* * * * *

THE TRYST.

"It is stated that the Pungwé route to Mashonaland has been
again closed by the Portuguese Authorities."--_Reuter, May
24_.

[Illustration: _Cecil Rhodes_, "YOU CLEAR OUT! SHE'S MY 'MASH!'"]

Now then, young Obstructive, still playing the sentry,
Where nobody wants you to watch or mount guard?
Are _you_ to rule everyone's exit and entry?
Clear out, my young friend, or with you 'twill go hard.
Yon Portuguese _Tappertit_, turn it up, _do_!
D'ye think I'll be stopped by a monkey like you?

_My_ Mash, that young woman! Will you bar our meeting?
We're sweethearts. Will you interfere with our tryst?
You pert whippersnapper, my sable-skinned sweeting
My masculine wooing's too wise to resist.
Shall RHODES be cut out by a small Portuguese,
With a gun and a swagger? Pooh! Fiddle-de-dee!

We've put up too long with your pranks, my fine fellow,
Because of your size, upon which you presume.
Oh, it's no use to twirl your moustache and look yellow!
Mean having that gal, howsoever you fume.
You'd better behave yourself, boy, or no doubt