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SKETCHES OF WALES AND WELSHMEN. By J. Kiisby Jones. Letter from Penryto His Children. The following extract from a letter written ln prison by Penry to Ilia four little girls, soon to be made fatherless, throws addi- tional ]ight on his apostolic godliness, while Pt jvnig him to have been an androijenou.^ ^aiij that is a mau-icuman man, com bin hi a *u himself the rare qualities which make i^ hero with the quivering sensibilitie3 *"°i ia,n and whoso can read it wit i y eyes .b one with whom intercourse would not desirable even if it were possib e. be desirable even if it were possible. To my daughters when they come to Years of discretion and understanding "My dear and tenderly beloved daughters, —Deliverance, comfort, safety, and sure hope The God of Heaven, who is my God aQd yours, in ^esus Christ, our strong Redeemer, bless you, both bodies and souls, with the saving grace of His Spirit, even for ever and ever and grant that to my eternal comfort I may meet with you in the kingdom of heaven. Give ear now my counsel, which, in the name of my God, I, I Your father-now in bonds for the testimony of Jesus Christ-give unto you and be sure to keep the same, that the blessing of the Lord may be upon you for evermore. first, know the God of yo ^ther and serve Him, even in all those duties which He requireth of you m blessed written word. You must search for all Hi,,i commandments, and practice them "Il. Hemember, and believe assuredly, that salvation is perfectly to be had by JeSlIa Christ and none other. It you will be partakers of this sal- |V> vatioii, you must assuredly believe all your sins to be forgiven you, for His sake. If you do this, oh blessed shall your reward | be in the Kingdom of heaven. Yon shall live there in all joy with Jesus Christ His blessed angels aud saints, with one also, your father in this life. Whereas, other- Ways, you shall never see me, to your com- fort in that blessed life, whereof your poor Mother and I am, by the mercies of God, most undoubtedly assured. Nay, you shall be everlastingly cast forth from the presence of God, who is most fearful. Great troubles ^°u are likely to see and sustain for the tr«th of God but a blessed issue thereof j shall you have if you continue to the end. 'A<he troubles shall be, as now they are, a °ut matters which they would, by the great subtilty of Satan, account but small- yea, trifling. Such as the mingling of the sincerity of Christ's truth, with the subvert- g of the same, unto the polluted institu- ) tions and ceremonies of Antichrist and thus, as the serpent beguiled Eve with her subtilty, the minds of men, in this age, are corrupt from the simplicity that is in Christ. But, my daughters, take you ) hfced of this. Have you nothing to do with the ordinances and inventions of anti- I Christ's kingdom as are retained, such as Lord Archbishops, Archdeacons, Chancel- V lors, Canons, Prebends, Spiritual Courts, and the mingling of the clean and unclean. I For these, and such like, were added, as mere inventions of Satan, unto Christ's Holy Word since the mystery of iniquity fcegan to work. Of such inventions, taingled with the truth, doth the Man of Sin consist. Now, my daughters, you and all others, the members of Christ, are bound not to have any fellowship with the ordi- 1 nances of such abomination. "If it be so that we have no lawful use of the ceremonies of Moses' law, which were some time the Lord s own sacred ordinances, or- dained by His faithful servant, how can we f have any communion with the most fearful I constitutions of the kingdom of Antichrist, the great enemy of Jesus Christ ? No, np, ) my daughters. Christ Jesus, by his death, I I hath freed ua from all legal and syintual anti-Christian bondage, and He I hath redeemed us to walk in His sacred ways and ordinances. I charge you, then, my | beloved, to be subject unto all that holy order which Christ Jesus hath appointed for 1 the ruling of His Church and members here upon earth for we must walk in Christ Jesus as we have received Him. Now, it you suffer as you ought to sutler, either for submitting yourselves unto and labouring to enjoy those holy ways of Christ, °r in refusing to bo servants of corrup- tions, then the Lord will acknowledge yet to be his before His Father and His holy presence and happy will it be that ever I W 1-1 8 your father on earth. Whereas, on the other side, you shall think it hard condition to suffer with Christ, and be offended at Him, then woe it> me that the doom of the "wicked is provided for you. Wherefore, again, my daughters, even my tenderly beloved daughters, regard not the world nor anything that is therein. Look the world nor anything that is therein. Look only upon the durable crown of re- I ward that lasteth for evermore, which the Lord Jesus offereth unto you, [ and unto all, if you sutler with them. I, your father, you have as a witness before you in the enduring for these six years past some part of these sufferings. I Your mother hath been joyfully partaker with me of them. Ever since the Lord I joined me and her together, all of you have > been bora in this time of your mother's testimony and mine wherefore, I am in j good hope that the Lord v/Ul give you grace to follow us, your poor parents, in that which is acceptable in His sight. In other things, for the direction of your private lives, I refer you to your mother, who hatn oeena most faithful sister and comfortable yoke- fellow to me in all my trials and sufferings, and for your comfort and mine hath taken bitter journeys by sea and layili. ilepay hor, then, by your dutifulness and obedience, some part of that kindness which (one may be sure) you owe unto her. Be obedient io her in word and in deed, and miss not to be the staff of her age, who is now the only stay and support that is left unt" you in your youth and infancy. I now leave four ot you upon her, having nothing to speak of to leave her and you, save only that everlasting and durable foun- tain of the Lord's blessed providence and promises, who relieveth the fatherless and the wiaow. The eldest of you is not yet I four years old, and the youngest not four n-.oxitlis. therefore, in every way shall you be indebted to that mother who will think it no intolerable burden to bear j and take the care of you all. B0 willing, therefore, under her hand, to undergo any labour and travail. Be ruled, in ail things, by her direction especially in the bestowing of yourselves, if the Lord will ever gtu,ut you the favour to enter into the holy estate of matrimony. If she will place you in any service, think not honest labour tot. iiieail for you, uor wholesome diet too hard, nor clothinf that may cover you and keep you warm over base for you but bless God that Bre provideth you food and nf the iniquity ot raiment. By reason j cou}d that anti-Christian wjllingj any not make, as am assured provision for. 3" service I am that my o againgt Babel and her htert will exceedingly provide for your mother and you; and when you shall find that the Lord doth this, according to His b blessed promises made unto me, your poor father, I charge you that you profess and acknowledge this favour of His before all the world, if need so require saying the loving- k ndness of the Lord is for ever upon those that fear Him and the truth of His promises upon His children's children, of them that keep His commandments, and remem- ber His ordinances to do them. Whatsoever becometh of you in outward regard, keep yourselves in this poor church, where I leave you, or in some other holy society of the saints. I doubt not but my God will stir ,.f his children unto my taithful up many oi • A wife vour mother and also unto sister and wnt-, j > you even for my sake. Although you should be brought up in never so hard service, yet, my dear children, learn to read that you may be conversant day and night in the word of the Lord. If your mother be able to keep you together, I doubt not but you shall learn both to write and read by her means. I have left iiou foiti- Bibles, each of you one; being the sole and only patrimony or dowry that I have for you. I beseech you, and charge you, not only to keep them, but to read in them day and night, and before you read, and also, in and after reading, be earnest in prayer and meditation, that you may understand and perform the good way of your God. Frequent the holy exercises and meetings of the saints in any case; for there is the Lord most powerful in the holy ministry of His word, and you must remember that the Lord regardeth, loveth, and blesseth the public worship more than any private exercise of religion whatsoever. "Frame