ey mean when they say, or they sing,
"He's as green as a man who buys flowers in the Spring,"
Tra la la la la la, &c.

_Mater._ The flowers that bloom in the Spring,
Tra la!
Are a sell, my dear hub, in _our_ case.
I bought _this_ with a "suit"--there's the sting,
Pa-pa!
Which _he_ said was "a worn-hout hold thing,"
(O-la!)
Just fancy his having the face!
Now 'tis shrunken, and shrivelled, and that's why I sing,
Oh, bother the flowers that bloom in the Spring!
Tra la la la la la, &c.

_Both_ (_to Servant_). So tell the next rascal who ventures to ring,
_We_'ll buy no more flowers that bloom in the Spring!

[_Dance, and exeunt, determined never again to be diddled by
the howling "A-a-blowing and a-growing!" impostors, who, at
this season, hawk heat-forced or illrooted pot-plants about
the streets of the suburbs._

* * * * *

HOW IT WOULD LOOK IN ENGLISH.

(_An adaptation from the French._)

_Anyone._ Let us accuse the Ministry of misappropriating
twopence-halfpenny.

_The Entire Press._ Certainly, why not?

_The Opposition._ The Ministry are thieves.

_The Government._ After this insult we resign _en masse_.

_One of the Public._ It is said that Mr. BRIEFLESS JUNIOR has accused
the First Lord of having stolen the Horse-Guards clock.

_First Lord._ Please, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE, request Mr. BRIEFLESS JUNIOR
to keep a civil tongue in his head.

_L. C. J._ The Attorney-General is the proper person to offer a
remonstrance.

_Sir Charles._ Can't undertake rows since I have restricted my private
practice.

_Ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer._ I accuse the LORD CHANCELLOR.

_Lord Chancellor._ Why, and of what?

_Those Concerned._ Never mind that. What does it matter _who's_
accused, so long as everybody forgets _us_.

_Someone._ And now everything's completely mixed, does anyone know
what the row's about?

_Everybody Else_ (_after a short silence_). Don't know, and don't
care!

* * * * *

"PUTTING OFF."

_Old Aquatic Hand, loquitur:--_

LOOK here, bonny boys! As we're launching our ship,
And stringing our energies up for the tussle,
Allow your old Stroke to suggest the straight tip!
This is not a mere matter of Milo-like muscle.
You are all looking fit, we've the pull in the weights--
Not _much_, to be sure,