I am now engaged on a Libretto for an heroic opera.

What offers?

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE IMPERIAL JACK-IN-THE-BOX.

_Chorus_ (_Everybody_). "EVERYTHING IN ORDER EVERYWHERE! O! WHAT A
SURPRISE! SOLD AGAIN!"]

* * * * *

THE IMPERIAL JACK-IN-THE-BOX.

A SONG FOR THE SHOUTING EMPEROR.

AIR--"_THE MAJOR-GENERAL._"

I am the very pattern of a Modern German Emperor,
Omniscient and omnipotent, I ne'er give way to temper, or
If now and then I run a-muck in a Malay-like fashion,
As there's method in my madness, so there's purpose in my passion.
'Tis my aim to manage _everything_ in order categorical--
My fame as Cosmos-maker I intend shall be historical.
I know they call me _Paul Pry_, say I'm fussy and pragmatical--
But that's because sheer moonshine always hates the mathematical.
I'm not content to "play the King" with an imperial pose in it--
Whatever is marked "Private" I shall up and poke my nose in it.