Like the last rose of Summer
I'm left quite alone;
All my blooming companions
To Paris are flown--
Three daughters, two brothers,
Two sons and a niece
Have all gone to Paris
To speed up the Peace.
'Tis just the same story
Wherever I go,
There's hardly a soul left
For running the show--
Five thousand officials,
Not counting police,
Have all gone to Paris
To speed up the Peace.
There's calm in the City,
A hush in Whitehall--
A thousand fair typists
Have answered the call.
Henceforward their clicking
In London will cease--
They've all gone to Paris
To speed up the Peace.
P.S.
An expert accountant.
Has worked out the cost
Of the keep of officials
Who've recently crossed.
It must be Three Millions;
Mayhap 'twill increase
If the delegates dally
In speeding up Peace.
* * * * *
"THE THAMES RISING.
"LONDON MILK SUPPLY THREATENED."--_Pall Mall Gazette_.
A surprising change of affairs.
* * * * *
"Sprats in South London are 2½ lb. a lb."--_Continental Daily
Mail_.
This may explain why our fishmonger's price is 2½ shillings a
shillingsworth.
* * * * *
"The story of an ingenious robbery by three young boys was told to
the Stockport magistrates to-day.
"The magistrates ordered them to receive the birch, usual
way.--Reuter."--_Provincial Paper_.
It was kind of Reuter to add this detail.
* * * * *
"It is understood an order has been issued for the demobilisation
of men called to the Colours under the last Military Service Act
after they had attained the age of 441."--_Provincial Paper_.
There can't be very many of them; still it is good to know that the
authorities have made a beginning.
* * * * *
[Illustration: _The Knight-Errant._ "MY DEAR LADY, I HAVE THE
HAPPINESS OF RESCUING YOU FROM A GREAT PERIL."
_The Lady (indignantly)._ "HOW DARE YOU ADDRESS ME, SIR, WITHOUT A
PROPER INTRODUCTION?"
_The Knight-Errant._ "MADAM, IF YOU HAD SPOKEN SOONER I WOULD HAVE
ASKED OUR FRIEND HERE TO FULFIL THAT NECESSARY SOCIAL OBLIGATION."]
* * * * *