_The Magic Tale of Harvanger and Yolande_ (MILLS AND BOON) is set forth by a new scrivener, to wit, one G. P. BAKER, in more than ordinarily flamboyant Wardour Street English. _Harvanger_, a Shepherd, hies forth on his Quest for the Best Thing in the World. It turneth out in sooth to be LOVE and _Yolande_. Perhaps Mr. BAKER, an easy prey to the magic of jolly old words, has let himself do a little too much embroidery to the square inch of happening. There are indeed some good fights, though, by reason of this excess of embroidery, they are a little vague and difficult to follow. It is very well to have orgulous messires and men of courteoisie, with côtehardie of crocus or hose of purpure (showing how History repeateth herself), gearing and graithing for battle, mounted on coal-black destriers and generally behaving right this, that and the other withal; but when _Yolande_, asking _Harvanger_ what will happen to her when he is away, receiveth for answer, "Truly I fear that thou wilt be very dull"; or when _Bernlak_, the fighter, says of a dead man, "I took over such effects as he left" (very much after the manner of my solicitor), one can't help feeling a little let down. Of such indeed are the perils of the Higher Tushery. They should not, however, be allowed to prejudice the consideration of a painstaking narrative which may well delight the confirmed romantic.
Illustration: ANOTHER LONG-FELT WANT SUPPLIED.
Mr. LAURENCE KETTLE, as quoted by _The Irish Volunteer_ and re-quoted by _The Dublin Evening Mail_ (and they may share the glory between them):--
"Those gentlemen of the army could be described by the poet Milton as the Oiled and Curley Assyrian wolves."
However, it is no good going to the Zoo to look for these in the Wolf House. Stay at home quietly and read "Maud" and "The Destruction of Sennacherib," and then you will understand how MILTON would have plagiarised TENNYSON and BYRON in one line if he had only lived long enough.
"When Mr. Asquith came in he was greeted with Opposition shouts of 'Ipswich' and 'Where's Masterman?' Mr. Asquith said--The Government adhered to decision not to take part officially in Panama Exposition."--_Star._
If Mr. ASQUITH wishes to be a success in the House he must improve his powers of repartee. At present his back-answers are entirely lacking in snap.