Could I only escape for a second on strike.

Could I quiver concealed by yon mimic Rialto,
Till I swooped with a warrior's music and swing,
Were I only allowed, as I ought, and I shall, to
Be avenged on your barbarous hordes with my sting.
I would tilt at the fogs that mock Italy's glory,
I would pounce on the rabble--an insolent fry;--
With my forefathers' motto, "_Pro Patria mori_,"
I'd annihilate ALFY and 'ARRY--and die!

* * * * *

OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

[Illustration]

_The Real Japan_ is the title modestly given by Mr. HENRY NORMAN to
his book published by FISHER UNWIN. This, my "CO." remarks, seems to
imply that all the rest (including the lady BIRD's not unknown work)
is, as the Gentleman in trouble, who wanted to secure the advocacy
of _Mr. Jaggers_, said, "cagmagger." This tone of bumptiousness
is occasionally apparent in passages of the book, and is perhaps
sufficiently explained by the circumstance, mentioned in the preface,
that a number of the papers originally appeared in the _Pall
Mall Gazette_. Foible apart, HENRY the Norman has contributed an
interesting chapter to the history of a singularly attractive people.
There is nothing new in the heavier parts, which smell vilely of Blue
Books, and might as well have been written in Northumberland Street
as in Yokohama. HENRY is best in the glimpses he gives of the people