Volume 146 — THE CHIMES AND THE CHUBE.

As when a solemn bell Sounds from a little spire The smock-frocked villagers to tell "'Tis church time," and they heed the summons well, Gaffer, and Jarge and Kate, and tiny Nell, And last of all comes Squire— So have I heard afar And pondered on my crimes, Reader of many a flashy par. While travelling in the subterranean car, A voice that murmured, "What a fool you are Not to take in The Chimes!" I said, "It costs three d.," But lied about the cause; I feared the toils of destiny, I felt those stately columns close on me, I shuddered as I rattled like a pea Citywards without pause. Tuppence! The fearful sound Pealed like an organ crash; Once more the mesh was drawing round, But still I cried, "Economy!" and drowned The still small voice, and in the Underground Flaunted The Daily Flash. Short shrift for those that err! Jove has rebuked my sin: Now, helpless and without demur, You shall behold me where the tube-lifts purr Pale captive to the penny Thunderer With supplements heaved in. Only one thing I cry, With tears and laughter mixed, That those who speed or far or nigh The swift-winged wains of the Electric Ry., And furnish them with little thongs whereby The passengers are fixed. Shall heed the altered price, Shall change with changing times, And run some trains more slow than mice, Stopping between each station once or twice, Fitted with lecterns of a fair device To help me read my Chimes.