[According to "a distinguished neutral" there is a great demand
in Constantinople just now for pianos.]
Of all occasions to unfaithful scoffers
Given by Turkey in this year of grace,
The unexpected homage that she offers
To the piano holds the foremost place.
For Turkish music, _vide_ GROVE and others,
Meant in the past the cymbals and big drum,
And piccolo, a group which wholly smothers
All other instruments and strikes them dumb.
Compared with this barbaric combination
The tinkling of the keys, so soft and clear,
Is lacking in explosive concentration,
And yet there's more in them than meets the ear.
At least, one reason for this revolution
Is plain; the keyboard, though its tones are cold,
Viewed as a means of rapid "execution"
Endears itself to Turks both Young and Old.
* * * * *
"M. Bratiano, Rumanian Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign
Affairs, has returned to Bukarest from Petrograd."--_The Times_.
The force of habit, we presume. How surprised the German Governor must
have been to see him.
* * * * *
[Illustration: AT THE EXHIBITION OF THE "FORERUNNERS' SOCIETY."
_Artist_. "I RATHER LIKE THAT." _Super-Critic._ "BAH! PRETTY-PRETTY!
CHOCOLATE BOX!"]
* * * * *