THE “CHARGE” OF THE TWO HUNDRED.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 177, 8 July 1884, Page 2

THE “CHARGE” OF THE TWO HUNDRED.

Half a year, half a year, Half a year squandered! “ Forward the Grey Brigade I “ Charge all we can ” they said—- “ Nail the two hundred.” Forward each statesman bold Marched to receive the gold ; Into his pockets rolled Guineas two hundred I Forward the wily Grey, Murmuring, “Now let üb prey On the public while we may.” Was there a man more gay ? Not though the schemer knew How he had blundered. His not to moan and cry O’er baffled policv ; His but to wink hie eye At the two hundred. Flashed all their optics keen; Flashed e’en the orbs of Sheehan, Eke those of “ Conscience” Green, Young and old, fat and lean, The Treasury plundered. Pyke waddled in the first—(He who last session cursed Fate, when his schemes were burst, Shattered and sundered). Plunged to their necks in pelf, Each bandit for himself Clutched his two hundred 1 Guineas to right of them ; Guineas to left of them ; Guineas in front of them— O ! how they plundered ! Then they slunk back again, With their ill-gotten gain, Each with two hundred. When can their memory fade ? Look at the charge they made ! How we all wondered I Shame on the Grey Brigade For that big charge they made! Shame on the selfish crew Who without scruple drew Guineas two hundred ! Mercutio.

Ex-Governor Butler has a profound disregard for petitions. “ You could get in Massachusetts 10,000 to sign a petition to have me hanged,” he says, “and half that number would sign a petition to have themselves hanged without knowing what they were doing.” Ask no woman her age. Never joke with a policeman. Do not play at chess with a widow. Never contradict a man who stutters. Be civil to rich uncles and aunts. Your oldest hat, of course, for fan evening party. Always sit next the carver as dinner. A contemporary p’ahily remarks that England spends six t.'mes more money on wa s actual and poss b’e than she does on education. Quite so, there never was an En«Tsh boy yet that wouldn’t stand a fight or a thrashing sooner than go to school. The boy is the fa h r of the man.