Mr. SPEAKER, Sir, at a time like the present--when the enemies of the Empire are clamouring at our gates, when envy walks hand-in-hand with malice, and our fate is in our own hands--we should be bold and resolute. It is not for a young Member like myself to point out the course that we should pursue, but I venture to think that, by ignoring the terrors of the past with the courage of the present, we shall avert the dangers of the future. It has been said--and truly said--that the sun never sets upon the British Empire. Let us believe in that sun, and find in its rays an earnest of that glory which was the birthright of our ancestors, and which, should be the birthright of our descendants from generation to generation. * * * * * [Illustration: ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. _Antony_ ... JOHN BULL. _Cleopatra_ ... EGYPT. _Mecaenas_ ... H. L-B-CH-RE. _Enobarbus_ ... GL-DST-NE. _Mecaenas_ (_aside to_ ENOBARBUS). "NOW ANTONY MUST LEAVE HER UTTERLY." _Enobarbus_ (_aside to_ MECAENAS). "NEVER; HE WILL NOT." (_Apart._) "AT LEAST, NOT YET." _Ant. and Cleo., Act II. Scene 2, adapted._ * * * * * MR. GLADSTONE'S CHANGE OF NAME. He was "The People's WILLIAM." He will Be known in future as "Our Home-Rule BILL." * * * * * HIGH NOTES FOR A VIOLIN.--Last week a Stradivarius (_vide Daily News_), a real genuine "Strad," sold at PUTTICK AND SIMPSON'S for L860. Fiddle de L. S. Dee! * * * * * IN THE TIME OF THE RESTAURATION.--They're going it! Feeding, feeding everywhere, and not a bit to eat--without paying for it pretty heavily. We gather from a note in _Sala's Journal_, that LONG'S Hotel now possesses a "Restauration." Of course, those who live in "Short's Gardens," won't be able to patronise "LONG'S." The management is announced as under the direction of a "M. DIETTE," and, as he has obtained no inconsiderable renown (so we are informed) at the Berkeley and Bristol, patrons of LONG'S may expect something superior, by way of "DIETTE-ary." * * * * * MR. PUNCH TO THE BETROTHED PAIR. (_The Duke of York and the Princess May of Teck._) MAY 3, 1893. 'Mid the bird-chorus of the May, From glade and garden madly ringing, There sounds one welcome note to-day, Round the glad world its way 'tis winging. You hear--you hear the general cheer That greets it! 'Twill suffice to show you That all who love you joy to hear. And all who love are all who know you! Soft music of the marriage-bell Seems woven 'midst the world's Spring Voices. In truth, there's little need to tell How in the prospect _Punch_ rejoices. His well-pleased eye has watched your way; His loyal heart has shared your sadness; Now on this bright Betrothal-Day Your gladness he acclaims--with gladness! * * * * *