As--say 'Bus-strikers' pickets.
It cries, dear! What does baby want?
(Half-starved, and has the rickets!)

_Fond Mother_. Which, think you, the best Infant's Food?
You see there are so many;
I know your judgment is so good!
(Not worth a single penny!)

_Friendly Visitor_. Well, dear, don't swaddle it too tight.
That ruins the digestion,
And--Forster's Food I've found work right.
(She'll relish _that_ suggestion!)

_Fond Mother_. Humph! Rather out of date, I fear!
You've slight experience--_lately_--
Next time you nurse you'll know, my dear!
(She'll like that home-thrust _greatly_!)

_Friendly Visitor_. Your nursing, dear, of course, is based
Upon my Nursery Manual.
The child looks _rayther_ peaky-faced.
(Not quite a hardy annual!)

_Fond Mother_. Think so? Look up, and laugh, my sweet,
Show NANA she's mistaken--
It quite begins to "feel its feet."
(With spite her soul is shaken!)

_Friendly Visitor_. I understand your family
Call it "The Changeling." Why so?
The family likeness _all_ must see.
(It squints with the left eye so!)

_Fond Mother_. Oh! there are always _some_ cross things
In _every_ Family Party.
_Your_ mother's heart has felt such stings!
(She'll think of JOE and HARTY!)

_Friendly Visitor_. Well, well, with my advice, my dear,
And lots of Liberal Tonic,
Your child we possibly may rear.
(That's one for Old Sardonic!)

_Fond Mother_. Oh! really you are quite _too_ kind!
Your own "Home-Rule Elixir"
Unfailing for your babes you find?
(Fancy _that_ dart will fix her!)

_Friendly Visitor_. You see we breed, and nurse, our own;
_We_ do not steal or borrow.
However, dear, I must be gone.
(To call again to-morrow!)

_Fond Mother_. What! must you go? Next, time no doubt.
You'll give more Liberal measure.
Nurse G. shall see you safely out,
(With most particular pleasure!)

_Friendly Visitor_. Don't trouble, dear! The bell I'll pull,
And, bid them call my cabby!
Good bye! The Babe's be-you-ti-ful!
(_A Flabby, Dabby, Babby!!!_)

* * * * *

ABOUT THE LAST OF IT.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--Would you kindly suggest to Mr. CALDERON, in the
interest of Historical and religious Art, that he should give us for
next year's Academy, as companion-picture to his "_St. Elizabe