"But as for 'Law,' and 'majesty,' That's neither here nor there: The beer was served as called for, And paid for straight and fair. And what I say, your Lordship-- And I means to put it strong-- Is what was I brought 'ere for, When I ha'n't done nuffin wrong?" "No wrong!" quick spoke the Prætor. "Ho! gaoler--let him see, That in justice's high precinct, Right and wrong depend on me! Go, bear him to the dungeon-- Be the lowest cell his lot! Meanwhile to thee, chief lictor We give in charge the pot." They have haled him from the Court-house, And have locked him up below; And the lictor guards the pewter, With its head of froth like snow. And never while our Prætor Dealeth stern justice here, Will the most thirsty jury Venture to call for beer, Or the most reckless potman Bring it from public near! * * * * * A HINT. The _Times_ newspaper (a publication of merit, and which may possibly be known to some of our readers) has just put forth an excellent article deprecating the terribly long sittings of the House of Commons, and the love of chattering, on the part of the Members--especially the new ones--which chiefly conduces to those protracted and unwholesome _séances_. But the _Times_ ought to be perfectly well aware that the remedy is in its own hands. These objectionable spouters spout, not to one another (for they ridicule one another's oratory), but to the readers out of doors. If they could not reach these readers they would cease to spout. _Ergo_, if the _Times_ would instruct its reporters to report only what is worth reporting, and, in fact, to deal with all debates as they now deal with those in Committee, when only the pith of the speeches is given, and moreover the pith of the pithy men only, the sittings of Parliament would speedily evince a marvellous change for the better. There! _Mr. Punch_, in his keen, practical way, has solved the difficulty at once. * * * * * A JOKE AT THE PUBLIC EXPENSE. According to a correspondent of the _Daily News_, MR. SERJEANT ADAMS, Assistant Judge of the Middlesex Sessions, is applying to Parliament for an increase of salary from £1,200 to £1,500. The learned Serjeant is often facetious; but certainly this is his richest joke. * * * * * ANOTHER INSULT TO IRELAND.