[A Correspondent writes to the _Standard_ in praise of pugs,
as the most useful household dogs to prevent burglaries.]
Who bears, despite a wrinkled skin,
A heart that's soft and warm within,
And hates a visitor like sin?--
My puggy!
Who has a little temper of
His own, and sports a winter cough,
And thinks himself a mighty toff?--
My puggy!
Whose voice, disturbing midnight rest,
Do wily house-breakers detest,
And move to some less guarded nest?--
My puggy's!
Who does not, like a stupid cat,
'Gainst burglars' boots rub himself flat,--
Soliciting a felon's pat?--
My puggy!
And when the burglar's body's half
Inside the sash, with doggish laugh,
Who masticates his nearest calf?--
My puggy!
Who owns a phiz (which _I_ could hug),
That's called by stupid boys an ug-
ly sulky unattractive "mug?"--
My puggy!
* * * * *
Our old friend, Mrs. RAMSBOTHAM, has been sightseeing in the country.
Being asked whether she had seen the Midgetts, she said, "Don't
mention 'em, my dear! I've seen 'em, and felt 'em--thousands of
'em--they very nearly closed my eyes up."
* * * * *
[Illustration: THROUGH EVER-GREEN GLASSES.
["On the side of those poor men who constitute the Irish
nation, with their few and disparaged leaders, we have found
a consideration, a calmness, and a liberality of view, a
disposition to interpret everything in the best sense, and
to make every concession that could possibly bring harmony
about."--_Mr. Gladstone in Edinburgh._]