They--an' some lassies that giggled an' squealed.

The houn's they rioted like the devil
(They ran a hare an' they killed a goose);
I cursed Caubeen, but he looked me level:
"The boys are away--so what's the use?"

The mists lie clingin' on bog an' heather,
Haws hang red on the silver thorn;
It's huntin' weather, ay, huntin' weather,
But trumpets an' bugles have beat the horn!

* * * * *

A Debt of Honour.

Mr. Punch ventures to plead on behalf of the nine hundred men of the
Royal Naval Division who were taken prisoners by the enemy in the
retirement from Antwerp. Less fortunate than those of the same Division
who were interned in Holland (for want of official information most
people imagine that all the missing were so interned), they lack the
necessities of life. Parcels of food are sent to them, fortnightly to
each man, as well as clothing and tobacco; and it is known that they
receive all that is sent. Mr. Punch begs his readers to help the fund
from which these simple comforts are provided, and to address their
gifts to Lady GWENDOLEN GUINNESS, at 11, St. James's Square, S.W.

* * * * *

From a report of Mr. LLOYD GEORGE'S speech:--

"The works of Ireland have been extremely helpful, and I am glad
to acknowledge that I have been extremely helpful."

_Manchester Guardian._

On this occasion the MINISTER OF MUNITIONS appears to have allowed
himself the privilege of "thinking aloud."

* * * * *

"_The Daily Mail_ will not be published to-morrow, and for that
reason we seize the occasion to-day of bidding our readers a
merry Christmas,"--_Daily Mail of December 24th._

And a very good reason too.

* * * * *

Seasonable.

"The Canadian Government has granted to Canadian troops oversea
and in training at home a Christmas allowance of one chilling."

_Provincial Paper._

* * * * *

"He much regretted that it was not possible to-day to
communicate the results of the Derby Report in any detail, or,
indeed, at all. The task had been one of stupendous bagnitude."

_Evening Standard._

Yes, but how big was the bag?

* * * * *

Two descriptions of the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff:--

"Of Scottish descent, and familiar