Two brave men--were left in silence-- Whispering with shortened breath, "Don't desert your pal," says LAWRENCE, "Let us have it out with Death! God has strength to still the waters, We have pluck to keep afloat." But the last man with a murmur, Fell exhausted in the boat. "ANDREW! Laddie!"--Death don't answer. "TOM, old pal!" the faintest sigh, "Left me all alone then, have ye? Well _I_ don't intend to die!" Then he thought of home and children, Back came mirrored waves of sin! One lone man midst dead and dying, Felt the water rushing in! One hand on the oar to steer her, One hand free to hoist the sail, When he called--no mate to answer, Sinking now--no boy to bail; Toiling hour on hour exhausted, Captain of a ghastly bier! Till at last the tempest lifted, And he sighted Lerwick Pier. Home at last! the plucky sailor, Home to children and to wife, Home half dead to claim the honour, That he'd saved _one_ brother's life, Death defied! they found him kneeling, Humbly on his cottage floor, But they'll pass to time the story, Of that Sailor--LAWRENCE MOOR! * * * * * IN THE NICK OF TIME.--His Excellency, the Chinese Minister, LEW CHUI FUN, has left London for Paris, to present his credentials to President CARNOT. At this festive season of Merry Christmas, Frenchmen of all parties in politics will welcome such an Opportunist as FUN. * * * * * Shortly to be published, _The Life of Sims Reeves_, compiled from his own notes. * * * * * PICCADILLY PLAYERS. [Illustration] A few evenings since, I assisted at a Members' Concert in Piccadilly, where a very fair exhibition of Amateur Musical talent was displayed by the "Strolling Players." The vocal part of the entertainment was especially good, thanks to the really charming singing of the Misses AGNES JANSON and HAMLIN. The geniuses in the Orchestra who are for all time, and any tune, managed occasionally to get a little out of hand in spite of Mr. NORFOLK MEGONE'S earnest conductorship. Taken all round, "The First Members' Concert" was so good that I should not have the smallest objection to attending the Second.