The Afghan Chief wrote answer: “You English are cunning and deep! But I’d ask if you’ve ever succeeded in catching a weasel asleep? I know what will come of commissions--just what became of your Embassy, You harried us well four years ago, and I keep good memory. Here stands my Cabul city, here I dwell by your favour at rest, But the tribes of my frontier are evil, and know no respect for a guest: If your commission needs a safe escort on the oath of a trusted friend, I have not the means to protect them. But whom will the Viceroy send? Wilt thou send the poet, Sir A. F. D., the man who advised the last war? He is safer, I ween, on the Naini Tal lake than he would be near Kandahar. Wilt thou send little Bobs--the Bahadur? He is trusted and honoured, I know, But he’s cooling his heels at Ootacamund, and doesn’t seem anxious to go. Shall I ask for the man with the ringlets? the virtuous lovely L--p--l, He is living at home at his ease, writing books, and he has grown a great swell. Where is the chief McG----gr to pledge me the word of his clan? He is there on the pine-clad highlands, a highly-paid, well-placed man. He is shelved with the rest, all promoted they enjoy the reward of the great. Will they come now those I have chosen? I watch for their face and wait, For the bright light shines on promotion, and dark is the downward track, And the Simla hills ring an echo of voices that hold them back. Let the commission stay on the mountain and start as thy message said, When the Amir sends a safe escort--when the Kalends of Greece are sped.” “BALA.” This effusion is amusing no matter how it scans. Lord Ripon was also called upon to decide grave questions arising between British and natives; he embarked at once on a very liberal policy. In accordance therewith the Vernacular Press Act was repealed, and among other measures, the so-called Ilbert Bill was introduced in the Legislative Council, giving native magistrates the same powers with respect to Europeans and Americans as British magistrates, but this aroused such a storm of opposition the measure had to be practically abandoned, Act III of 1884 being a compromise. Lord William, having acquired a useful knowledge of Indian customs and feelings, was able to be a great help to Lord Ripon, who, finding the value of his loyal friend, very shortly appointed him his Military Secretary.