A PLEA TO THE EXCHEQUER.

Less gifted souls may seek an earthly mate;

Lonely for ever I am doomed to be,

For all my life to Art is dedicate;

Yea, Art for mine or (speaking English) me.

I've put away the commonplace delights

Of humbler folk to brood on things sublime;

Rapt and aloof I ever tread the heights,

Thinking great thoughts and getting words to rhyme.

Maidens have passed before me, but no bride

Among them all have I essayed to choose;

Sternly I've put the thought of love aside,

An austere poet "wedded to the Muse."

But now of one small guerdon I am fain

(A poet's solace for the love he lacks)—

That this may qualify me to attain

The married man's relief from income-tax.

"AMAZING SHOE OFFER.
Last Seven Days."

Advt. in Daily Paper.

We know this kind of shoe.

"Parrot, splendid talker, South African grey, in perfect condition; good reason for selling; does not swear."

—Provincial Paper.

Tastes differ, of course; but personally we should not call this a "good" reason.