e is right, quite right, and, thank goodness, he is
quite well, and not [Illustration: Musical staff: treble clef, quarter
notes C, D.]; but the Composer is in the playfullest of humours, and
laughs over his recent row with [Illustration: Musical staff: treble
clef, quarter note G.]; in fact, he was in such good spirits, that,
when I wanted to hear all about it, and I told him he could either
sing it or play it to me, he replied, "You [Illustration: Musical
staff: treble clef, quarter notes B, D-ligature-D.]!" Exactly like
him, which neither of these two [Illustration: Musical staff: treble
clef, quarter notes F, E, G, G.] is. However, I'm not offended, as
I said to him, or rather said and sang to him, by way of reply. My
Name's [Illustration: Musical staff: treble clef, quarter notes E,
C.], _and So it is_.

* * * * *

A SEMI-OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION.

[BERRY was introduced in a semi-official way, and at once
said, "Good morning, Ma'am."--_See Daily Papers on Mrs.
Pearcy's execution_.]

KING DEATH has a great Ambassador who journeys through all the land,
With a cap, and a strap, and a slip-noosed rope all ready to his hand.
He's a genial man with a joke for all, and a smile on his jovial face,
And a grip of the hand that is frank and free when he comes to the
trysting place.
And, oh, when the gloomy winter night is fading into the day,
He comes to the cell and is introduced in a semi-official way;
With a jolly "Good morning, Ma'am," he comes, and as quick as a morning
dream
He has corded his living parcel and flung it across the stream.

The stream flows silently onward, and the flood seems deep and strong,
And some of us pause on the hither-bank slow-footed, and linger long.
But early or late we must plunge in and battle across the tide,
Though the beckoning shapes look dark and grim that wait on the farther
side.
But they whom the King's Ambassador, or ever their race be run,
Has summoned, must leave at the moment the sight of the friendly sun.
He's a kindly man, with a cheerful voice, but he never brooks delay
When once he has come and been introduced in a semi-official way.

And, ah, how lightly the minutes fly, that once seemed heavy as lead,
And the sleeper is fitfully tossing, alone on her prison bed.
At the hour of eight must the journey be, when the passing bell doth toll,
And God, it may be, who is