yourselves to be humble, lowly, meek, and patient toward all men. Reward no man evil for evil, either in word or deed, but overcome evil with goodness, with patience, modesty, and sobriety. Above all things, show yourselves loving and kind unto all the saints of God being rea y to lay down your lives to do good unto the Lord's poor church and members here upon earth. Whatsoever you have, bestow some- what thereof for the relief of the church. Diminish from your diet and apparel, that you may bestow the same upon the church and members of Christ, for the maintenance of the true worship and service of God among them. If you live in abundance, see that the true members of Christ want not. Be always partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel with them. Labour for true humility bear down the pride which is naturally in all flesh. Give not yourselves to delight in any vanity of apparel, of words, or gesture. Ever restrain your affections betimes, and acquaint your- selves only with those thoughts that may humble you work a distaste of that which is earthly, and a longing desire unto the Kinsdom of Heaven. "Show kindness uiitolthe kindred whereof yeu are come; both of your father's side and mother's also but especially, if ever you be able, show all forwardness in doing good unto my people and kindred in the ilesh. t. j .) "The Welsh nation,now for many hundred years past, have been under the Lord's rod, but I trust the time is come wherein He will show mercy unto them by causing the true light of the Gospel to shine among them; and, my good daughters, pray you earnestly unto the Lord—when you come to know what prayer is for this,' and be always ready to show yourselves helpful unto the least child of that poor country that shall stand in need of your loving support. In any case, repay the kindness, if you be able, which I owe to my nearest kindred there. As to my mother, brethren, and sisters, &c., whom I am per- suaded will be most kind towards you and your mother, unto their ability, even for my sake and be an especial comfort, in my stead, unto the grey hairs of my poor mother, whom the Lord used as the only means of my stay for me in the beginning of my studies, whereby I have come unto the knowledge of that most precious faith in Christ Jesus, in the defence whereof I stand at this present in the great joy of my soul, though in much outward discomfort. Pray much and often for the prosperous reign and the preservation, body and soul, for her right excellent Majesty, my dread Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, under whose reign I have come unto this blessed know- ledge and hope, wherein I stand. The Lord show mercy unto her for it, both in this life and also in that great day. Show yourselves helpful and kind unto all strangers, and unto the people of Scotland, where J, your mother, and a couple of you lived as strangers, and yet were welcome, and iound great kindness for the name of our God. Be tender- hparted towards the widow and tho fatlier- S," both because the law of God and nature requireth this at your hands, and also because, for aught I know, I am likely to leave you fatherless and your mother a widow. « Finally, my daughters, grow in all graces of knowledge and godliness in Christ Jesus. Believe and hope firmly m that sal- vation which is to be had by Him. Sufferaftliction with Him in this pool churcn. Continue in holy fear unto the end then shall you and I have a blessed meeting in the great day of His appearance. Tihus have I unburdened my careful soul of some part of that great solicitude which every way I have of you, but especially of your salvation. I have written this in that scarcity of paper, ink, and time, that I could do it no otherwise than first it came into my mind, and set it down and, there- fore, it is neither so full nor so profitable a counsel as otherwise, upon better leisure, my God, I trust, would have enabled me to give tinto you but you may take instruction by it, I doubt not (my children) and follow it, that the blessing of take instruction by it, I doubt not (my children) and follow it, that the blessing of God may light not only upon the posterity of Jonadeb, the son of Recab, but also upon the children of John Penry, for the obedi- ence that they have yielded unto their father's godly commandment and counsel. Thus, while the poor Church of God lieth in ashes, sitting on the ground like a widow stretching out her hand to see if there be any comfort left for her soul, and complaining Z, the spoil of me that was left is brought unto Babel; and the Lord saith, 'Behold, I will plead thy cause (Jer. lc.,36); whilst I, your poor father, from the bottom of my spirifc and soul, am thus ready not only to be im- prisoned but even to die for the name and truth of the Lord Jesus, which I have maintained and while I acknowledge, with a loud and triumphant voice, that the afflic- tions of this present life are not worthy of the "lory which shall be re- vealed unto us, I betake you, my dear children, and your loving mothsr, unto tne hands of my most merciful God, and unto your most undoubted and careful Redeemer in Jesus Christ our Lord, whom be blessed for ever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen, From close prison, with many tears, and yet in much joy of the Holy Ghost, this 10th of 4th month of April, 1593, your poor father here upon earth, most caregrf to be joined with you for evermore in tt king- dom of Jesus Christ. JOHN PENJE* A poor witness in this life the right of Jesus Christ, and aainst the abominations of the Roman e1.

WORKMEN'S TOPICS. BY W.Abraham, M.P., Mabon. OUR DISTRICT AND THE TRUCK. I boasted too soon when I exempted Mon- mouthshire and South Wales mainly from the gross impositions of Mrs Truck. The treatment of the question in these columns has unearthed some of har doings. She is known to live in some of our large ironworks yet, and, from what I can find, is easily recognised by the nature of her grip. When I returned home at the end of last week I found awaiting me from a few localities evidence of her tenacity, She is like a cat with nine lives; and although there are now two bills before the House of Commons attempting to amend the existing act, I am afraid it will baffle even the ingenuity of Messrs. Bradlaugh and Co. to invent provisions which will frustrate the designs of old and skilful truckers. It has also struck me very for- cibly since reading the evidence-all of which I cannot give here—that even the Mines Act needs amending to meet the necessities of the case. I feel grieved that this thought did not strike me at the beginning of last week, when the miners of the country, through their representatives, were con. ferring together as to how best to amend the Mines Act so as to suit their requirements. This Act already makes it illegal to pay men their wages at public-houses, the clause stating "No wages shall be paid to any person employed in or about any mine at or within any public-house, beer shop, or place for the sale of any spirits, beer, wine, cider, or other spirituous or fermented liquor, or other house of entertainment, or any office, garden, or place belonging thereto or occupied therewith." And in the event of any owner, agent, or manager contravening or non-complying with this section, he is guilty of an offence against the Act. It seems to m9 now that some such provision should prohibit the payment of wages at a shop, especially a company's shop. I am informed that at Rhymney, the pay office (where men are paid on three days in a given week), and the company's shops are adjoining, being under the same roof, and the workman is under the eye of some official from the moment ho receives his money at the office until he safely disposes of it again at the shop. At the late prosecution at Tredegar, a solemn undertaking was given to the representatives of the Public Prosecutor, by counsel for the company, that in future there should be no truck at Rhymney. It was stated that the company desired nothing but that the dealing at the shop should be perfectly voluntary on the part of their workmen. They did not in the slightest degree want to impose compulsion in any shape or form. The bench, I am told, refused to be parties to any arrangement, and stated that if thereafter any information should be brought before them they would act upon it. The company further undertook to make advances to their workmen in cash without any system of shop tickets and the like also to modify their system of paying at the shop office so as not to be an infringement of the act. The workmen understood that in future they would have their draws" (when paid) either