When borean blasts blow fierce and free, And winter reigns on land and sea, Who chuckles then with fiendish glee? The plumber. Or warm or cold the breezes blow, From tropic seas or arctic snow, Who comes his “sample lot” to show? The drummer.[26] E. J. S. _Free Press Flashes_, 1882. ――――:o:―――― THE FOG. What stops the nation’s loud lament, And makes some folks almost content With Liberals in Parliament?―― The fog! What, when debaters disagree And fight on this and that decree, With Ministers is pol-i-cee?―― Why, fog! When questioned by Lord RANDY, and―― Well, badgered by an adverse band, Where takes the Grand Old Man his stand?―― In fog! _Judy_, November 22, 1882. ――――:o:―――― THE MAHDI. Everyone just now is hearing a good deal about the Mahdi but no one seems to know what he is like. Until the London Stereoscopic Company sell the gentleman’s photo for a shilling, perhaps the following description may help the public to form some idea of the hero of the hour. THAT’S “HIM.” Who’s forty years――well-nigh, not quite? Who is about the medium height? Who has a beard as black as night? The Mahdi. Whose eyes with fire and passion gleam? Whose hue is that of coffee cream? Whose face shows many a scar and seam? The Mahdi’s. Who’s thinner e’en than Sally B? Who on his cheeks has gashes three? Who’s quite upset our William G.? The Mahdi. Who got his living in the East By dealing in wild bird and beast, And then turned hermit――later priest? The Mahdi. And yet in town receive we may As petted lion of the day―― (Perhaps at Labby’s house he’ll stay)―― The Mahdi. G. R. SIMS, _The Referee_, May 11, 1884. ――――:o:―――― OUR MARQUIS. By a long suffering Tory Peer. Who, by his tyrannous oppression And obstinate and proud aggression, Has really caused this Autumn Session?―― Our Marquis! Who made us vote against the Bill, And thus defy the people’s will? Who wants to keep us stubborn still?―― Our Marquis! Who, much against our inclination, Forced us to take to “demonstration,” And foster outdoor dissipation?―― Our Marquis!