Fallen! And not as leaders love to fall, In battle's forefront, loved and mourned by all; But fiercely fighting, as for his own hand, With the scant remnant of a broken band; His chieftainship, well-earned in many a fray, Rent from him--by himself! None did betray This sinister strong fighter to his foes; He fell by his own action, as he rose. He had fought all--himself he could not fight, Nor rise to the clear air of patient right. Somewhere his strenuous soul unsoundly rang, When closely tested. Let the laurels hang About his tomb, for, with whatever fault, He led with valour cool a fierce assault Upon a frowning fortress, densely manned With strong outnumbering enemies. He planned Far-seen campaigns apparently forlorn; He fronted headlong hate and scourging scorn, Impassively persistent. But the task Of coldly keeping up the Stoic mask O'ertaxed him at the last; it fell, and lo! Another face was bared to friend and foe. Scarce to his foes will generous judgment lean-- Foes mean as merciless, and false as mean, Their poisoned pens, which even softening Death, Which hate should hush and stifle slander's breath, May not deprive of venom, prodding still The unresponsive corse they helped to kill, Is an ignoble sight. Turn, turn away! Mean hates pursue the MARMION of our day, A nobler foe, like DOUGLAS, well may rue His fall, and sigh, "'Tis pity of him, too!" * * * * * MOTTO FOR THE MOMENT. (_BY A MILITANT RADICAL CANDIDATE._) Ah! I must trounce the Tory foe, And love my Toiling neighbour. The cry with which to fight I go Is "Labour and _Be_labour!" * * * * * [Illustration: "WHEN A MAN DOES NOT LOOK HIS BEST."--NO. 2. WHEN THE ROAD-CAR STOPS SUDDENLY JUST AS HE IS CAUTIOUSLY DESCENDING THE STAIRCASE!] * * * * * THE G.P. AND THE G.P.O. (_A DIALOGUE STRICTLY ACCORDING TO PRECEDENT._) _General Public_. I am sorry to say the condition of the Postal Service is really extremely defective. The delay in the delivery of letters is most annoying. Frequently a note which should be received in the evening is not obtained until the following morning--proof of this being given by the post-marks. [Illustration] _General Post Office_. Your complaint shall receive consideration. _G.P._ You are most kind. Next, a telegram despatched from one part of London to another part, sometimes takes eight hours, and the reason given is that the counter-clerk has a discretionary power to retain telegrams until he has what he considers a sufficient supply for the messenger to take out for delivery. This naturally causes much delay and consequent inconvenience. _G.P.O._ Your complaint shall receive consideration.