to prison, at any rate."

* * * * *

PRUDES AND NUDES.

[An "Officer of high rank" has written to _Truth_, complaining of the
naked statues and pictures he saw at Londonderry House, at a sale on
behalf of Irish Home Industries.]

ATTEND and hear the story of a most uncommon _militaire_,
Whom the sight of naked statues caused to tingle to his boots,
Who was seen to beat his breast, and (which was far more flat and silly)
tear
His hair by blushing handfuls from its shocked and modest roots.

It was dreadful! There were Duchesses (Heav'n bless their handsome
faces!)
And a host of pretty Countesses, and Maidens by the score,
And they sold some Irish Industries--embroideries and laces--
And MADGE described to AMY all the pretty frocks they wore.

But the statues and the paintings didn't seem at all to worry them,
Having work to do they did it just as quiet as a mouse,
Though this soldier took his daughter and his wife, and tried to hurry
them
In the cause of outraged virtue far from Londonderry House.

So when next he goes where statues are, we'll do our best to hide them,
Since to prudes all things are prudish, lest his modesty take hurt.