Suppose we try that old Gaul game!" HARCURTIUS cries, "I will!" Then silently and slowly, and all in single file, They climb towards the Citadel. HARCURTIUS, with a smile, Hath his head o'er the ramparts, when--Great CÆSAR, what is this? They're greeted with one loud, prolonged, and universal _hiss_! The sudden sibilation out of silence startles all, HARCURTIUS clangs his buckler, OTTO nearly hath a fall, "Great gods, the Geese are on us, those confounded Sacred Geese, See their long necks, twig their broad beaks! Cease, senile cacklers, cease!" So gaspeth great HARCURTIUS, but gaspeth all in vain. The gaff is blown, the anserine guard gives tongue with might and main. A stir, a tramp of mailèd feet, a torch-flare! Whillaloo! "Say, is this MARCUS MANLIUS? No, hang it, there be two, SALISBURIUS and GOSCHENIUS, with a host, no doubt, behind, They're on their guard, whate'er may chance, we shall not 'catch 'em blind' Like gudgeon. No! there's not a chance of a surprise by night; If the Gauls take the Citadel, ye gods, they'll have to _fight_!" How history repeats itself! At least we must agree, The Geese have roused the Capital? And _saved_ it? We shall see! * * * * * [Illustration: THE ATTACK ON THE "CAPITAL."] * * * * * [Illustration: SO ARTLESS! SCENE--_A Cinderella Dance._ _Swell_ (_to ingenuous Maiden_). "ARE YOU ENGAGED?" _Ingenuous Maiden._ "NO--BUT--I SHOULD SO LIKE TO BE!" [_And, as the old game has it, the consequences were ----!_] * * * * * "COME HITHER, HUBERT!"