CASUS BELLI.
Impromptu, July, 1870.
"The sow came in with the saddle;
The little pig rocked the cradle;
The dish jumped up on the table
To see the pot swallow the ladle;
The spit that stood behind the door
Threw the pudding-stick on the floor.
"Odsplut!" said the gridiron,
Can't you agree?
I'm the head constable,
Bring 'em to me.'"
Spain came in with an empty throne;
The little prince rocked his German cradle
"No, no," he said;
And he shook his head;
"I am well content to be let alone."
All the dishes on pantry-ledge
And shelf, and table, were up on edge,
To see how the Pot,
Simmering hot,
Would foam at the dip of the threatening
ladle.
Nothing befell for a minute or so,
(Nobody chose to be first, you know),
Till the royal spit, with an angry frown,
Threw a little pudding-stick down.
"Odsplut!" shouts Emperor Gridiron,
Hissing for a broil,
"Those folks that stand behind the door
Are getting up a coil!
I 've red Fire panting at my feet;
I thought how things would be!
I?m creation's constable,
Bring the world to me!"