The dust lies thick on your bloated form,
And the year draws to its close,
And the baccy-jar's been emptied--by
My laundress, I suppose.
Smokeless and hopeless, with reeling brain,
I turn to the oaken shelf,
And take you down, while my hot tears rain,
And smoke you, you brute, myself.

* * * * *

[Illustration: PARNELL'S PARLIAMENTARY PUPPETS. THE STRINGS IN A
TANGLE!]

* * * * *

[Illustration: LORD'S IN DANGER. THE M.C.C. GO OUT TO MEET THE ENEMY.

"Sir EDWARD WATKIN proposes to construct a Railway passing through
Lord's Cricket Ground."]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

_House of Commons, Monday, December 1._--Tithes Bill down for Second
Reading. GRAND YOUNG GARDNER places Amendment on the paper, which