* * * * * =NEGATIVE KNOWLEDGE.= WE never knew a cabman with an eyeglass, or a chimneysweep with spectacles. We never knew a lady buy a bargain at a shop sale, and not afterwards regret it. We never knew a man propose the toast of the evening, without his wishing that it had not been placed in abler hands. We never knew a waiter in a hurry, at a chop-house, who did not say that he was "Coming, Sir!" when really he was going. We never lost a game to a professional at billiards, without hearing him assign his triumph chiefly to his flukes. * * * * * TO THE STATE COACHMAN. (_Suggested by a Passage in the new Q. R._) "CANNING did not know that tadpoles Turn to frogs." Each fool explodes: But that Queller of the Yelpers Knew that patriots turn to toads. GLADSTONE goes in for omniscience; Does the team obey the bit As when PAM'S whip stung with banter, Or when CANNING'S cut with wit? WILLIAM! _Punch_, who likes you, counsels-- Mix some humour with your zeal, Making humbugs think is hopeless: Be content to make them _feel_. * * * * * =No Misnomer.= A CORRESPONDENT of the _Times_, whose note is headed "Civil Service Grammar," writes a remonstrance because he has seen a Government Cart going about inscribed "Her Majesty's Stationary Office." He is evidently under a misconception as to what office is meant, for what man who reflects on the progress of the new Law Courts, the new National Gallery, the new Natural History Museum, the Wellington Monument, &c., can doubt for a moment that "Her Majesty's Stationary Office" is the Office of Works and Public buildings? * * * * * IN ANGELÆ HONOREM. "A Meeting was held in the Hall of Columbia Market, on Monday evening, SIR THOMAS DAKIN in the Chair, to consider what testimonial of public respect and gratitude should be offered to BARONESS BURDETT COUTTS."--_Daily News._ SWEET names there are that carry sweet natures in their sound; Whose ring, like hallowed bells of old, seems to shed blessing round: Such a name of good omen, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, is thine; And hers, our ANGELA'S, for all in want and woe that pine. The QUEEN has made her noble; but ere that rank was given, She had donned robe and coronet of the peerage made in Heaven: Baptised in purer honour than from earthly fountain flows, Raised to a prouder Upper House than our proud island knows. The loftiest of that peerage are of lowliest mood and will; And this their proudest lordship, Love's service to fulfil: Chief Stewards and High Almoners of the goods Heaven bestows-- 'Tis theirs to see that Charity in Wisdom's channels flows.