He’d “mastered the new Spirit,” which (how kind!) “he’d not oppose.” 
  Social reform or Education he’d not treat as foes,
  But keep step with the “Tendencies” which else might trip his toes,
  And thus he’d “head the movement,” and would lead it (by the nose?),
        This fine young German Emperor, &c.

  Now surely this is better far than all the old parade
  Of tyranny in mufti, and of greed in masquerade;
  And of this young German Emperor, whatever may be said,
  Or of his new vagaries, you’ll allow he knows his trade,
        Does this fine young German Emperor, &c.

  There were some who did not like it,—­there are always such, one knows,
  Who Ancient Order patronise, and Modern Style oppose. 
  Particularly one Old Man, who plainly did not see
  Laying down his long-held power, and submitting tranquilly
        To this fine young German Emperor, &c.

  He was no CINCINNATUS, and he did not love the plough,
  So he talked, inspired the Papers, and, in fact, roused lots of row. 
  For this man of Blood and Iron, when thus laid upon the shelf,
  Found that long control of others did not mean control of self,
        Or this fine young German Emperor, &c.

  Then this fine young German Emperor, who aims to lead the dance,
  Has a very trying vis-a-vis, that fractious dame, La France,
  To keep step with that lady, without treading on her train,
  Would tax Terpsichore herself; he finds the effort vain;
        Does this fine young German Emperor, &c.

  So this fine young German Emperor has got a stiffish task,
  That all his strength will occupy, and all his tact will task. 
  Let us wish him patriot wisdom, and respect for Elder Fame,
  And then he’ll give his country peace, and leave a noble name,
        This fine young German Emperor, all of the modern time!

* * * * *

A ROUGH CROSSING.

That military-looking gentleman, with his arm in a sling, and his head covered with bandages, has, I suppose, just returned from fighting the Dacoits in Upper Burmah?

I certainly am surprised when you inform me that he has only tried to cross a London street in a fog.

Do you really mean to say that the vehicle that just thundered past at twenty miles an hour, in the mist, was not a fire-engine, but only a covered Van?

Yes, I believe it is a fact that special beds in all the Hospitals are now reserved for Van-victims.

Of course it is difficult for a man in the Van to look to the Rear; still he need not swoop down on pedestrians quite so much like a highwayman, saying, “Your collar-bone or your life!”

If things go on as they are now doing, every covered Van will have to carry its own Surgeon and ambulance about with it.