[Mr. H. N. PILLSBURY, a young American master of twenty-two
years, won the first prize in the Chess Tournament at Hastings.]
Two Battles of Hastings--when young scholars rattle
Their "dates" off--henceforth may be reckoned:
If WILLIAM the Norman did win the first battle,
'Twas PILLSBURY pulled off the second.
A very young player old STEINITZ to tackle,
Or enter the lists against LASKER!
When History's Muse is henceforth on the cackle,
One question a scholar may ask her,--
"Oh, which was the greater, chess-champion or war-man?"
In chess there is no hanky-panky;
Less _fair_ was the win of the tricky old Norman,
Than that of the quiet young Yankee!
* * * * *
The "alliterative" epidemic, in connection with the names of marine
resorts, is spreading to an alarming extent. A Welsh newspaper heads
a quotation from the _Western Daily Press_ by the taking title of
"Improving Ilfracombe." This, however, has nought to do with the
excellent mental and physical benefits derived by visitors to the North
Devonian pleasure port, but refers to District Council resolutions
for the improvement of the place itself--a Quixotic idea, which seems
identical with that of "painting a lily." To the scribe of the "Seaside
Series," whose penchant is for "apt alliteration's artful aid," we
beg to offer--without any extra charge--a few suggestions to go on
with:--Soothing Southend, Winsome Whitby, Congressional Cardiff,
Sweltering Swansea, Peaceful Penzance, or "piratical" ditto, and so on
_ad nau-sea-am_.
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE JUDGE'S DREAM.]
* * * * *