Tzar (aside). Oh, that is the Republic's little game?
Russia can't stand that form of reciprocity!
(Aloud.) All ri', ole f'ler, you jush leave that to Me!
Mosh noble notion, that shame "coping-shtone!"
By way, ole f'ler, talking of amneshty—
Could you just 'blige me with a trifling Loan?
THE PROFESSION OF—JOURNALISM.
(An Entirely Imaginary Letter.)
Dear Mr. B-ch-n-n,—Our famous Third Page rather dull lately. Couldn't you enliven it up by one of your characteristic letters—say on "The Profession of Literature"? Say all the old things about its degrading effect on those who follow it, including yourself—the public loves to see a vivisection in public—and be sure to spice it well with distinguished names, such as Sw-nb-rn-, R-ss-tt-, etc. Any depreciatory anecdotes would be very telling, and serve to evoke indignant free replies from those who wouldn't guess they were jumping to a prepared bait. I shall count on you for a column.