'Tis useless to cant
Of freedom of contract, supply and demand,
And all the cold sophistries ever on hand
Sound sense to supplant.

A phrase takes the place of an argument often.
And stomachs go empty, and brains slowly soften,
And sense sick with dizziness,
All in the name of the bosh men embody
In one clap-trap phrase that dupes many a noddy,
That--business is business!

Business? Yes, precious bad business for them, Sir,
Whose joyless enslavement _you_ take with such phlegm, Sir,
Suppose, to enhance
Their small share of ease, such as you, were content, Sir,
To lower a trifle your precious "per cent.," Sir,
And give _them_ a chance!

* * * * *

[Illustration: SOFT SAWDER.

"BUT I DON'T CALL THIS A FASHIONABLE 'AT!"

"IT WILL SOON _BECOME_ SO, MADAM, IF _YOU_ WEAR IT!"]

* * * * *

OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.