If witnesses are to be permitted with impunity to snatch out of the Judge's mouth the jokes which naturally arise out of their evidence, our whole judicial system will be imperilled. In offering an explanation as to why "it goes in one ear and out of the other," the witness committed a grave breach of etiquette. That explanation, if made at all, should have been made by the Judge in the first place. Or if, after due opportunity had been given, his Lordship showed no desire to avail himself of the opening, then the privilege should have fallen to the examining counsel. If he in turn waived it, it should have been open to counsel on the other side to snap up the chance. We fail to understand how such a remark, coming from a witness, could have been allowed to pass without rebuke from the Judge or protest from the counsel, or some attempt at least to maintain order on the part of the usher. * * * * * THE CHANTRY. Grey dust lies on his battered face; The glories of his shield are dim; Half vanished are the words of grace Beseeching pity and peace for him Along the Purbeck rim. His hands are folded palm to palm (Some fingers lacking on the right), And at his peaked feet the calm Old lion shows he fell in fight, As best became a knight. The ivy shakes its tattered leaves Where once he saw the painted pane; The brooding, scurrying spider weaves Where cloth of damask dyed in grain Will never hang again. With missal propped upon his helm For him no drowsy chantor pleads; But blackbirds in the darkening elm Sing plain-song, and the Abbey meads Retell their daisy-beads. D. M. S. * * * * * [Illustration: _Lady_. "AND WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST SITUATION?" _Prospective Maid_. "WELL, THAT'S A BIT INQUISITIVE, AIN'T IT, MUM? I DIDN'T ASK YOU WHY YOUR LAST GIRL LEFT YOU."] * * * * * OUR BOOKING-OFFICE. (_By Mr. Punch's Staff of Learned Clerks_.)