No better, per'aps, but at least no wuss; An' they can't very well do _less_ for us!

Wot can this Guv'ment show to-day But them promises throwed aside?

An' a country's confidence washed away On the ebb of a Tory tide?

Ten long years since they fust began!

Ten good years for to plot an' plan!

An' wot 'a they done for the workin'-man?

ENVOI

PROTECTIONIST! (if you exist) Whose sympathies I can't enlist, Be sparing of your curses!

Ah, don't abuse my Fiscal VIEWS, But, out of pity for the Muse, Look only at my VERSES!

FREE TRADER, too, I beg of you, Whatever else you think or do, My lack of skill excuse. Ah!

No doubt my VERSE could not be worse, And weak the rhymes that I rehea.r.s.e; But, then, how sound my VIEWS are!

(Thus may I strengthen--or convert, And no one's feelings need be hurt!)

BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR._

RUTHLESS RHYMES FOR HEARTLESS HOMES,

By COL. D. STREAMER.

ILl.u.s.tRATED BY 'G. H.'

Oblong 4to. 3s. 6d.

'It is impossible not to be amused by some of the "Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes," by Colonel D. Streamer, nor can anyone with a sense of humour fail to appreciate the many amusing points in the ill.u.s.trations.'--_Westminster Budget._

'"Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes" is the name of a really charming little book of rhymes. The words are by Colonel D.

Streamer, and the ill.u.s.trations by "G. H.," and 'tis hard to say whether words or pictures are the cleverer.... The book is one which must, however, be seen to be appreciated; to properly describe it is impossible.'--_Calcutta Englishman._

'Wise parents will, however, keep strictly to themselves "Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes," by Col. D. Streamer. The ill.u.s.trations, by "G. H." are very amusing, and especially happy is that to "Equanimity," when

"Aunt Jane observed the second time She tumbled off a 'bus, 'The step is short from the sublime To the ridiculous.'"'

--_Daily Telegraph._

'Another charming whimsicality published by Mr. Edward Arnold is "Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes," by Colonel D. Streamer, ill.u.s.trated by "G. H."'--_Sydney Morning Herald._

'The veriest nonsense, possessing the quality that makes it akin to Carroll's work.'--_New York Bookworm._

'It is difficult to see the humour of--

"Philip, foozling with his cleek, Drove his ball through Helen's cheek.

Sad they bore her corpse away, Seven up and six to play."'

--_The Scotsman._

LONDON: EDWARD ARNOLD, 41 & 43 MADDOX ST., W.

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR._

BALLADS OF THE BOER WAR.

Fcap. 8vo., buckram. 3s. 6d. net.

LONDON: GRANT RICHARDS.

(_Second Edition._)

'There is unquestionably a good deal of human nature in the book, and as an expression of sentiments which have remained hitherto inarticulate, as a revelation not always edifying, but often illuminating, of the heart of the man in the ranks, this little volume is a distinct addition to the literature of the war.'--_Spectator._

'Racy expressions of Tommy Atkins' feelings in Tommy Atkins'

language.... "Coldstreamer's" verses in their kind are as good as any we have seen.'--_Academy._

'These colloquial rhymes express the private soldier's views in his own language.'--_The Times._

'These racy ballads make a book which many will read with interest and sympathy.'--_Scotsman._

'As good as anything yet done in the vernacular of Mr. Thomas Atkins. A book for every friend of the army.'--_Outlook._

'Vigorous Kiplingesque verses, with sound common-sense and genuine feeling. Well worth reading and buying.'--_To-day._

'One of the liveliest books of light verse we have come across for a long time. "Coldstreamer's" verses are always distinctive.'--_County Gentleman._

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR._