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Show ! "Ruthless Rhymes." R. H. Russell & Co. of New York are the publishers of a bunch of jingles put into shape by Coloned D. Steamer and weirdly illustrated by John W. Alexander. These "Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes" are painfully original but their I entrance into the exclusive nurseries of the i land is doubtful. For instance, the Colonel says of "Necessity:" I , Late last night I slew my wife, I Stretched her on the parquet flooring; I was loath to take her life, But I had to stop her snoring. Another touching thing tells of the last hours of "Aunt Eliza," and a sequel. He says (and perhaps he's right): In the drinking-well (Which the plumber built her) Aunt Eliza fell We must buy a filter. A gleeful strain which will appeal to the local help hunters runs: Making toast at fireside, Nurse fell in the grate and died; And, what makes it ten times worse, All the toast was burned with nurse. "Tender-Heartedness" is a striking affair. A little tragedy in two lines, and a tale of heroic self sacrifice. It reads: Billy, in one of his nice new sashes, Fell in the fire and was burnt to ashes; Now, although the room grows chilly, I I havn't the heart to poke poor Billy. "Ruthless Rhymes" is a distinct freak hit. i |