THE STATE SECRET.

At one of those parties where Julia's sweet face Added interest to beauty, and archness to grace, Where many fine folks met; and one very great, Proud and stupid, an embryo minister sate; Like a damper he came to put good humour out, And it chanced that, as Julia's pet-bird flew about. It presumptuously 'lit on this mighty man's head; When her lore-laughing sister, sweet Eleanor, said, "Naughty bird! I must cage you for being so rude, On Lord———head, oh! how dare you intrude?" "Let it rest," replied Julia, with an exquisite grace, "Don't frighten it off—for it likes a soft place!"