Punch, or the London Charivari, page 19 by Various Authors
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ill unrusted shone, Up to Valhalla's height.
Yet solace flowed from that surcease of strife: Love found occasion in his need of care, And time was ours to prove how dear the life An Empire ill could spare.
And generous foes confessed the magic spell Of greatness gone, that left the common store Poor by his loss who loved his party well, But loved his country more.
And ancient rivalries seemed very small Beside that courage constant to the end; And even Death, last enemy of all, Came to him like a friend.
O. S.
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[Illustration: JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN. JULY 2ND, 1914.]
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ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)
House of Commons, Monday, July 6.--All heads were bared when the PRIME MINISTER rose to move adjournment of HOUSE in sign of sorrow at the passing way of a great Parliament man. To vast majority of present House JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN is a tradition. His personal presence, its commanding force, is varied and invariable attraction are unknown. Since his final re-election by faithful Birmingham, where, like the Shunamite woman, he dwelt among his own people loving and loved, he only once entered the House.
It was a tragic scene, perhaps happily witnessed by few. Appointed business of sitting concluded and Members departed, a figure that once commanded attention of a listening Senate slowly entered from behind the SPEAKER'S chair. It was the senior Member for Birmingham come to take the oath. The action was indicative of his thoroughness and loyalty. No longer were oaths, rolls of Parliament and seats on either Front Bench matters of concern to him. His manifold task was done. His brilliant course was run. But, until he took the oath and signed the roll, he was not de jure a Member of the House of Commons, and his vote might not be available by the Whips for a pair on a critical division.
Accordingly here he was, moving haltingly with the aid of a stick, su