I sigh for men of muscle who could fight a fight like BENDIGO.
He didn't fight in feather-beds, or spend his days in chattering,
But faced his man, and battered him, or took his foeman's battering.
He didn't deal in gas, or waste his time in mere retort at all;
But now the "pugs" are interviewed, and journalists report it all.
A man may call it what he will, brutality or bravery,
I'd rather have the prize-ring back than give a purse to knavery.
Knaves fight for points, the audience shouts and wrangles in allotting 'em;
I hate their fancy-work, I'm off to take the train to Nottingham.
I like a Man; though modern men and modern manners mend, I go
To drop a last regretful tear o'er poor departed BENDIGO.

* * * * *

[Illustration: GENTLE SARCASM.

"YESSIR; I GITS 'OME FROM MY LAST JOURNEY AT MIDNIGHT,--AN' THEN I 'AS
THE _REST_ OF THE HEVENIN' TO _MYSELF_!"]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

_House of Commons, Monday, June 1._--House of Commons, as usual
at this time of Session, driven against wall in its struggles with
appointed work. With brief recesses, been at work since November last.
One thing everyone insists on is that Prorogation shall take place
at end of July. Difficult to see how even by most masterly management