of Death
Rode the Six Hundred;
Since the whole country cried
"We will for you provide,--
Blazon your splendid ride,
Gallant Six Hundred!"

Yet now the Light Brigade
Stands staring much dismayed
For they can plainly see
Someone has blundered.
For here are they, grown old,
With their grand story told,
Left to the bitter cold,--
Starving Six Hundred!

Workhouse to right of them,
Workhouse to left of them,
Workhouse in front of them!
Has no one wondered
That British blood should cry,
"Shame!" and exact reply,
Asking the country why
Thus it sees droop and die
Those brave Six Hundred!

As they drop off the stage,
Want, and the weight of age--
Is this their only wage?--
Home rent and sundered!
And is their deed sublime,
Flooding all after-time,
Now but a theme for rhyme,
Whispered--and thundered
Where, from the pit and stalls,
Theatres and Music-halls,
Greet their "Six Hundred!"

Can thus emotion feed
On the heroic deed,
Yet leave the doer in need,--
Of his rights plundered?
"No!" the whole land declares
Henceforth their load it shares,
Spite those who blundered.
They shall note wants decrease,
Of comfort take a lease
Till all their troubles cease
And to their end in peace
Ride the Six Hundred!

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.

SOCIAL.

"_How sweetly that simple costume becomes your style of beauty,
dear!_" _i.e._, "Cheap dress suits a silly dowdy."

"_Ah! Here we are again! Thought I should come across you presently;_"
_i.e._, "How he must tout for it! And what a relief it would be to go
somewhere where he does _not_ turn up!"

"_Yes, capital story I know,--but pardon me just a minute, old chap.
I think I see Mrs. Mountcashel beckoning me;_" _i.e._, "_What_ an
escape! Doesn't buttonhole me again to-night if _I_ know it."

MILITARY.

"_The Mess rather prides itself upon its cellar;_" _i.e._, The host is
a little doubtful about what the Wine Committee have in hand for the
benefit of the guest he has asked to dinner.

"_The Regiment at the Inspection, although a trifle rusty, never did
better;_" _i.e._, The Senior Major clubbed the Battalion, and the
Commanding Officer was told by the General, with an unnecessary strong
expression, to "Take 'em home, Sir!"

LEGAL.

"_The Will of the late Mr. Dash is so complicated that it is not