Hearken then, ye youths and maidens, favoured Children of the West, East and South and North are children, who are hungering for rest. They have never seen the country, never heard the streamlet flow: London pavements, London darkness, London squalor,--these they know. Not for them to range the moorland, or to climb the mountain-side; They must linger on in London, till the grave their sorrows hide. From year's end to dreary year's end they must pace the noisy street. Do you hear the ceaseless echo of their weary, weary feet? Just one day without your wine, Sir! Madam, just one ribbon less, And one wearied child in London from afar your name will bless. Think, ere now you seek your boredom in fresh pleasure-draughts to drown, Three or four benighted Millions still are left behind in Town! * * * * * GENERAL OPINION ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF INLAND REVENUE.--"MILNER's Safe." * * * * * CANVASSERS AND CANVASSED. (_AN ELECTIONEERING REMINISCENCE._) SCENE--_A narrow South London Street of two-storeyed houses, with a Rag-and-Bone Shop at one end and a Public House at the other. Time, about four o'clock on a warm Saturday afternoon. Enter Mr. CARLTON-JERMYN, a middle-aged gentleman, in faultless get-up, who, in a moment of weakness, has undertaken to canvass the district for his friend, the Conservative Candidate._ _Mr. C.-J._ (_to himself, as he regards his surroundings with dismay, and tries to arrange his canvassing-cards_). I suppose this _is_ Little Anna Maria Street? I didn't understand at the Committee Rooms that it was _quite_ such a--however, I must do my best for dear old TILNEY. Who's the first man I must see and "use my best endeavours to persuade him into promising his vote?" Ah, Mr. J. SPLURGE, No. 1. (_He picks his way delicately along, attempting to make out the numbers on the doors, which are all thrown back; female residents watch him from doorsteps and windows with amused interest._) No. 5; No. 3; the next is No. 1. (_It is; but the entrance is blocked by a small infant with a very dirty face, who is slung in a baby-chair between the door-posts._) Very embarrassing, really! Can't ask such a child as this if Mr. SPLURGE is at home! I'll knock. (_Stretches for the knocker across the child, who, misinterpreting his intentions, sets up a howl._) My good child, I assure you ... for Heaven's sake, don't!... I--I wonder whether I ought to _kiss_ it--some fellows would! [Illustration: "I wonder whether I ought to _kiss_ it--some fellows would!"] _Female Voice_ (_from side-window_). You leave that pore child alone, will yer--or I'll come out and _tork_ to you, d'y'ear?