the way a mother sings,
Seeing him wondering up at me
Sewing his little things,
And never gave a thought to wars and kings.

I heard his prayers or smacked him good,
And watched him learning miles ahead
Of all his mother ever could,
Roughing my hands to set him bread;
And when he was a man I tried
Not to forget as he was grown,
And didn't keep him close beside
All for my very own--
And meanwhiles you was brooding on your throne.

And now--He wouldn't wait no more,
I've helped him go, I couldn't choose;
My one's another in the score
Of all you've grabbed; seems like I lose.
But don't you think you've done so well
Taking my lad that's got but one;
He'll fight for me, he'll fight like hell,
And, when you're down and done,
You'll curse the day you stole my only son.

* * * * *

COMMERCIAL CANDOUR.

From a shoemaker's advertisement:--

"8 years' wear! 12 hours' ease."

* * * * *

COMFORTING THE FOE.

"Books and Magazines may be handed in at the counter of any Post
Office, unwrapped, unlabelled, and hunaddressed."

_Parish Magazine._

* * * * *

"To be LET, FURNISHED, cosily FURNISHED COUNTRY HOUSE, offering
rest, recuperation, recreation, and the acme of comfort; 10
bedrooms, 2 bath, 4 reception; stabling, garage, billiards,
tennis, croquet, miniature rifle range, small golf course,
fringed pool, gardens, walks, telephone, radiators, gas; near
town and rail; rent L3 3s. weekly, including gardener's
wages."--_The Devon and Exeter Gazette._

With a lodge, a deer park, and a "revenue of populars," this would be a
bargain.

* * * * *

AN INFANT IN ARMS.

[Illustration: On guard.

The family.

The family--_continued_.

The Colonel!

Present--arms!

The danger past.

Order--arms!

Stand at--ease!]

* * * * *

HOW TO TALK TO THE WOUNDED.

[Illustration: _Dear Old Lady._ "Have you two men been at the Front?"

_Soldier._ "Bless you, no, Mum. We've just 'ad a bit of a scrap
together, to keep fit."]

* * * * *

THE GRAND TOUR.

I always wished to see the world--I 'ad no chanst before,
Nor I don't suppose I should 'ave if there 'adn't been