at the works office or at the shop office, in bard cash, and that they themselves would be at liberty to do what they liked with the money, the company wishing them to spend it as they pleased, when they pleased, and how they pleased, without any compulsion whatever to spend it at the company's shop. Nevertheless, my informants assert that before a few weeks had elapsed workmen who did not deal in the shop or their wives were sent for to appear before a certain shop official in order to give an explanation. They were informed that if they dealt elsewhere, the company could not give them employment. It is also stated that the company send out a traveller to call at the workmen's houses every week for orders, Now, it cannot be pleasant or easy to refuse giving this man orders for goods to be supplied from the company's shop. Such a practice is plainly a contra vention of the agreement come to on behalf of the company at the court of justice, and neces- sitates some more stringent amendments than have hitherto been proposed. I must now ask permission to give a few of the examples sent me of the new methods of inter- fering with the liberties of the workmen-methods which are, in my opinion, a direct contravention of the already-mentioned sgreement. First:- Mrs W states that she sent her daughter to the company's shop P:1Y office, on a Wednesday, for her husband's usual "draw," but the daugh returned without it. The mother, on going her self, was told that she had not spent her draw' at the shop for two weeks previously, therefore she must wait until it could be paid her at the big office on Saturday. The woman explained her conduct, and pointed out that the whole of the accusation was not true, she having bought some drapery there during the time. Still, sha was told that in future hnr son's draw would be paid on Wednesdays at the shop effice, but that her husband's draw would be paid at the big offico on Saturdays only. Another woman states that a short time ago she was ill and unable to get to the shop personally. So she also sent her daughter, with a smaller order than usual. A few days afterwards the priest called at her house and said he wanted to see her sons that evening. Accordingly they went to his house, when he complained that their mother did uot deal at the company's shop as usual. It is further stated that wheu workmen leave the place without having cleared off all their arrears at the shop, this good guardian of men's souls reads those who remain a severe esson on the dishonesty of such conduct. I ;am told that the company collect from workmen con- tributions fcr thu priest—that is, they deduct a certain fixed sum from the wages of those who attend his ministrations. A former manager put a stop to this custom, but it has been revived since the last prosecution for truck. Another witness states that she formerly spent her turnbook's draw at the office, but a little time ago her turnbook's draw amounted to about 20s, which she kept to add to another j61 she thought she would have on the pay, her intention eing to pay cff another debt that she owed. Since then her weekly ''draws" have been reduced in amount. Upon asking the "gaffer" for an explanation, he openly said that it was not his fault, it beiug the doings of some of tho people at the shop. Another witness states that a very large number of men and woman are constantly reminded that they are not spending sufficient of their earnings at the company's shop. It is unnecessary for me to add further illustra- tions. It is obvious that some stringent measures are recruired before an effectual stop can be put to the undue interference of shopkeepers' clerks and officials of all kinds with the economical trading and spending ot workmen's wages. Workmen should have perfect freedom and facilities to take their wages to the market where they can purchase most advantageously <*nd cheaply those requisites to sustain them in their daily toil. Indeed, as already stated, it will almost baffle and baulk the ingenuity of any man—while companies are allowed to keep provision shops at all--to prevent men being interfered with, if not intimidated, in some way or other in the purchase of their goods. I don't think it will be found in any other district that men go on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for the purpose of receiving turn-book draws at the shop pay-office—'mark the place !— and on Saturdays only at the company's chief office, where what may be called freewill-spent- cash is paid. Why not pay all the workmen on Saturdays in hard cash, at the company's chief office, as is done at the other works in the district ? I am now informed on good, trustworthy autho- rity that there are only two real truck shops in the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire. So that, after all, however stringent a law might be passed, it would not entail the least incon- venience in this respect on works where such shops are not in connection with them, only inconveniencing and interfering with those works that ineally encourage the like. Still the case needs some strict and stringent remedies, for, at present, employers are not compelled to give any reason whatever for dismissing their workmen. In my next I purpose dealing with the bill before the House of Commons amending the present act. The new bill contains provisions which, if adopted, would relieve employers of much odium attaching to them, and would confer a permanent benefit on tbe workmen,

lALL BIGHTS KKSKRVKD BY THE AUTHOR.] WELSH NATIONAL STORY. Llewelyn; Or, The Last of the Welsh Princes. An Historical Romance. BY BERiAH GWYNFE EVANS, Author of BrolLwen," "Roundhead and Cavalier," Owen Hughes" ilite Heir of Qlyuafon" tc. &c. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. On the uank of the Ithon. in Radnorshire, near the present village ol Llandiindou, stood the castle of Cefn Llys. One autumn evening in the year 12o2, a solitary horseman on a jaded steed appeared approaching the banks of tho ri. er opposite the castle. Some children strolling near attracted his attention. Two oi them were boys, Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn and Meredydd ap Ednyfed. The lrl was called Gwen, the daughter of Alhydderch, of Liuest, a farm near. Gwen accepting the companionship of Gruftydd to take her home, Meredydd was left at liberty, and became the guiite to the horseman towards the lad's home. On the way a troop oi horsemen is perceived auproachmg tho ford neaf which G-wen and her com- panion have to pass. Muiedydd, knowing the cruelty of the NoraiLLus runs to warn his childish companions, and the horseman is left to find his way himself. The troop seen consisted of Edward, suosequently Edward I., of Sir Simon de Montfort, Earl ul Leiceste;, his daughter E.eanor, a Norman knight, Sir Ueuffrey de J.au^ley, and their followers. Approaching the ford they find ttywel, the servant of Hhyudei ch, with his dog Orafanc,and because the dog is found gnawing the dry hvof of a stag, the dog and his master arc: eacn deprived of an eye and an ear. Uwen, who arrives at this moment, is taken with them, and Meredydd, who also appears on the scene, is made a prisoner likewise. Hut ne manages to make his escape, and returns home, where he tinds the horseman, who has discovered himself as Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. T'liere are also present Ednyied, Meredydd's father, Tewdwr, his brother, lihydderch, Gwell's father, Einon, her brother, and iiywei, the servant, with his doa; Crafanc. Uewelyii, led by Meredydd, visits Simon de Mont- fort, whose tent has been pitched outside the castle walls. A treaty is made between them aguinst Edward and Henry III., and the next morning laewelyn and Eleanor are privately betrothed at Abbey Cwin llir. A night or two afterwards the Castle of Cefn Llys is attacked by Llewelyn, and falls into his hands. Later on, Simon lie rVlontfort having been slain in battle, uis widow and daughter retire to Erance. Here, some years afterwards, they are visited by JJeweiyn and Meredydd in disguise, and some romantic adventures occur, in whicn Llewelyn and Eleanor, and Meredydd and Gwen are mixed up. An embassy is seno to France on Llewelyn's return to Wales to bring Eleanor over to be united in marriage with the Prince. In this embassy Gruttydd ap Gwen- wynwyn takes a leading part, and he arranges with Geoffrey de Langley tu attack and seize Eleanor during her vuyage to Wales, and bear her captive to the English court. This is accordingly done, Gruttydd still ti;;urins; in tie opinion of Eleanor and Gwen as their best friend. He returns to Wales, and conspires with Dafydd, Llewelyn's