The colts are pasturin', bold an' lusty, Sleek they are with their coats aglow, Ripe to break, but the bits grow rusty And the saddles sit in a dusty row. Old O'Dwyer was here a-Monday With a few grey gran'fathers out for a field (Like the ghostly hunt of a dead an'-done day), They--an' some lassies that giggled an' squealed. The houn's they rioted like the devil (They ran a hare an' they killed a goose); I cursed Caubeen, but he looked me level: "The boys are away--so what's the use?" The mists lie clingin' on bog an' heather, Haws hang red on the silver thorn; It's huntin' weather, ay, huntin' weather, But trumpets an' bugles have beat the horn! * * * * * A Debt of Honour. Mr. Punch ventures to plead on behalf of the nine hundred men of the Royal Naval Division who were taken prisoners by the enemy in the retirement from Antwerp. Less fortunate than those of the same Division who were interned in Holland (for want of official information most people imagine that all the missing were so interned), they lack the necessities of life. Parcels of food are sent to them, fortnightly to each man, as well as clothing and tobacco; and it is known that they receive all that is sent. Mr. Punch begs his readers to help the fund from which these simple comforts are provided, and to address their gifts to Lady GWENDOLEN GUINNESS, at 11, St. James's Square, S.W. * * * * * From a report of Mr. LLOYD GEORGE'S speech:-- "The works of Ireland have been extremely helpful, and I am glad to acknowledge that I have been extremely helpful." _Manchester Guardian._ On this occasion the MINISTER OF MUNITIONS appears to have allowed himself the privilege of "thinking aloud." * * * * * "_The Daily Mail_ will not be published to-morrow, and for that reason we seize the occasion to-day of bidding our readers a merry Christmas,"--_Daily Mail of December 24th._ And a very good reason too. * * * * * Seasonable. "The Canadian Government has granted to Canadian troops oversea and in training at home a Christmas allowance of one chilling." _Provincial Paper._ * * * * * "He much regretted that it was not possible to-day to communicate the results of the Derby Report in any detail, or, indeed, at all. The task had been one of stupendous bagnitude." _Evening Standard._ Yes, but how big was the bag? * * * * * Two descriptions of the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff:-- "Of Scottish descent, and familiarly known to the Army as 'Jock,' he is one of the most remarkable soldiers of the time." _Glasgow Evening Times._ "That he is known throughout the whole Army simply as 'Wullie' is a sure token that the private soldier has taken him to his heart."