cool, callous, and calculating knave may get clear through to the end;
but SHEEF always was stupidly good-natured, and good-nature hangs like
a millstone round the neck of rascality. I cannot myself detest him as
I ought to do. He was so near to completely successful respectability.
But crookedness ruined him, in spite of his better wishes. Was it
altogether his own fault?

That, as Mr. BRET HARTE observes, lets me out.

I remain as before, DIOGENES ROBINSON.

* * * * *

A DANGEROUS TITLE.

(_TO MR. JOSEPH HATTON, AUTHOR OF "CIGARETTE PAPERS."_)

Cigarette Papers, JOSEPH, when properly stuffed,
Are meant, I suppose, to be zealously puffed.
When we take them in hand, a consuming desire
Attacks us to set the gay trifles on fire.
Yet, the brand being good (here's the point of my joke),
They are always enjoyed ere they vanish in smoke.

* * * * *

FROM AN X.J.P. TO LORD CHIEF JUSTICE PUNCH.--Sir,--Why complain of
"the Licence of the Bar?" Of course it goes with, and is a part of,
every Licence to a Public-house granted by the Middlesex Magistrates.
I've retired some years myself, am a bit deaf, and don't read much;