Who love pure melody and polished Art.
Memory will echo long the silvery chime
Of such a voice as even ruthless Time
Might stay his stride to listen to, and spare
From the corroding touch. Some scarce will care
To hear "_Tom Bowling_" sung by other lips,
And when in tenor strains "_Total Eclipse_"
Sounds next upon our ears, SIMS REEVES will seem
To sing again to us as in a pleasant dream.

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

[Illustration: Mr. McEwan.]

_House of Commons, Monday, May 4_.--Windbag SEXTON had fine
opportunity to-night; made the most of it. SEYMOUR KEAY absent through
greater part of sitting. Various rumours current in explanation of the
happy accident. Influenza hinted at; but Grand Young GARDNER, who is
familiar with both, says _Grippe_ much too knowing to link itself with
Member for Elgin and Nairn. Towards Eleven o'Clock, rumour set at rest
by appearance of KEAY. Simple explanation of temporary absence is,
that he has been at home, drawing up a few more Amendments.

In his absence. Windbag had it all to himself. How many speeches he
has made through the dreary sitting am afraid to reckon up. Members
going off to write letters, smoke a cigar, read evening papers, or