venture a selection until the morning of the race--and _this_ is where
the perspicuity of an Editor like yourself, _Mr. Punch_, scores a
distinct hit--for such a paltry consideration as "knowing nothing
about it" is not likely to daunt a woman who takes as her motto the
well-known line from SHAKSPEARE: "Thus Angels rush where Cowards fear
to tread!"--so herewith I confidently append my verse selection for
the last Mare in the Oaks!

Yours devotedly,
LADY GAY.

THE TIP.

'Tis the voice of the Sluggard, I hear him complain,
You have waked me too soon--an unpleasant surprise!
In an hour or so later pray call me again,
When, if feeling refreshed, I will straightway "_Arise!_"

* * * * *

QUITE IN KEEPING.--The Earl of DYSART has left the ranks of the
Liberal Unionists and become a Gladstonian Home-Ruler. "What more
natural?" asked one of his former Unionist friends. "Of course he's
dysarted us!"

* * * * *

[Illustration: A MISUNDERSTANDING.

_He._ "OH, IF I'D ONLY BEEN A 'BEAR'!"