brother, and other chieftains, to seize Llewelyn, or to kill him. Meanwhile uleanor de Montfort, at the luigiish Court, discovers Gruiiyud's previous perfidy, and sends Gwen to'Wales to put Llewelyn on his guard. Gwen aud Gruttydd meet, ana he proposes for her hand, but is refused, and she shews ltiui she is aware of his treachery. He endeavours to abduct her, but is pre- vented by Meredydd, who appears on the scene and releases her. Gruttydd is permitted to escape, whlie Meredydd makes luve to Gwen, and is accept d. The llext. morniu Llewelyn receives a letter iiojii Ap Gwen- wynwyn,ottering to place in his hands docuuienta proving wnat chieftains nad taken part in the conspiracy. He offers to do this on two conditions, viz., that some confidential agent of Llewelyn's should be sent to Casteli Xre'r Liyn (Welshpool) for the documents, and that he, Gruttydd ap Gweuwyuwyii, should be provided with a safe conduct wtllch would enable him to reach the English borders. Llewelyn consents. Meredydd is chosen as the Prince's messenger, and arrives at Ap Gwenwynwyn's stionghold, vjiere he is somewhat effusively welcomed by that chieftain, who, however, soon treacherously seIZes him, and casts him into a dungeon. In the meanwhile Gwen, having been made aware of the business o.t whicu her lover has been sent, appeals to the prince to save Meredydd from Ap Gwenwynwyn's treachery. Llewelyn, who has hitherto been ignorant of what had taken place between Meredydd aud Gruttydd before tho litter s flight, at once sees the necessity of taking immediate action. He therefore sends a courier, ilhys tiyflym, in pursuit of Meredydd, to recall him. Khys, nowever, arrives too late, as Meredydd has already reached Gas tell Tre'r Llyn. Immediately following Roys, Eiuon ap Khydaerch, Gwe.i's brother, follows at the head of a strong force, to invest Welshpool castle in case Meredydd is still a prisoner. During, his conhne- ment iYiereuyda is waited upon t>y a man nauieu a native of tslyu ltho:i, Meredydd's old home. Witu the help of tins man ho contrives a plan of escape, but be.ore it can be put in operation a courier arrives bearing Gruttydd ap Gwenwynwyn's orders to have Mereuydd at once put to deatu. CHAPTER XXXV. Gaily rode G-rafi'ydd ap Gwenwynwyn away from Casteli Tie r Liyu 011 his way to England and safety. Though his plans as regards Llewelyn had falleu through, fortune had favoured bim almost beyond his hopes iu placing his rival within his power, and he was determined that, come what miglit, and at whatever cost, Meredydd and Gwen should never again be re-united. If he could not gaiu her for himself, at least his riva s ou not enjoy her. Of that he was fully determined. It was with that view that he had left such strict orders with his lieutenant that if there seemed a probability of tho castle falling into Llewelyn's hands, Meredydd was to be put to death. It was, therefore, with a feeling of almost unmixed satisfaction that the peifidious Gruffydd rode away to take refuge in England, confident that even if the worst came to the worst, he would have the satisfaction of knowing that his rival at least should not enjoy any benefit from his absence, nor even from his downfall. Turning now to his esquire, he said "Thou didst hear me, Alan, give my commands ere we left the castle to have the prisoner put to death in case there appeared any danger of the castla falling into Llewelyn's hands ? "Yes my lord. And 'twas a wise foresight or thine, for of a surety Llewelyn will not rest quiet under this new insult." "Thou saye3t wisely. But I wish to guard against every possibility of this man's escaping in any way. I have not spent all my life in plotting without knowing somewhat of the feelings of others, and without seeing beforehand what may happen, and providing therefor. Now I hold the Prince's own safe-conduct to the English borders, but still an accident may happen, Some stupid fellow may, perchance, doubt its being given by Llewelyn, or some other difficulty which I have not foreseen may arise which will delay me, and perchance place me again in the power of mine enemies." .,„ "What, then, is my lord's intention. My intentionis to make the death of Meredydd ab Ednyfed certain in any case." "That might have been done very easily before you left the castle this morning. "Yes but that would have put an end to his sufferings all too soon, and would have placed it beyond my power to enjoy the pleasure of knowing that he suffered. No, uo, good Alan, I lay my plans better than that. I arrange to keep him there while I am saiO an w I e e the castle is safe, but as soon as there is any danger of his escaping through ny danger or that of the castle, I ensure his immediate exectitiuli." But how can that be done, my lord 2" asked Alan. I can see how easily it is done in case the castle be in danger. But in case you fall into Llewelyn's hands by any mishap, the knowledge that you are a prisoner, and thus placed. beyond the power of calling the governor of your castle to account, may induce him to do the ln^( you would guard against, and let Meredydd tree "Ay? Thou canst see thus far, but no further. Well, now listen. I hand thee this letter which is addressed to the governor o castle. It contains an order under my hano directing the immediate execution of this Weredvdd. This letter thou art to take at all hazards to the castle, and see it executed, as soon as thou art fully satisfied I am a prisoner with no hope of escape." Ah, my lord cried Alan in unmistakable admiration of his master's foresight. 11 You deserve tosuc eed in whatever you undertake. "Well, I must say I believe with thee, my gocd Alan. But remember this. The charge I entrust to thee is an important one. It must not be acted upon unless thou art thoroughly convinced that I am hopelessly at the mercy of those who will not be apt to show me mercy. There is, indeed very little chance of its being required at all, but I wish to leave no single door of possible escape for Meredydd. I could not die if I believed him alive. Thou dost thoroughly understand what I expect thee to do ?'' "Thoroughly, my lord, and you may rest satis- fied that I will act as you would wish me to do. Nothing but the direst necessity will induce me to use this power you have placed in my bands, and nothing but death itsalf shall prevent my using it when it becomes necessary to do so." That was well spoken, Alan, worthily of thee and of thy tried fidelity, and hath taken indeed a heavy load off my shoulders. Now let us on briskly." They rode on for a couple of hours, their sprits rising as they advanced towards the English border and certain safety. Suddenly the keen eye of Ap Gwenwynwyn perceived the glitter of arms between the trees in front of them, and. cautiously advancing, discovered a.party of Welsh soldiers approaching. Now what shall we do, Alan ? If we turn from the path we may be seen, and, if seen, we shall certainly be followed. Would it not be the better plan to take the bull by the horns, and by ad- vancing boldly disarm suspicion, and join with these Welshmen in apparent amity ? In any case the Priuce's safe conduct is sufficient security for us." I must say, my lord, that the le-ss we have to do with Llewelyn's followers until we meet them on equal terms, the better I shall like it. At the same time I fully see the force of what you say, and am inclined to think with you that we can do no better than appear totaily uncon- cerned. So be it, then let us on to meet them boldly like honest men," said Ap Gwenwynwyn. Another ten minutes' riding brought the two fugitives face to face with the party of Welshmen, in the leader of which Gruffydd was not over well pleased to recognise Tewdwr ap Ednyfed, Meredydd's brother. Putting, however, the best possible face on the matter, he advanced boldly, and, holding out his band with apparent cordiality, greeted the chief. The other, however, uuder pretence of subduing a restive horse, did not take the outstretched hand, and responded rather coldly to Ap Gwen- wynwyn's greeting. Methinks that thou are not taking the direc- tion which loyal Welshmen who are attached to their prince should be taking just now," said Tewdwr. And why so?" asked Gruffydd, smiling. Simply because in the present crisis it behoves every Welshman to gather round his Prince." And think you not, friend Tewdwr, that we may serve our Prince afar as well as near? And if it hath pleased him to send me on an embassy (,f importance, and if that embassy be, as it pro- bably will be, the means of weaken- ing the army which Edward brings against Llewellyn. I am Dure that Tewdwr ap Ednyfed is not the man who will