[Last week the Emperor of GERMANY presented Prince BISMARCK with a sword sheathed in gold as a birthday present.--_Vide Daily Papers._] A HISTORICAL PARALLEL.--"The notice you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it."--_Extract from Dr. Johnson's Letter to Lord Chesterfield, February 1755._] * * * * * [Illustration: AN INNOCENT. _Sportsman_ (_who has been training a "Dark 'Un" of his own for the "Grand National"_). "THERE, MY BOY, THERE'S A FIFTY TO ONE CHANCE FOR YOU! NOW, JUST YOU TAKE MY ADVICE, AND GET ON AT ONCE!" _Little Greensmith._ "GET ON, EH? THANKY! PREFER TO SEE THE LAD ON HIM, THANKY!"] * * * * * BISMARCK'S BIRTHDAY; _Or, a Tardy Tribute._ ["In the presence of this band I now come to hand my gift to your Serene Highness. I could find no better present than a sword, the noblest weapon of the Germans, a symbol of that weapon which your Highness, with my blessed grandfather, helped to forge, to sharpen, and also to wield--a symbol of that great building-time during which the mortar was blood and iron, a remedy which never fails."--_The German Emperor, in presenting a Sword of Honour to Prince Bismarck, in celebration of his eightieth birthday._] ["The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it."--_Doctor Johnson to the Earl of Chesterfield._] Not the Dropped Pilot now![A] The circling years Bring their revenges, and to-day he stands, Age-bowed but firm, amidst the ringing cheers Of the young Monarch's mailed Germanic bands; And with proud patience takes, from lesser hands, The proffered Symbol-sword! Grim face, with years and labours scarred and scored, What marvel should those lines relax awhile To a Saturnian smile? Splendid old Sword-smith, WIELAND of our day, Bestwielder of the matchless steel you made, This "Sword of Honour" is but baby play Compared with that tremendous Balsung-blade Forged by the mightiest master of his trade Since the great Norseman wrought, For the fierce battle-field where Titans fought. What may the shouting young AMILIAS know Of its great swashing blow? He prates of Brandenburg, Iron and Blood, In swelling royal rhetoric, but _you_ hear The clash of squadrons in war's sternest mood In that "great building-time"; and the boy-cheer Of him who, eager the State-bark to steer, Snatched from your hands the helm, Impetuous Palinurus of the realm,-- That cheer seems bitter and belated now, Hollow, all sound and show!