His brows were blanched; his eye beneath Flashed like a falchion from its sheath; Red fields had heard his armour clang. But now he smiled and softly sang, Excel no more! In barracks huge he saw the might Of mailed hosts arrayed for fight; Afar the fierce Frank bayonets shone, And from his lips escaped a moan, Excel no more! "Think of the Past!" the young men said, "Like SAUL you towered by the head Midst those three Titans, Prussia's pride!" Softly that once stern voice replied, "Excel no more!" "Oh, stay," the young men cried, "and mix Once more in Teuton Politics!" "Nay," said the Titan, "I grow old, And, like poor TOM, I am a-cold! Excel no more!" "Beware the snow-encumbered branch! Beware the whelming avalanche!" "Thanks!" he replied. "I know, I know. But--well, I rather like the snow! Excel no more!" "Lost in the snow! An easy death! Gentle surcease of mortal breath! I sink, I stiffen, I'm foredone! The feeling though's a pleasant one; Excel no more!" The traveller by his faithful hound Half-buried in the snow was found, Still muttering from a mouth of ice That banner's late and strange device, Excel no more! There in the snow-drift cold and grey, Silent, but stalwart, still he lay, Great "Blood-and-Iron," brave and bold, But--for the nonce--"Out in the Cold!" Excel no more? * * * * * PARLIAMENT IN SPORT; _OR, A MEETING IN EARNEST._ ["Perhaps the popularity of the competition in national sport between the different parts of the Empire is worthy of the serious attention of statesmen ... Mr. ASTLEY COOPER proposes rowing, running and cricket ... There is something fascinating in the idea of such a Pan-Britannic gathering."--_Daily Paper_.] The SPEAKER, having taken his seat in the Pavilion, the Minister for Cricket rose to move the third reading of The Six-balls-to-an-over Bill. The Right Hon. Gentleman said that the amount of time wasted in changing sides, although the field did their best to minimise the loss by assuming a couple of positions alternately, was very serious--especially in a first-class match. The Member for Melbourne begged to ask what _was_ a first-class match? The Member for Sydney replied, certainly not a match between Canada and Victoria. (_Laughter.)_ Now everyone was aware that New South Wales--("_Question! Order! Order!")_ He begged pardon, he was in order. The SPEAKER. I really must request silence. The Minister for Cricket is introducing a most important measure, and the least we can do is to receive his statement with adequate attention. (_General cheering_.) The Minister for Cricket continued, and said that the measure he had the honour to commend to their careful consideration would not only lengthen the over, but also allow Cricket to be played all the year round.