THE PARLIAMENTARY POLKA. "PAIRS PLEASE!"
House left in almost comatose state. Someone faintly moved Count; Marjoriebanks, who had not suffered the four hours' talk, and who, by comparison with rest, seemed supernaturally active, managed to bring in what was left of forty Members, and conversation drowsily proceeded to appointed hour of closing. Business done.—Eleventh Night.
Scheherazade. "And so, my Lord, he drew his scimitar, and was about to—— But excuse me, Sultan, I observe, through the oriel window, something that looks remarkably like the streak of dawn, and, if you don't mind, I'll continue the story to-morrow night."
Schahriah, Sultan of Persia. "Thank you, no my dear, I have some dim recollection that, in a former state, this sort of thing went on for a Thousand and One Nights, ending in the most agreeable manner to the principal personages concerned. But that, you will admit, was in other circumstances. The world, and we, were younger then. Eleven nights of this is enough for me, and, if you would be so good as to step into the next room, I will give instructions for your being—excuse this yawn—bowstrung."
(Extracted from "The Newest Arabian Nights.")
Demon-Trap for Reporters.
Saturday, 1.15 a.m.—Members streaming back from Division Lobby; Mr. G. down on stroke of One o'clock: splendid speech—a mental and physical miracle; for little over an hour he entranced an audience still suffering from two hours of Henry James, throughout which the eminent jurist sank below lowest level hitherto known of his Parliamentary capacity. Prince Arthur at his best; in brisk fighting mood, hitting out right and left; stirring Tim Healy's soul with surging desire to get up and reply. No opportunity so Tim snapped at him across Gangway, Prince Arthur cutting back with ever-smiling face. When, just now Mr. G. walked in from Division Lobby, Liberals and Irish Members leaped to their feet, welcoming him with waving hats, and strident cheers. A moving scene, introducing announcement that, in House of 651 Members, every absentee accounted for, Ministerial majority ran up to 43. Business done.—Home-Rule Bill read Second Time.