[_Lines inspired by a dark lady, who remarked_, à propos _of a recent disaster, that all fair girls were untrustworthy._]
Phyllis hath a roving eye, Palest blue--a candid feature Which informs the passer-by Phyllis is a flighty creature; Golden locks and fair complexion Also point in that direction.
I, who had arranged to be Joined to Phyllis by the vicar, Now that she has jilted me Scorn to seek relief in liquor. Or the tears that folk are shedding (Having missed a swagger wedding).
He who stole my love away Cannot hope for long survival, And I pity him to-day As I did a former rival Who believed her single-hearted When my own flirtation started.
"The Imperial yacht with the Tsar and Imperial Family on board steamed through the British lines yesterday, afterwards lunching on the British flagship."--_Bombay Chronicle._
"Then the material loveliness becomes the diaphanous veil through which glint realities of which all phenomena are expressions."--_Croydon Advertiser & Surrey County Reporter._
"His memory and his noble face, and reverend crown of snow, will be a green spot, and indelibly written in our minds, whilst life lasts."--_Methodist Recorder._
"The work of restoring the church tower at Cheriton Bishop has been completed, and Mr. Leach has been completed, and Mr. W. Leach has entertained the men engaged on the work at tea."--_Western Morning News._
"To-day two Greek documents (one of them dated 88 B.C., and supposed to be the earliest document on parchment known) will be sold."--_Daily Graphic._
Scholarly letter-writers before the Christian era were always careful to put B.C. after the year.
With the approach of the silly season one's thoughts turn naturally to the prospect of stealing into print and enjoying all the sweets of authorship without the reception of a cheque to vulgarise them. An infinite variety of topics, our representative gathered yesterday, is now on the eve of discussion, and the quill that cannot find something to say on at least one of them had better return to its native goose without delay.
"Mother of Ten," we were informed by the courteous editor of _The Halfpenny Bleater_, will as usual open that journal's discussion, and this year her thoughts have turned to bathing fatalities. "Should Land Crabs Learn Swimming" is the subject which she (or, to betray an office secret, he) has selected. Due emphasis on the necessity for university costume in the case of an affirmative reply to the question will be laid by "Paterfamilias," who will contribute the second letter of the series.