["The French believed so implicitly in Russian friendship,
even when there was nothing whatever to indicate its
existence, that they may be excused for rating at more than
they are worth expressions of goodwill, which, after all, are
as ambiguous as they are tardy.... The success of a Russian
Loan is not dearly purchased by a little effusion, which,
after all, commits Russia to nothing. French sentiment
is always worth cultivating in that way, because, unlike
the British variety, it has a distinct influence upon
investments."--_Daily Paper_.]

"But just fancy the confusion
When a bear has burst his fetters!"

HEINE's _Atta Troll_.

AIR--"_BLOUDIE JACKE_."

Oh! why does your eye gleam so bright?
Russian Bear?
Oh! why does your eye gleam so bright?
You've broken your fetters. Like some of your betters,
Your freedom moves some with affright.
All right?
Well, _that_'s reassuring,--oh! _quite_!

Yes, your optic gleams piggishly bright,
Russian Bear;
It gleams with true ursine delight.
'Tis done--France is won, And 'tis capital fun