_Punch_, of well-fitting phrases ready minter, Christened his favourite forty years ago; Hailed as "The Nightingale that Sings in Winter,"[A] The Swedish songstress whom the voice of woe Moved ever, as her own Moved the applauding multitude; alone, Amidst the stars of Opera's tuneful quire, To succour ever prompt as potent to inspire! "Dear JENNY LIND!" So then his song addressed her Who still is "JENNY LIND," and still is dear. Though Genius praised, and Fashion's crowd caressed her, She sank not, like some stars, below her sphere Into those darkening mists Whose taint the true and tender heart resists. Her nature fame was powerless to soil, Whom splendour hardened not, and puffery could not spoil. How the crowd rushed and crushed, and cheered and clamoured, Forty years syne, to hang upon her song! Of _La Sonnambula's_ heroine enamoured, Thrilled by the flute-like trillings sweet as strong Of their dear Nightingale. _Amina_, _Lucia_, _Alice_, each they'd hail With fervent plaudits, in whose flush and stir Love of her silvery song was blent with love of her. And each well earned! The crowd would press and jostle To hear their favourite warbler, from whose throat, Clear as the lark, and mellow as the throstle, The limpid melody would soar and float. Now like a shattered lute, The Nightingale who sang in winter's mute; But long remembered that pure life shall be, To Music dedicate and vowed to Charity. [A] See _Punch_, Vol. XVI., p. 15. * * * * * [Illustration: "THE LABOUR MARKET." _First East Countryman._ "SHALL YEAOU VOOTE FOR THE DIS'TABLISHMENT O' TH' CHU'CH?" _Second Ditto (firmly)._ "No; thar I 'on't, Bo'! Work's scass enow as 'T IS--BUT IF WE WAS TO HEV ALL THEM PARSONS TU'NNED OUT, AN' GOIN' 'BOUT PLOUGHIN', AN' HEDGIN', AN' MOWIN', AN' HARVESTIN', WE SHOULD BE WUSS OFF THAN WE ARE NOW!"] * * * * * "THE BEARING OF IT LIES IN THE APPLICATION." "Spare no efforts to maintain the magnificent inheritance which has descended from your forefathers," said Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, when bidding a temporary good-bye to Birmingham.