blame Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyu for doing so." "Thou art right. Tewdwr ap Ednyfed is not the man to blame thee nor any other man for doing his duty to Prince and country, but be must first of all be convinced that thou art doing thy duty." "Why, what a suspicious fellow art thou," said Gruffydd. Gome aside with me a moment. I have that for thy ear which suits notto bespoken to all. I am sent on a special message of importance by the Prince himself. Here is his personal safe conduct, in which all whom it may concern are commanded to expedite my journey. I am sorry I do not feel at liberty to tell even thee, Tewdwr, loyal Welshman as thou art known to be, what is the object of my journey. It is enough that the secret is Llewelyn's and the work mine." Then have I to ask tby parden :for my blunt- ness," said Tewdwr, with more heartiness than he bad hitherto shown. The fact is, a rumour had reached us that all was not well between thee and tne Prince, and— and-" "And therefore thou didst suspect me of treachery. Nay, never be ashamed, man, to own it! Thou hadst some cause. And let me tell thee this, or rather let me whisper it in thine ear. Llewelyn had an object to serve in spreading the report. I am glad the rumour has preceded me. It will help me in the work I have to do. And now I must baste me on my way. I should have been pleased to spend an hour with thee, but duty first hath ever been my motto. When next we meet thou wilt understand me better." The hand he now held out was not refused, but Tewdwr gave it a hearty clasp, saying An' thy journey be as thou sayest, in the interest of the Prince,.tfien may God speed thee, and I am not the man, to hinder thee." Thus with mutual expressions of goodwill they parted, Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn-followed by his esquire Alan, who had been quaking in his saddle-riding away to the English border more gaily than ever. Scarcely hfid the traitor disappeared than a man, whose travel-stained and torn dress showed the speed with which he had journeyed, came running breathlessly up. Your leader?" he asked, in Welsh, of the first man he saw. "Yonder. Tewdwr ap Ednyfed," was the reply. "The very man!" cried the stranger, who pushed his way, heedless of all opposition, to where stood Tewdwr ap Ednyfed. "Tewdwr ap Edynfed," said he, "hast thou seen Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn ?" "Who art thou who speaks thus?" demanded Tewdwr. One who hath no time to stand upon cere- mony, and if he had time hath no need when speaking to a man whose brother's life may be in jeopardy through his carelesness. I am the Prince's courier, Rbys Gyflym, Hast seen Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn ?" H He left my camp but a short while since." 'Then thy brother's blood be upon thine head cried Rhys. "The traitor Ap Gwenwyn- wyn hath him shut up in Casteli Tre'r Llyn." Impossible cried Tewdwr. Ap Gwen- wynwyn had the Prince's safe conduct." "Look, then, at this cried Rhys, showing the Prince's order withdrawing the safe conduct, ana commanding the capture at any cost of the fugitive traitor. "To bring thee this in time I have ridden my good horse to death, and all but run myself sc also." "Woe's me! And I have let him slip through my fingers when I had him in my hands groaned Meredydd's brother. ( To he continued.)

CAUSE FOR THANKFULNESS. "Yes," naid an actor, as he stood at the park corner, and the wind whistled mournfully through his clothe?, "the company 'busted' in Bolton, and I had to walk home. But the journey did me lots of good," be concluded, thankfully. "How's that?" It got me the apothecary part in Rl)m" and Juliet. I A SWELL AFFAIR.

WELSH GLEANINGS. (By Lloifwr.) And so poor Ceiriog is dead The news will cause a keen pang to thousands. The author of cc Myfauwy Bychan," and of Yr Enetu Ddall has been too long a prominent figure among us not to be missed by all who have bad to do with Wales and Welshmen. As there will be a more extended notice of him in another column, I content myself with dropping here a siient tear in passing, a tear of tribute to the memory of our national poet, and a tear of regret at losing so pronounced a Welsh nationalist as John Ceiriog Hughes. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a number of the leading Welshmen of London, and two or three South Walians, around a veritable round table, hospitably laden, and worthily pre- sided over by one who is already an honour to the Principality, with which he is proud to be con- nected. Our talk turned exclusively upon things Welsh, and from one and the other of the party facts, figures, and anecdotes were forthcoming which, if collected together, would have formed a most intere9ting as well as instructive article. I managed to glean a few of them ere they became quite lost, and I am only sorry that in reproducing them h3re I cannot at the same time reproduce the voice, the intonation, and the gesture, which often added materially to the force of the remarks. '?:" "'It' Being all of us, at least for the time being, Welshmen from home," our thoughts naturally wandered to others still further from home, and more than one incident was recorded showing that Welshmen, it not quite as ubiquitous as the Scotch, are still to be found in very out of the way places, and when found are worth being made a note of We had been talking of the advantage of bilingualism, and how, if it were possible to train the children of Wales up to be masters of two languages-English and Welsh—instead of only one-that is, English or Welsh—what a decided advantage the Welsh child would then have over the monoglot English child. Having two languages to &tart with, he would be able the sooner to acquire any continental language than a monoglot English boy of equal capacity could do. It was advanced as a theory that Welsh boys would make good linguists, and examplos were adduced from Die Aberdaron and Sir William Jones down to to-day, and in almost every clime one or other of us knew of a Welshmen who had done well in this way. Not the least remarkable of the instances given was the following :-A Welsh lad, able to speak his mother tongue, but having no special ad- vantages, managed to sscure a little English knowledge. With thee two to start with, be soon succeeded in adding a third, French, to his linguistic store. Having obtained a situation, he came to understand that a knowledge of German would be very valuable, and accordinely he set about studying that, so that when the first vacancy occurred in which a knowledge ot both French and German was deemed indispens- able, he secured it. Not long after the firm in which he was engaged was in ueed of a trust- worthy person to occupy a most important post in Russia. A knowledge of Russian was an absolute necessity. They bad no one in their employ who possessed the requisite knowledge, and they did not care to engage a stranger for so very Important a position. The Welsh lad was thought of and he was asked if he knew Russian. No," said he, but if it is necessary I will learn it. I have four languages already at my fingers' ends, and do not think that the addition of a fifth will be a very serious matter." A specified time was named within which he must qualify himself, and before the time elapsed, Samuel Owen was master of Russian —and of the situation. This broughtjup another Russian story. Russia appears to be a sort of happy hunting ground for adventurous Welshmen. There is more than one Welsh colony in inhospitable Russia. One of the most flourishing settlements is called Huwsoffska, in English Htigliesl-own, from its founder, William Huws, a Cymro 0\ waed coch cyfa' who settled there, and gathered quite a colony of Welshmen around him there. There are now some 3,000 Welshmen in Huwsoffska, and all, or nearly all, bilingual, able to speak Russian and Welsh with equal facility. German Jtw traders have con- siderable commercial transactions with the inhabitants, and find themselves compelled to learn either Russian or Welsh to enable them to carry on their business. Many of these Jews, from choice, learn Wefeh in preference to Russian. From the linguistic successes of Welshmen abroad, the conversation slid to the linguistic failings of Welshmen at home. Very little sympathy indeed was shown for the Die Sbon Dafydd class of men who think that any acquaintance with of men who think that any acquaintance with Welsh is derogatory to their dignity. Numerous instances were given of persons who had lost situations from want of a knowledge cf Welsh, and others where an acquaintance with the home language of Wales bad proved of rro little pro- fessional help. No doubt an interesting