Wun of our werry cleverest Depputys said to me.--"Ah, Mr. ROBERT, if
our ennemys had reelly xtinguished all our light, I shoud indeed have
said, with the Pote, _Habsent Homen!_"

I didn't kno a bit what he meant, but I rayther think it were sumthink
seesonnabel about Ome sweet Ome, or about the likker "habsinth," wich
I don't hold with. But I quite agreed with him.

ROBERT.

* * * * *

A ROYAL "HAPPY THOUGHT" IN DECEMBER.--The Promise of MAY.

* * * * *

[Illustration: "SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE," &C.

_Ethel_. "MUMMY DEAR, WHY DID YOU TELL RICHARD YOU 'WEREN'T AT HOME'
JUST NOW?" (_Pause._) "MUMMY, I MEAN--"

_Mamma_. "WHEN SIR FUSBY DODDERIDGE CALLED? WHY, ETHEL DEAR, BECAUSE
HE BORES ME."

_Ethel_. "OH!" (_After thoughtfully considering the matter with regard
to her Governess_.) "THEN MAY I SAY I'M NOT AT HOME WHEN MISS KRUX
CALLS TO-MORROW? FOR _SHE_ BORES _ME_ AWFULLY?"]

* * * * *

"ENGLAND, HOME, AND BEAUTY!"

["I am quite proud to think that my son marries one who was
born in this country, has been educated in this country, and
has the feelings of an Englishwoman."--_H.R.H. the Prince of
Wales at the Civil Service Dinner_.]

The Prince's word will strike a chord
Of sympathy and pleasure
In English hearts. Not from abroad
Young CLARENCE brought his treasure.
He finds his MAY in British mead;
'Tis _Punch's_ pleasant duty
The old chorus once again to lead,
"For England, Home, and Beauty!"

England!--the fair betrothed was born
Within the seas that bind us;
Home!--not from far court-precincts torn,
This Princess comes to find us.
Beauty!--well, look upon that face,
Whilst PUNCHIUS Cupid hovers,
With crowning wreath and genial grace,
Above the Royal lovers.

Fair home-grown flower, bright English MAY,
Whose promise cheers December,
And who will make "wild March" so gay;
_Punch_ can right well remember.
Betrothals many, bridals too,
Your lover's sire's among them,
And with a loyalty frank yet true
Has generally sung them.

And so for you he bath a stave,
Latest of the bright bevy.
On gentle hearts and spirits brave
The toll of love you'll levy.
We trust that fortune may prove fair,
And life's long pathway rosy,
And love attend the Royal pair,
The young "_Promessi Sposi._"

An Engli