BEWARE!
(Dedicated to Lord Salisbury.)
I know a statesman fair to hear;
Take care!
He can make worst the best appear;
His "little game" is very clear.
Beware! Beware!
Trust him not—he is one to fear.
He has a conscience—he says so;
Take care!
He knows how far to let it go
(We had a Treaty once, you know).
Beware! Beware!
Trust him not, though it may be so.
He gives thee a mode of trading "fair;"
Take care!
It is a fool's-cap for thee to wear!
A "card" for him, for thee a snare.
Beware! Beware!
Trust him not, though it sounds so rare.
He has one face, and some say two;
Take care!
And what he says it is not true,
He would do good, but not to you.
Beware! Beware!
Trust him not, or you will rue.
Grins and Groans, 1882.