collection of such instances might be made if anyone were to take the task in hand. ■* The question of the Welsh language in courts of law, and of the incompetence of official inter- preters, treated an animated discussion. It was stated that in a case tried at Cardiff some years ago, the defendant, who was charged with a very serious offence, stated on oath, in Welsh, "Trosglwyddais erarian, that is I handed over the money." The interpreter rendered it, "I snatched the money," a rendering which was, of course, accepted by the judge, and which would equally, of course, have secured the conviction of the defendant, had it not happened that the foreman of the jury was a Welshman, and at once objected to the translation. The correct rendering having been given, the whole aspect of the case was changed and the man was acquitted There was, however, a great risk of a miscarriage of justice. » Another instance was given in which it appears that a case of some importance was tried before three magistrates, not one of whom understood I Welsh. The magistrates' clerl: and the com- plainant's solicitor were likewise ignorant of Welsh. The only official who understood the language was the defendant's solicitor. Now it so happened that the complainant and defendant, and all their witnesses, elected to give their evidence in Welsh. Thus, however honest the defendant's solicitor might have been, a great, indeed a terrible, temptation was placed in his way to modify the evidence given, as there wnsno one present who possessed both the ability and the right to object to whatever rendering he might choose to offer of the evidence given. In contrast to this, an instance was mentioned where, quite recently, the judge, the counsel on each side, the complainant and defendant with all their witnesses, and ten out of twelve jurymen were Welsh. And yet for the sake of two English- men on the jury, the whole of the evidence given in Welsh had to be translated, at the cost of much loss of time, of effect, and of patience. Surely some change in the arrangements of courts of law in Wales is urgently needed.

The fox-terrier at one time was an indispensable adjunct to the hunt-kennel, and did good service I in drawing coverts. The animals were in reality small earth-hounds, and it was the desire of old t huntsmen to obtain them as near alike to the larger hounds in marking as possible.

Musical and Eisteddfod Notes. By Maeigwyn. A gioat deal of dissatisfaction exists amongst, at least, three of the choirs that competed at the Abergavenny Eisteddfod, in consequence of the adjudication delivered by Mr Emlyn Evans. The Rhondda choir make 110 secret of the fact that, in their opinion, they were not fairly treated; but the most angry feeliug exists amongst the Dowlais and Llauelly choirs. Of course, it is natural for a defeated choir to complaiu but the present matter is not an ordinary one. I was not present at Aber- gavenny, but I cannot help noticing the extra- ordinary difference of opinion between the adjudicators at Pontypool and those at Aber- gavenny. Mr Proudman declared that, in his opinion, the Dowlais choir grasped the true meaning of the chorus more fully than the other choirs but at Abergavenny Mr Emlyn Evans said precisely the same thing about the Abercarn choir. Now, which view are we to accept ? But whether Dowlais and Llaneily were or were not handsomely treated at Abergavenny, a grand opportunity is given them to meet once more and vanquish, if they can, the Abercarn choir. A great musical eisteddfod is to be held at Bridgend on Monday, June 20th, when a prize of L70 will be given to the choir who shall best render "Come with Torches." Now, as all three choirs have resolved to compete in London, it is only fair to suppose that by the third week in June all of them will have learned this chorus. In that case they ought, I think, to compete at Bridgend, and, if I mistake not, Llaneily and Dowlais have already decided to take part in the contest. The adjudicators will be Mr David Jenkins, Mus. Bac. (who was engaged at Pontypool), and Mr E. H. Turpin, who adjudicated at Abergavenny. This happy selection of adjudicators by the Bridgend committee should give coolidence to all competing choirs. I shall give some particulars of this eisteddfod next week. With reference to my note concerning Milton Wellingo, which was published some six weeks ago, I have to thank Mr J. T. Davies, of Wyndham- street, Canton, Cardiff, for drawing my attention to the following paragraph, which appeared in Pitman's MusicalMonthly for August, 1885 :— Mr Milton Weliings was born 011 the 4th of De. cember, 1851. He is the oniy son of Mr Joseph Wellmgs, of Soho Park, Handsworth, in the county of Stafford. The name Wellings is a modern corruption of Llewellyn, an eminent Welsh family, of which Milton Welliugs is. a descendant." There, now, Welshmen can boast that one of the most popular song writers of the day belongs to their nation, although his name comes to us "in a foreigu garb." Cymru am byth. A correspondent asks me to mention the price of music noticed in this column, because it would be rather tantalising to tind a piace of music cost 4s when one is only prepared to pay half that amount." I hope my friend does not mean to say that any music-seller has had the audacity to charge him 4s for a song. The price of music is almost always shrouded in mystery," and it would be a decided advantage if publishers would decide upon a plan by which the public could know the exact amount charged for a piece of music. When songs are marked 4s, 2«, 3s, and Is 61, it is scarcely to be wondered that some people get tantalised" when they find that only about 6d difference exists in reality between the piece of music marked Is 6d and the one marked 4s. I think my cor- respondent's suggestion a very good one, and shall act upon it. Readers will kindly note that the prices named will be the ordinary selling price. Some music-sellers allow ld, 2d, or 3d in the shilling as discount, but of that I shall take no notice, leaving the purchaser to settle with his book or music-seller the amount (if any) the atter is prepar ed to "ta ke off," Messrs B. Williams, 19, Paternoster-row, E.C., send me a really splendid selection of new mu&ic. A Soldier's Lass is a vigorous song, for a bass or baritone, by Louis Diehl. It is far better than the same composer's "Jack's Yarn," and is sure to become a favourite (2s). Silver Heels" is a pietty gavotte, by Skaife, and would suit a young player (Is 61). Marcbe Japonaise," by Clarence Corri, is quite as pretty though not so easy as the gavotte (2s). "Love Locks," by Henry Pontet, and "Love Lane," by Michael Watson, are two tuneful and pleasing songs of the semi- humours type. They would go splendidly as responses to encores (2s each). Sweet Memories is a fairly good wa tz, by F. Mullen (2s). Time's Hour Glass," by Michael Watson, is a nice setting, and the words are by D' Arcy Jaxone. The song is simple, and the frequent change of time relieves it from monotony (2s). I am Dreaming," by Sidney Gay, is a gem-oue of those delightfully pretty songs which are far too rare in this age of strained melodies and laboured accompaniments. Both words and music are conceived in the happiest manner, and the song is certain to become a favourite every- where (2s). Angel's Lullaby," by Odoardo Barri, is principally noticeable for the accompani- ments for violin, violoncello, and harmonium. The song itself is simple and pathetic (2s). The Dance on the Quay," by the same composer, is a very taking" air in six-eight time (2s). Mar- garita" is a passionate love so:ig for a tenor. The composer, F. J. Harper, has aimed high, and has succeeded in producing a really splendid song on the lines which Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi have made familiar to us. There is not a disagreeable bar in the piece (2s). First Tarantella," by Albert Fox, is a very good specimen of its kind, and would form an excellent study for a young player (2s). The Magazine of (6d.) begins a new volume with the present number. The contents, both literary and musical, are of a most interest- ing description. The illustrations include beau- tiful portraits of Verdi and Rubinstein. From the same office comes "Music in the Land of Fogs" by Felix Remo. This little book is a capital survey of music in this country, and the amount of ground it covers is really remarkable. The author hits out all round, and deals un- mercifully with some Rood pet ideas and pre- judices, but the sarcasm is good -humoured— almost boisterously so. Welshmen come in for a share of hard hitting. The book contains no end of amusing anecdotes.

