"The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE said, 'The extent to which Refreshers are
carried in these days makes my historical mouth water. In my younger
days at the Bar'--"

[Illustration]

(_Cue for Song._)

"In my younger days at the Bar, Tra la la la!" &c.

* * * * *

THE NEW BROOM, AND THE BLACK PEERAGE.

(_RHYME BY A RAD._)

[Lord SALISBURY, in his article in the _National Review_ for
November, makes fun of Mr. FREDERIC HARRISON's assertion that
the Government could, at a pinch, secure a majority in the
Upper Chamber by elevating five hundred Sweeps (which Lord
S. calls the "Black Peerage") to the House of Lords, with the
assent of the Crown.]

Five hundred? Good gracious! there's no need of that.
"Black Peerage," indeed! Though as black as my hat,
They could hardly be blacker than SALISBURY's lot;
But to talk of such sooty recruits is sheer rot.
That bad Upper House to reform--or degrade--
We don't want the charge of this queer Dark Brigade.
Five hundred? FRED HARRISON, you _are_ a green one!