d as some of
those questions which we are disposed to propound.

But we also revert to the child's interrogation--why Parson Rook?--and
we find we can answer it in a highly satisfactory manner.

Be it premised, that the reason assigned for this mulct of the acolytes
is that by the proceeds thereof the washing of their surplices may be
paid for. They are to wear fine linen, but not to fare sumptuously every
day: that mode of life is reserved for the port-vinous appropriators of
their cake money. Vainly has the tax been taken off soap, seeing that
the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's are so ill off for it. But the
article is an important one to close shavers. Therefore the choristers
are docked of their allowance, and the loud-voiced anthem will blend
with the secular strain, "_I've no Money_."

We now come to inquire what has happened to render the ecclesiastical
corporation of St. Paul's unable any longer to stand soap. What has
necessitated the demand for the sevenpences of the children to defray
their surplice-washing?--whereof the ordinary cost would be fourpence by
the tariff of our laundress.

This has happened: the relinquishment, on the part of that reverend
society, of the twopences formerly taken at the doors of their church;
which having been extorted from them by popular indignation, they now,
we suppose, indemnify themselves by a sevenpenny confiscation at the
expense of the little vocalists.

And thus we arrive at a perception of the connection between Parson and
Rook; for these men are Parsons: and we discover that they possess an
anatomical organ in common with that bird, and with other birds that
consume the fruits of the earth. The existence of that organ is revealed
by its symptoms of suffering. The Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, in
withdrawing the sevenpences, show that the loss of the twopences STICKS
IN THEIR GIZZARDS.

* * * * *

THE POPE'S GAME.

England little suspected the game that the POPE has been playing. It
turns out to be billiards.

His Holiness no doubt has his cue given him by one of the astutest
Members of the College of Cardinals.

His aim, no doubt, is the old traditional one--to put the globe into his
pocket.

* * * * *

GOOD OLD ENGLISH PASTIME.

The Elizabethan age delighted in bear-baiting; and it seems not
improbable that the reign of VICTORIA will witness a similar amusement.
A formidable Russian bea