he did, at considerable length. But a poor consolation for lost
opportunity.

Congratulated the suffering SPEAKER on this accident; pointed out to
him things were bad enough; but might be worse.

"I suppose, TOBY," he said, "you never read PRIOR? Haven't looked him
up for many years; but, sitting here through this week, there is one
couplet--from his _Solomon_, I think--ever running through my mind:--

'ABRA was ready ere I called her name;
And, though I call'd another, ABRA came.'

Just like SEXTON."

_Business done_.--One Clause added to Land Bill.

* * * * *

"GREY APES OF AGE."

"Grey hair is fashionable for the youthful,"
Says a Mode oracle acknowledged truthful.
Strange that Society should have a rage
For that anomaly--artificial Age!
Dust on their heads our pretty women toss,
Just to deprive it of its pristine gloss.
Make ashen-white your eyebrows, there, and lashes,
Precocious hags! The world's but dust and ashes.
Wrinkles and crowsfeet next must have their turn