Freedom's keystone is Law, yes; that there's no doubt on, It's sutthin that's--wha' d'ye call it?--divine,-- The brutes who break it hain't nutthin' to boast on On your side or mine o' the seethin' brine. Uncle Sam is free, and he sez, sez he:-- "If assassins gang 'em I'm game to hang 'em, An' so git rid on 'em soon," sez he. 'Tis well for sleek cits for to lounge on their soffies, And chat about "Law and Order," an' sich. A formula pleasant for them in office, Home-stayin' idlers, well-guarded rich. Uncle SAM is free, but he sez, sez he:-- "Whar life's a fight, Law, based on right, May need the 'strong arm' of a Man," sez he. Now don't go to say I'm the friend of force; Best keep all your spare breath for coolin' your broth; And when just Law has a fair clar course, All talk of "wild justice" is frenzy and froth. Uncle SAM is free, but he sez, sez he:-- "If he gits within hail Of the Glan-na-Gael, Or the _Mafia_ either, he shoots," sez he. This ain't no matter for sauce or swagger-- Too summary judgment both scout, I hope; Though _ef_ it's a chice betwixt rope and dagger, I can't help sayin' I prefer the rope. Uncle SAM is free, and he sez, sez he:-- "At a pinch I'll not flinch From a touch of Lynch,-- That is--at a very _hard_ pinch!" sez he. But Lynch Law, UMBERTO, _or_ Secret Society, Both are bad, though the latter's wust; We'll soon get shut of _either_ variety, You and me, UMBERTO, or so I trust. Uncle SAM is free, but he sez, sez he:-- "Assassination Won't build a nation, Nor yet the _un_legalised rope," sez he. Withdraw your Ambassador! Wal, that _air_ summary! Italian irons so soon git hot! Ironclads? Sure that's mere militant flummery. Don't want to rile, but I'll tell you what: Uncle SAM is free, but he sez, sez he:-- "Let FAVA stay, Take the _Mafia_ away, And we'll call it aright square deal!" sez he. * * * * * PRESENTED AT COURT.--Acting upon the suggestions made in these columns a week ago, the Author of _The Volcano_, and the company of the Court Theatre have effected the most valuable alterations in the play of the evening. The Second Act now concludes with the interrupted singing of _The Wolf_, which brings down the Curtain with a roar of laughter, and the Third Act is also generally improved. Mrs. JOHN WOOD is seen at her best as the interviewing lady-journalist, which is condensing in a sentence a volume of praise. Mr. ARTHUR CECIL, as the Duke, is equally admirable; and Mr. WEEDON GROSSMITH, although scarcely in his element as a Member of Parliament of noble birth, is distinctly amusing. Altogether, _The Volcano_ causes explosions of merriment in all parts of the house, and has entirely escaped the once-impending danger of fizzling out like a damp squib. * * * * *