Blankets and soup Dames Bountiful may give,
But what HODGE craves is a fair chance to live
On labour fairly paid, not casual boons.
SALISBURY's "Circuses," and smart buffoons,
Won't move him, by "amusement," from that wish.
Parties may mutually denounce or "dish;"
But what will win the Labourer for a friend
Is Home and Work, without the Workhouse end!
Listen! Those who heed not will bide the loss,
For _Bos locutus est,--against the_ "_Boss_"!

* * * * *

LAYS OF MODERN HOME.

NO. I.--"MY HOUSEMAID!"

[Illustration]

Who, as our Dresden's wreck we scanned,
Protested, with assurance bland,
"It come to pieces in my 'and"?
My Housemaid.

Who "tidies" things each Monday morn,
And hides--until, with search outworn,
I wish I never had been born?
My Housemaid.

Who "turns" my study "out" that day,