ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH.
(Being a Parisian Parliamentary Procedure as "She Might be Spoke in England.")
SCENE—The House of Commons at question-time. Ministers in attendance, excited Members regarding them with derision.
First Member. I claim the word, Mr. Speaker. I would ask Esquire Harcourt, does he propose to make his Budget popular?
["Very well! very well!" from the Conservatives.
Esquire Harcourt. I tell the Hon. Gentleman that by such a question he insults the world! (Cheers.) Nay, he insults England!
[Loud applause, in which all join.
First Mem. (after a pause). Still, you have not answered my question. Is your Budget to be popular?
[Murmurs.
Esquire Har. (with spirit). I consider such a question twice repeated an infamy!