COULDN'T BE EXPECTED. Wliv do you not clean the snow off yonr side- walk?" aslced a Park-avenue man of a neighboiir. Ever her of a butcher spoiling his meat. asked the person addressed. "NCL" Ever hestrof a dentist preaching agamst the practice of evtti,mg candy?" "No." Ever hear of a boarding-house keeper advo- cating fasting ?" "No." Then why shoukS I clean my sidewalk ?" "Because it is slippery. It has been covered with snow and ice all the winter." "That is true, my friend, but you must remem- ber I am a surgeon."

Why don't you try th6 bot-wpter-cure asked Tomkins of a friend who was complaining of in- digestion. "Drink a cup of hot water every morning." I do," was the reply. I drink our boarding-house tea every morning." Woman to tramp: 1 kin give je some cold cakes an' a piece o' minee pie. Tmmpt frightened Wha —what's that ? Woman Cold cakes and mince pie Tramp heroically: Throw in a bottle of pepsine, madam, and I'll take t'1e chnnce

TALK OF THE TOWN. PIIKSS DAY-CRITICS AND THE ROYAL INSTITUTE— SOME OF THE PICTURES—PICTORIAL SARCASM—A COMIC PICTURE SHOW-" BABY BLACKLFG "—HOW THEY'LL 1)0 IT—ORDKR COL. SAUNDEKSON—THE LANGUAGE OF YLOWERS PRIMROE DAY A AMERICAN EXHIBITION—BOSSES— OFF HER HEAD —ABORIGINES -A BRUTE—THE SIXTH COilJlAND- MENT AND ITS LTMITS- TEACHIG THE YOUNG IDEA NOT TO PIIOOT —' JACK IN TiiE BOX. "— JUSTIFIABLE BOYC KITING—THE OBTRUSIVE AMA- TEUR. PBEiiS day at the Royal Institute iueans anything but a press of company: it Intó;i¡,ns the great ,galleries, spick and spall, glowing, with colour, untenanted .save by some dozen "critics" (or shall I say representatives ?") with note-book in hand, and chin in air, looking bewildered and bored. A few of the critics are petticoaied. I spent a profitable two hours discursively, till, almost colour-blind, I mounted to the top storey and ate sandwiches and drank sherry, surrounded by the prizes for the Art Union, which crowded the walls. A feeling of disappointment crept ovrr me as I left the exhibit—I had carried away no new impression. The pictures are not larce, many are absurdly small, and it requires the acumen of a sound critic to discover merit in small eff,)rts. When the Lifeboat's Out," by W. H. Weathernead, R.I., as a subject, im- pressed me as much as anything, and the execu- tion struck me as of high excellence. The scene is the interior of a seaman's cot. Through the lattice window the sea, lashed by storm, is seen. A child of ten looks out her mother, folding an infant in her arms, sits with b«nt head, her face showing the tension of dread. Behind her stands an aged female, her or her husband's mother, sternly, repressively anxious. The whole story is told at a glance-a story our wild winter, hardly "v.r, has repented more than once, There are 1028 exhibits in all. The I galleries are the finest in London, and the arrangement of the pictures is"' excellent. The prizes for the Art Union are to the value, of £ 10,000. There are 1000 in all, and they range in value from 630 guineas downwards. From ideality I diverged to oiicJeality, as represented by a king of funnv-makers—Mr Harry Furniss— who has hung the Gainsborough Gallery, in old Bond-street, with his clever travesties, in black and white, of the creations of the R.A.'s. Very soon, as the gallery quietly filled, all atmosphere of mirt-i was felt. Many were often puzzled as to the painter travestied, as you had to recognise the original with sometimes very little help. However, an occasional pun gave you a hint, as in "Art is long," the object being one of the creations of I EDWAED LONG, R.A., a girl in her teens, about twelve seemingly, She is seated on a tall stool, is pretty, aud in long strips-that is, her legs are long, so are her arms, and her neck, and her back. "A <S7aecT-Terrier gives that animal standing on its head. In a travesty of a landscape with cattle, by Davis, we have a fierce Kyloe jnmping over the moon and in one of Briton Riviere's, a prostrate man has a dog's head fitted like a loose stopper into the neck The ridicule of the numerous pictures of little misses, with black spindle legs, a la Millais and others, is capital. Baby Blackleg the artist calls the genus-Chippendale ebony legs, tangled hair, huge cap, and all the rest of it. The pictures are beautifully drawn, but not a mannerism or a fault of the victims escapes. The sarcasm is not ill- natured, but yet it is perfect, I heard fears ex- pressed that. Mr Furaiss's happy thought would be copied, and that we should soon have all the comic artists with shows of their own. Well, imi- tation is the sincerest flattery. At present, the Royal Academy guy'd is one of the best shows in Mayfair. There is t,-ilk-and how much talk there is in the House of Commons we all know, to our legisla- tive cost-of enrolling a corps of special service police, for duty during Irish debate nights, to keep the peace between the benches and THTS IS HOW THEY'LL DO IT V Among the most provoking speakers in the House stands Col. Saunderson, who brought about the scene which led to Mr Healy's suspension. The gallant colonel is a leader of the Orange faction, which claims a monopoly of loyalty in Ireland. These fine fellows are loyal so long as they can get their own way. It will be remem- bered that when Mr Gladstone introduced the Home Rule Bill, they bragged that they would line the last ditch and fieht to the last man It should also b? recalled in this the year of jubilee that shortly before the accession of Queen Victoria the Orange lodges entered into a val--t and wide- spread conspiracy for the purpose of preventing the Queen from ascending the Throne. They wanted one of their own order, the dreary, ¡ galloping" Duke of Cumberland, maoe king of England. But the Orange opposition to her Majesty collapsed, even as I COL. opposition seeirs destined to prove futile. When the foes of Home Rule are obliged to fall back on falsehood of the worst kind their case is indeed hopeless. I saw a sensible falling off in the display of primrose badges on the commemorative 19th of April. It was feared that the supply of the flower would fall short, but there was a far larger quantity than required. In the City proper I saw very few button holes," but in the West End, towards the afternoon, most of the better classes sported a bunch. I once read, in some work or paper on folk-lore, that each person has a patron flower awarded to him, or her at birth, similar in SOJIB .subtle particular to his j I or her nature. A pretty conceit, with, perhaps, jj: i a deeper-lying meaning than we wot of. In what particular the simple primrot>e resembled one of < the subtlest intellects of the present century is < beyond our ken. The violet ij' the chosen bloom t., of the clouded Bonaparte dynasty, and the rich scarlet carnation of tiie hapless Stuarts. A [ Darwin yet to come may trace upwards from the ethics of Sowers a humau soul. r The Westminster statue of Lord Beacorrsfieid had a glory of the tributary fl ;wer indeed, the V neighbourhood of St. Stephen's was fooded in !