Bouncing, belauding, gammoning, Onward the game still goes; But whether in the fistic ring The Champions will close, Why, that is quite another thing, Which nobody quite knows. Thanks, thanks to thee, my fistic friend, For the lesson thou hast taught. If pugs can get a barney up, Whereby the crowd is caught, What matters it whether they'll fight Or whether they _have_ fought? * * * * * TOYING WITH TRUTH.--The Annual _Truth_ Toy Exhibition, which shows the toys provided for any number of Children in our hospitals, workhouses, and infirmaries at Christmas time, will be held at Willis's Rooms, December 19 and 20. No further intimation is necessary. When there a Will is, there a Way is. * * * * * BACON v. SHAKSPEARE. I. Says Misther DONELLY, Who writes so funnily, "Sure, BACON'S side I _am_ on." "The side of BACON," Says _Punch_, "you've taken Against our WILL, is--gammon." II. (_With some allowance made for taking a false quantity._--ED.) American-Irish DON_EL_LY, You're cunning as MICKY O'VELLY, As you've undertaken To prove SHAKSPEARE BACON. Howld your whisht! "_Porker verba_," I tell 'ee. * * * * * SONG FOR MR. PRITCHARD-MORGAN, OF MAWDDACH VALLEY, NEAR DOLGELLY.--"_Darling MINE!_" * * * * * [Illustration: SEVERAL ROUNDS. [Prize-Fighting having once again come into fashion, the above Pugilistic Encounters must be recorded as anticipations of "Boxing-Day."]] * * * * * THE PROFESSOR AT THE DINNER-TABLE. Professor MAHAFFY'S book on _The Art of Conversation_, seems witty, and (in parts) wise. People who want to learn to talk well in society had better consult the genial Professor, who declares that the art can be acquired. In fact he hands to each of his readers, across the visionary "walnuts and the wine," the pinch of Attic Salt which seasons dinner-parties. The theory must, of course, be taken _cum grano_. A few hints (strangely omitted in MAHAFFY'S "Haffy Thoughts,") are here appended:-- Should you happen to be in company with a number of eminent Statesmen belonging to one Party (say, at a dinner, when they can't get away from you,) mind and point out in a loud voice what you conceive to have been the chief errors of policy which they committed in their last Ministry, and what would have been _your_ line in their place. If they are smarting under recent defeat, and have just been turned out of Office, they will be sure to thank you heartily for your kind advice.