Alliance."--_The Times_.]

_Mr. Bruin loquitur_:--

_Pst!_ Hang it, quite _au mieux!_ Now what am I to do?
I must draw her attention, if I'm going to have a chance.
She seems so satisfied with those gallants at her side
That just now in my direction she will hardly deign a glance.
_Pst!_ Darling, just a word!
No! Deaf as any post! It is perfectly absurd!

_Pst!_ Heeds me not the least, just as though I were the Beast,
And she the sovereign Beauty that she deems she is, no doubt.
Since she won those burly _beaux_, it appears to be no go,
But Bruin's an old Masher, and he knows what he's about.
_Pst!_ Darling, look this way!
In your pretty little ear I've a word or two to say!

The coy Gallic girl I've won. It is really awful fun,
For _her_ prejudice was strong as was that of Lady ANNE
To the ugly crookback, DICK. But my wooing there was quick.
Platonic? Oh! of course. That is always Bruin's plan.
A flirtation means no harm,
When you wish not to corrupt or betray, but simply charm.

Fancy Italian girl won by the swagger twirl
Of an Austrian moustache! It is monstrous, nothing less.
What _would_ GARIBALDI say? Well, he doesn't live to-day,
Or he'd tear her from the arm of her ancient foe, I guess.
And that stalwart Teuton too!