| light—yellow being, as we are told somewhere, the daughter of light. Tiie Queen sent her wrei-tii for the grave at Hughendeu. Her Majesty is i' faithful of memory. Was it not odd unit the division ou the Coercion Bill should have occurred f ou Primrose Day ? {; The Amencau Exhibition opens uti the 9th { May. It will be worthy of its people in size and ,■ go. Tne buildings cover an area of twenty-seven1 acres, and employment is given to about 1,50, hands daily. Someone told me, the other day; that he never knew an enterprise with so many 1 "bosses." Passing by the big gates that enclose 1 the woodwork skirting the builuiug, I see very ] day, come wet, come dry, crowds of respectably f dresse.1 labourers of ail degrees in hupes of being f hired. What between this show and the various Jubilee entertainments, London will be slightly off her head, seasoned as that orgau has been by the previous graua exhibitions. It was odd that Brother Jonathan should take up the thread where we dropped it. The specimens of the Indian" ale enough to frighten a quiet neighbourhood, though J. I daresay they are more harmless than our native-born rough. Two young ladies living close to this encampment, ou returning from an < evening party, near St. Mary's Church, Ken- sington, were knocked down twice by a rough f who had demanded their money. One of the î ladies had a tooth knocked out the other came off with a black eye. They were in evening 1 dress, and, the night being line, had elected to £ take the train home, the station being close to hand. The fellow got clear away. N.B.—No police within hail. I cannot refrain from teliirg a story I have just met with, not out ot order with the above. A ) missionary among the Indians in the far West found it very ubtiicuU ti) inske the braves compre- hend Christian doctrine. He tried his best to eu- I lighten them by eiving separate lesson* 011 each of the Commandments. On the sixth Command- ment he dwelt urgently, and, to test their couipre- iiension of his teaching, desired ;di who had com- mitted murder to wtand up. Three arose. He repeated his arguments, and again, at his call, only three, as before, replied. After reflecting a minute, he cried Will all those who have 1 tomahawked their Mothers-in-law please stand up ? Nineteen arose. "The Red Lamp," the new play at the Princess's, is to be addeii to the fair list of suc- cesses this seasoa so far. The plot carries us into Russia, aud involves Nihilism and despotism. The house was crowded, tLIe Prince being present. The acting was capital. Miss liosina Philipoi, as Filinc, the maid, scores a geuuine. triumph. This young lady is a remarkably clever and promising artiste. At the Strand I JACK IN 1 iE BOX (Miss Fanuie Leslie) is sti drawing full houses. My sketch is an excellent ikeness, taken from a photograph by the London Stereo and Photo Co. It represents Jack all a paper boy selling his merchandise iu the streets. The impersonation is marvellous, and to the life. No better piece ot its kind is running in London at present. Á proftos of the Strand, I regret to hear that Mr* Charles Terry has had to cancel her engagement with the Compton Comedy Company, owing to i:i health. Mrs Terrv made one of the elements of success In that brilliant and refined company during their time in London. I think tbat, if boycotting as a principle could ever receive the moral sanctian of thinking: people, it would be when applied to the stage amateur. If professionals were at one on the watter, the intruder would soon be stopped effectually. I have beard bitter complaints from clever and popular artistes, of both the lyric and the dramatic stage, of the interference of the amateur in their bread-winning. In the musical profession tins is especially the case, as, rather than not be heard, the clever amateur offers to sing for nothing, a fact which makes remumerative drawing-room engagements difficult to get. One of the greatest theatrical attractions of London will soon cease-I mean "Faust." Mr Irving goes off to the beautiful West, there to star it with his incomparable troupe. Before he leaves he wishes to revive our memories of his other great successes, "Toe Beds, "Hamlet," and I "LOUIS r.i. Never lid tbe gre; it power's genius touch highei strings than in the> role of the ascetic monarch. This week Mr Irvine has given several representa- tions "f Mathias in The Belle, and of Jiugle- characters as diverse jks could well be imiginodi There is, ever and again, a rumour that the sword of knighthood will frsll on our Henry'V> broad shoulders but, perhaps,, the honour so cheapened of late years would not be accepted. I was tn',c;. at a recent function c'f that sort, when tii* resplendent blade her Majesty always uses fot the purpose touched the kneeling recipient's shoulder, accompanied by the words, Rise. Sir —— the newly-made knight, a provincial importation, cried out, your Majesty— directl3, ZTNCO.

Blessing be with them, a.nd eternal praise, who gave us nobler loves and nobler cares—the poets, Wordsworth. "John, did you find any eggs in the old hen's nest this morning?" No, i^ir, if ths old henlaid any she mislaid -,hem." The young man who persuades himself that two people can live as cheaply ae )ne can, always find a girl to help him to try the experiment. "Mary," observed the lady of the house, I don't like your having so inatrv beaux." "Law, ma'am, I'll leave you one or two of 'em, if you feel bad about it." I If t.here is anything I like be tter than classical music," said Major B. m a high voice as he moved with the throng out or the concert-room, it's lemons. They both set my teeth .)0 edge." 1 In the midaie ages the gi ing ol a gmve was a ceremony of investiture in bestoving hWl and dignities. In England, in the reien of Edward IT., the dispensation of gloves was a ceremony ot degradation.