He does look a bit of a Bogey, but then he may prove just a
          big Benefactor,
  And if he should work on the cheap, kill Corruption, and kick out
          the knavish Contractor,
  Without piling Pelion on Ossa (of rates) on my back, till my legs
          with the “tottle” limp,
  I shall “learn to love him” as Giant Beneficent, not a big,
          blundering Bottle-Imp!

* * * * *

OPERA-GOER’S DIARY.—­Otello (the Grand Otello Company, Limited) was the feature last week.  GIANINI a stout Otello, much and Moor.  MELBA a charming Desdemona, but not a great part for her.  DUFRICHE as Iago, good, but not good enough for him.  Sir DRURIOLANUS gives Carmen at Windsor Castle, before the QUEEN!  Aha!  Where now is LAGO Factotum and His Special Patronaged Royal Box at the Olympic?  DRURIOLANUS Victor, with all the honours.

* * * * *

AT A RINK.

Round and round, and to and fro
At a rink,
Pretty girls, with cheeks that glow
Rosy pink;
Graceful, gleeful, gliding, go,
Whilst they link
Arms together, like the flow
Past its brink
Of a river’s eddy—­so
Duffers think
They can glide.  See one start slow,
Shyly shrink,
Fearful lest his end be woe,
Sheepish slink,
Skates on unaccustomed toe
Strangely clink,
Hot and thirsty he will grow,
Long for drink;
All around amusement show,
Laugh and wink,
But they look as black as crow,
Or as ink,
If he fall against them.  Oh,
In a twink
On the floor, not soft but low,
See him sink! 
Whilst he murmurs gently, “Blow
This old rink!”

* * * * *

LOGICAL AND ENGINE-IOUS.—­Why object (though we do) to Advertisements of all sorts along our Railway lines?  Surely, wherever the Locomotive goes, there is the very place for puffing.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  BOGEY OR BENEFACTOR?

L.C.C.  “HA, HA!  YOU MUST LEARN TO LOVE ME!”]

* * * * *

[Illustration:  QUITE UNPARDONABLE.

Assistant (in his most insinuating manner).  “IN YOUR CASE, MADAM, I SHOULD CERTAINLY CONSIDER FAST COLOURS MOST SUITABLE.”  RESULT!]

* * * * *

CONVERSATIONAL HINTS FOR YOUNG SHOOTERS.

THE SMOKING-ROOM.

(WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “ANECDOTES.")