Thus sang, or would, or could, or should have sung, The modern Greek, in imitative verse; Meanwhile the Goddess, grave, though ever young, Stood, Psyche-like, untempted to rehearse The ragings--angrier ink was seldom slung-- Uttered by BYRON in Minerva's Curse. She simply stood, as stately-proud as Pallas, Looking so calm, some might have deemed her callous. Amusing sight this game! _Don_ versus _Don_ Mixed in a sort of classic Donny brook. A lethal weapon is a Lexicon When rivals make a bludgeon of the book. By her unaided charms the Goddess won Her way. _This_ is the language of her look. (The Laureate's) "Judge thou me by what I am, "So shalt thou find me, fairest"--_sans_ Compulsory Cram! * * * * * BETWEEN THE ACTS. SCENE--_Europe. The Great Powers discovered in Council._ _Russia_. Now, I think I have arranged matters fairly well. I shall myself lend a hand to France, and that will keep the balance decently level, so far as Germany is concerned. _Germany_. Will it? I can fight you both! _Austria_. Now, keep quiet. If we are to be partners, you must not be so impulsive. _Italy_. Just what I say. Why can't he take it calmly! _Russia_. Well, of course it's not my business; but if you want to break up the Triple Alliance, that's the way to do it! Well, then, France employed with you boys on the Rhine, I shall move down south, and quietly occupy Constantinople. Now, no one could object to that! _Germany_. Why, I should, and so would Austria, wouldn't you? _Austria_. Of course. But what could we do, if we were hard at work with France? _Italy_. Yes; and fancy the Mediterranean becoming a Russian lake! _Russia_. Oh, you would soon grow accustomed to it! Then I should move on to Afghanistan, and quietly make my way to India. But all this has to be done after the first step is taken. England must scuttle out of Egypt. _England_. Scuttle out of Egypt? Why, certainly! After consideration! [_Left considering._ * * * * * [Illustration: MISUNDERSTOOD. _Young Lady_ (_in Contralto tones of remarkable depth and richness_). "HAVE YOU GOT ANY _LOW_ FRENCH SONGS?" _Music Publisher_ (_indignantly_). "_CERTAINLY_ NOT, MISS! YOU MUST TRY SOME OTHER ESTABLISHMENT!"] * * * * * ROBERT ON THE COMING SHO. [Illustration] What a prowd and appy day dear old Whales is about for to have on the werry next Lord Mare's Day, as is cumming, which it's the ninth of nex month, which it's nex Monday. Not only is wun of the werry populusest of living Welchmen a going for to be made Lord MARE on that werry day, but the Prince of WHALES hisself, who was inwited but karnt kum cos he's keepin' his hone Jewbilly at ome that appy and horspigious day. Praps Madam HADDYLEANER PATTY (wich is quite a Welch name) would kum up an give us a treat on this okashun.