Strong, silent Soldier, whom the unmarked years Shaped to such service of the Fatherland As seldom to one firm, unfailing hand, A State hath owed; to-day a People's tears Bedew the most illustrious of biers! The waning century hastening to its close Hath scarce a greater on its glory-roll, Hope of thy land, and terror of its foes; Of foresight keen, and long-enduring soul! War's greatness is not greatest; there are heights Of splendour pure mere warriors scarce may scale, But thou wert more than battle's scourge and flail, Calm-souled controller of such Titan fights As mould man's after-history. When thy star Shone clear at Koniggrätz, men gazed and knew The light that heralds the great Lords of War; And when o'er Sedan thy black Eagles flew And the bold Frank, betrayed and broken, drew One shuddering gasp of agony and sank, When thy long-mustered legions rank on rank Hemmed the fair, fated City of men's love, Then thy star culminated, shone above All but the few fixed beacon-lights, which owned A new compeer. Long steadfastly enthroned In German hearts, and all men's reverence, Suddenly, softly thou art summoned hence, To the great muster, full of years and fame! How thinks _he_, lord of a co-equal name, Thine ancient comrade in war's iron lists, Just left, and lone, of the Titanic Three Who led the Eagles on to victory? Calmest of Captains, first of Strategists. BISMARCK must bend o'er thy belaurelled bier With more than common grief in the unbidden tear! * * * * * JOKIM AND JOHN.--The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER is following Mr. JOHN HOLLINGSHEAD's example. The latter started "No fees" for Play-time, and the former advocates "No fees" for School-time. * * * * * [Illustration: A PROP OF THE DRAMA. "WHAT, BACK ALREADY, ARCHIE! WAS IT A DULL PIECE, THEN?" "DON'T KNOW. DIDN'T STOP TO SEE. JUST LOOKED ROUND STALLS AND BOXES, AND DIDN'T SEE A SOUL I KNEW!--SO I CAME AWAY."] * * * * * ROBERT AT THE CHILDREN'S FANCY BALL. Well, I've said it afore, and now I says it agane, as I don't bleeve as sich another both bewtifool and elligant site is to be seen in all the world, as is to be seen at these anniwersary yearly festivals in our nobel Egipshun All at the honoured Manshun House. Of course I don't no what sort of intertainement was held there when the aincient Egipshuns had it, or weather they ewer was there at all--for I ain't much of a hantiquery; but, from what I've seen of some on 'em at the British Mewseum, I should think as there werry peculyar style of dress was not much sooted to such occashuns. [Illustration]